Until recently, Xbox stood as the sole major platform absent from the handheld gaming sector. Valve’s Steam Deck enables players to access their Steam library while on the go. Nintendo boasts the immensely popular Switch and Switch 2, while Sony has made a return to the handheld market with the PlayStation Portal, reminiscent of the PSP and Vita days.

Now, Microsoft has made its entry with the ROG Xbox Ally X, a long-anticipated collaboration between ASUS ROG and Microsoft’s Xbox branch. This new Xbox handheld permits users to play Xbox and PC games while traveling, featuring a next-generation processor, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which provides greater power than earlier ROG models. With a price tag of $1,000, it is $350 above the Steam Deck and $550 over the Nintendo Switch, yet still more affordable than the new Lenovo Legion Go 2 at $1,099, another Windows handheld.

Is the ROG Xbox Ally X deserving of the excitement? Here’s our thorough review following more than two weeks of usage. We also spoke with Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, who referred to the new handheld as a glimpse into the future of Xbox consoles.

How does the ROG Xbox Ally X feel?

The ROG Xbox Ally X instantly presents itself as an Xbox product. I find its ergonomics appealing, and I believe Xbox enthusiasts will as well. The built-in grips replicate the sensation of a standard Xbox controller, a notable enhancement compared to previous ROG Ally iterations.

Out of the box, the ROG Xbox Ally X weighs in at 1.5 pounds, akin to the Steam Deck, and is heavier than the Switch 2 or PS Portal. Its size is similar to that of the Steam Deck and PS Portal, although the Switch 2 is more compact, particularly when Joy-Cons are detached.

The buttons are spaced effectively and offer a pleasant click. The d-pad is excellent, making it suitable for platformers. The thumbsticks are positioned slightly diagonally, akin to an Xbox controller. The RGB lighting beneath the thumbsticks adds a lovely splash of color to the all-black design.

Overall, the ROG Ally X will feel familiar to Xbox players. It even comes equipped with a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security and seamless access. We enjoyed the design, ergonomics, and controls.

Setting up the ROG Xbox Ally X

Upon powering on the Ally X, it quickly indicates it’s fundamentally a Windows PC handheld. The recognizable blue Windows interface prompts for language selection, updates, and subsequently opens the Xbox app labeled “Xbox Full-Screen.” This new interface is intended to provide a more console-like experience but resembles the Xbox app on PC. I wish it showcased a more distinctive design for the Ally X, similar to the Steam Deck.

The Xbox UI is straightforward to navigate but does experience lag and occasional freezing. At times, accessing the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass App leads to unresponsiveness.

The right menu displays three main game sources: Game Pass, your library, and Cloud Gaming. Game Pass is Xbox’s subscription service, which has recently raised its pricing. As an Ultimate tier subscriber, I accessed Microsoft’s first-party games and downloaded titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I also downloaded games I own, such as Lies of P and Hotel Barcelona, both Play Anywhere titles.

Only games found on Game Pass and Play Anywhere can be downloaded directly. Play Anywhere allows you to purchase a digital game once and play it on both an Xbox console and a Windows PC. Unlike the Steam Deck, you cannot transport your entire library while on the go.

A button featuring the Xbox logo on the left side facilitates switching between launchers, including Xbox, Steam, and Epic. As a Windows-based handheld, it supports all PC launchers, allowing plays of games like Steam’s Counterstrike 2 or Epic Games’s Fortnite. This capability broadens the Xbox ROG Ally X’s game library compared to its rivals.

The Steam Deck, being Linux-based, only accesses Xbox games through Xbox Cloud Streaming via a web browser in Desktop mode. The Xbox ROG Ally X can download both Xbox and Steam titles natively, unlike the Steam Deck.

Playing games on the ROG Xbox Ally X

Game performance fluctuates. Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ran flawlessly. Doom, the fastest-paced game I tested, was incredibly satisfying. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s framerate was smooth, delivering an immersive experience.

Lies of P played well, though an initial lag during area transitions resolved itself. Its rapid nature and challenging combat require precise performance, and Lies of P running smoothly showcased the Xbox ROG Ally X’s capabilities.

However, games like Expedition 33 and Avowed experienced framerate and stuttering issues. Expedition 33’s battles demand precise timing, and missed button presses due to performance difficulties affected gameplay. Avowed, a real-time action game, would truly benefit from a consistent framerate.

Though the ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with an LED screen rather than an OLED one