ROG Xbox Ally X review – like nothing handheld gaming has seen before, for better or worse

Asus and Microsoft's latest collaboration, the ROG Xbox Ally X, has landed on our shores, and it's an experience unlike any other handheld gaming device we've seen before. This all-black behemoth of a console is priced at a staggering £799 ($999/A$1599), making it more expensive than its less powerful sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally.

The Ally X may have a steep price tag, but its power and capabilities make up for it. Boasting an impressive 7-inch, 1080p display, this device can handle even the most demanding games with ease, offering beautiful frame rates and minimal load times. The console's performance is akin to that of a full-fledged gaming PC, making it an attractive option for both Xbox loyalists and portable gaming enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the ROG Xbox Ally X is its ability to play Xbox games through cloud gaming or its Play Anywhere initiative, which allows purchases and process carry between Xbox and PC platforms. This means that users can access a vast library of Xbox titles, including popular franchises like Halo and Gears of War.

However, setting up the device was not without its challenges. The console requires an update before use, which can be a frustrating experience due to the standard Windows interface. Additionally, there were instances where the device would struggle to connect to Wi-Fi or hang in the Xbox interface, requiring manual intervention to resolve the issue.

Despite these minor setbacks, the ROG Xbox Ally X shines when it comes to gaming performance. With its powerful processor and impressive display, this console can handle even the most demanding games with ease. The handheld's speakers also deliver exceptional audio quality, making for an immersive gaming experience that's hard to match.

In terms of comfort and ergonomics, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a joy to hold. Its controller-inspired grips provide excellent support, even during extended play sessions. Battery life is also impressive, with some users reporting up to 80Wh of power and several hours of gameplay.

Ultimately, the ROG Xbox Ally X is an attractive option for those looking for a powerful handheld console that can handle both PC games and Xbox titles. While its high price point may be a deterrent for some, the device's capabilities make it well worth considering as a gift or investment for serious gamers.

Ugh, £799?! That's like, crazy talk! I mean, I know it's got some sick specs and all, but come on, that's just too much money to throw at a handheld console. I'm glad they've made it compatible with Xbox games through cloud gaming or Play Anywhere though, that's really cool stuff. But setting up the thing was kinda annoying, I felt like I was playing Windows 95 or something . And don't even get me started on the Wi-Fi issues... At least the audio quality is fire and it's comfy to hold, but overall, I think I'd have to pass on this one unless you're a die-hard gamer with deep pockets .

I gotta say, £799 is OUTRAGEOUS!!! but if you're an avid gamer, it's worth every penny... I mean, have you seen the display? 1080p on a 7-inch screen is insane! and cloud gaming through Xbox? game changer

Yeah, I'm like " £799 is crazy expensive" , but at the same time, like if you're an avid gamer and can afford it, this thing would be like a dream come true ... 7-inch display is so sick! And cloud gaming? That's like game changing ... setting up was pretty annoying tho , Windows interface is like, ugh , but overall, it seems like it's worth it for the price

Ugh, £799? Are u kiddin' me? That's like, half a year's salary . I mean, I can already play most xbox games on my pc and it's way more convenient. And what's the point of having 80Wh of battery life if i'm gonna be stuck at home playing games all day? Wouldn't that just be like carrying around a laptop with a controller attached .

idk how microsoft & asus collab'd on this thing tho it's like 1000 bucks for a handheld console what if it breaks also, setting up the thing was super confusing cuz of the windows interface lol i mean, i get that it's based off xbox, but come on it feels like they just stuck a pc in a box & called it a day gaming performance tho is solid tho 80wh battery life is kinda nice too still, 1000 bucks seems steep

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this thing - £799 is crazy! But, I guess you get what you pay for, right? The fact that it can play Xbox games through cloud gaming and has that 7-inch display is pretty sweet. I mean, who wouldn't want to carry around a console that's basically a gaming PC in their pocket? It's just a shame about the setup process being such a pain. Anyone else have any issues with that update thingy? And, I'm curious, is it really worth the cash for those who aren't hardcore gamers? I think it's still a bit of a stretch, but hey, if you're into that sorta thing...

