Tom’s Guide assessment
Strong performance and comfortable grips are advantages, but the high price and Windows underneath the interface remain drawbacks.
Tom’s GuideConsoles & handhelds / Review roundup
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
2025 Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB / 1TB; not the original ROG Ally X
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources
What reviewers found
For a portable PC library that needs Windows compatibility.
It is a costly alternative to a Steam Deck, and Xbox branding does not make console-only games run on it.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
For a portable PC library that needs Windows compatibility.
The catch
High purchase price; Windows remains part of the experience
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
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Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Comfortable grips
- Broad PC software compatibility
Cons
- High purchase price
- Windows remains part of the experience
In depth
GamesRadar+ assessment
The Xbox interface improves the handheld experience without removing every PC complication. The cheaper Deck serves a different value proposition.
GamesRadar+Who should buy it
For a portable PC library that needs Windows compatibility. It is a costly alternative to a Steam Deck, and Xbox branding does not make console-only games run on it.
Tom’s GuideGamesRadar+Review observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide: Strong performance and comfortable grips are advantages, but the high price and Windows underneath the interface remain drawbacks.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
- Memory
- 24 GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Display
- 7-inch IPS
- Resolution
- 1920 × 1080
- Refresh
- 120 Hz with VRR
- Battery
- 80 Wh
- Weight
- 715 g
- Operating system
- Windows 11 / Xbox fullscreen experience
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.4
- Connections
- USB4 and USB-C; microSD; audio jack
- Game scope
- PC games; not native Xbox console discs
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Published reviews & comparisons
GamesRadar+ ·
GamesRadar+ review ↗
The Xbox interface improves the handheld experience without removing every PC complication. The cheaper Deck serves a different value proposition.
Test scope
The Xbox interface improves the handheld experience without removing every PC complication. The cheaper Deck serves a different value proposition.
Publisher group: Future
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X review ↗
Strong performance and comfortable grips are advantages, but the high price and Windows underneath the interface remain drawbacks.
Test scope
Strong performance and comfortable grips are advantages, but the high price and Windows underneath the interface remain drawbacks.
Publisher group: Future
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