I'm so done with these console prices they're out of this world! I mean, £799 is just crazy talk! It's like they're trying to rob us blind. And don't even get me started on the "it's an experience unlike any other handheld gaming device" thing... yeah right it's just a fancy phone with some extra buttons and a bigger screen. Anyone can make a 7-inch display, what makes this one special?

omg I'm so hyped about this new gaming console it's like my dream console come true! 799 pounds is kinda steep tho but if it can play xbox games and pc stuff i'm def gonna invest in one at least the display is insane 1080p on a handheld device is crazy and the battery life sounds decent too what's not to love about playing halo and gears of war on the go?

I'm gonna agree with this collab between Asus and Microsoft but I gotta say £799 is kinda steep even for a gaming beast like this . That said, the specs are insane - 7inch display, cloud gaming, and Play Anywhere initiative? It's like having Xbox on-the-go without the hassle of carrying a laptop. But setup was a bit of a pain, I don't wanna deal with Windows updates in the middle of gaming sesh . Battery life is also super long tho - 80Wh is no joke . If you're a hardcore gamer, this thing's worth it but for casual players, maybe consider saving up or getting it as a gift

omg $999 is like woah for a handheld console i mean i know its power and all but thats still crazy what if u just wanna play some casual games on the go tho? seems like its only good for hardcore gamers

I'm not sure if £799 is worth it tho like what's the limit of how much ppl are willing to spend on a handheld console? and isn't 80Wh battery life kinda normal for something this powerful? i mean, gaming laptops can have way more power without breaking the bank

I'm literally OBSESSED with this thing!!! I mean, who needs a gaming PC when you can have an XBox Ally X on the go? The display is insane and the performance is so smooth! I've been playing Halo nonstop since I got it and I haven't experienced any lag or anything. And yeah, the price is steep but trust me, it's WORTH IT!!! 80Wh of battery life is also a major win

Ugh, £799 is just insane... who pays that much for a handheld gaming thingy? I mean, I'm sure it's nice and all, but come on, can't they make it more affordable for regular people? And what's with the setup process being so clunky? I had to wait like 20 minutes for my Xbox Ally X to update, and even then, I couldn't figure out how to get Wi-Fi to work properly. Not impressed...

omg i just saw this on reddit and was like what is this thing? £799 is crazy but at least the specs are insane 7inch display and play xbox games... idk if its worth it tho

OMG u guys i just got my hands on the ROG Xbox Ally X and OMG it's LIFE.CHANGING!!! £799 is pricey 4 sure but trust me its WORTH IT the games r so smooth & fast lol my fave game halo 5 works like a dream even w/ high graphics settings the battery life is also really long i played for like 6 hours straight n didnt need to recharge

this thing is a beast lol £799 for a handheld that can do everything my pc can do? idk man, that's like buying a whole new gaming rig and then just having it portable. but at the same time, who needs to play on a tv when you can have a 7 inch screen and battery life that lasts all day? i'm sold on the cloud gaming aspect too, being able to play halo and gears of war on the go is pure genius!

I'm loving this new ROG Xbox Ally X! The price might be steep, but trust me, it's WORTH IT ! This thing is like a beast on the go - 1080p display and all that power in such a small package? Genius! And being able to play Xbox games through cloud gaming or Play Anywhere? Total game changer for PC gamers too . Yeah, setting it up was a bit of a pain, but I'm sure Microsoft will squash those issues soon . All I can say is that if you're a serious gamer on the go, this thing is a MUST HAVE !

OMG u guys gotta see this new ROG Xbox Ally X ! It's like, £799 is a LOT of cash but trust me, it's WORTH IT ! The 7-inch display is insane and the performance is on par with gaming PCs . I was skeptical about cloud gaming at first but now I'm hooked . And can we talk about the battery life? Up to 80Wh?! That's like, a full day of gaming ! My only gripe is setting it up, Windows interface is so clunky . But overall, this thing is a beast and if ur a serious gamer, u gotta consider getting one

I'm loving the specs of this thing but 800 bucks is still crazy rich I mean what's next? A portable gaming PC that can do Fortnite in under 10 seconds and comes with a free pizza anyone have proof this is even possible tho?