ROG Xbox Ally X Hands‑On First Look – Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Review
ROG Xbox Ally X Hands‑On First Look – Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Review
Introduction
ASUS has finally unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally X, a Windows‑based handheld that pairs the familiar Xbox controller layout with the power of AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor. After previewing the device at trade shows in California and Germany, we now have an unfiltered hands‑on look at how the Ally X performs in real‑world gaming, its ergonomics, software integration, and battery endurance. This first‑look review focuses on the hardware and software experience, offering early benchmark data and gameplay impressions.
Design and Build Quality
The Ally X retains the sleek silhouette of its predecessor, the ROG Ally X, but introduces substantial ergonomic improvements:
- Controller‑style handles with a micro‑texture grip that feel natural in the palm and provide better weight distribution.
- Engraved ROG × Xbox branding on the front adds a premium touch.
- Dual‑fan cooling system positioned at the rear for efficient heat dissipation.
- Physical controls include:
- Two analog sticks (non‑Hall sensors but responsive)
- Four shoulder buttons and two trigger buttons with built‑in haptic feedback
- A D‑pad that, while slightly stiff, offers reliable input for fighting games
- Macro‑key cluster programmable via software
- Connectivity: two USB‑C ports (one USB 3.2, one USB 4.0), 3.5 mm audio jack, micro‑SD slot, power/fingerprint button, volume rocker, and an LED power indicator.
Overall, the Ally X feels heavier than a traditional Xbox controller but remains comfortable for extended play sessions thanks to its balanced chassis and textured grips.
Core Specifications
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Zen 5) – 8 cores / 16 threads (3 Zen 5 + 5 Zen 5C) |
| Clock Speeds | Base 2 GHz; Zen 5 cores up to 5 GHz, Zen 5C cores up to 3.3 GHz |
| GPU | Radeon 890 (RDNA 3.5) – 16 Compute Units, boost up to 2.9 GHz |
| Memory | 24 GB LPDDR5 @ 8,000 MT/s (8 GB allocated to iGPU by default) |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe 2280 M.2 SSD (pre‑installed) |
| Display | 7‑inch IPS,1080p, 120 Hz VRR, 500 nits, 100 % sRGB |
| Battery | 80 Wh (integrated) |
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| OS | Windows 11 with Full‑Screen Experience mode |
| Ports | USB‑C (USB 3.2), USB‑C (USB 4.0), micro‑SD, 3.5 mm jack |
The shift from Zen 4 (used in the Z1 Extreme) to Zen 5 brings a hybrid core architecture that balances high‑frequency performance with power‑efficient cores, while the Radeon 890 iGPU offers a noticeable jump in graphics capability.
Software Experience
Windows 11 Full‑Screen Experience
ASUS has customized Windows 11 to launch directly into a console‑style interface, hiding the traditional desktop unless manually invoked. This mode reduces background RAM usage (approximately 5.5 GB) compared to the full desktop (around 6.2 GB), preserving memory for games.
Armory Crate Integration
The handheld ships with a revamped Armory Crate suite, accessible via the Xbox button or the built‑in game bar:
- Quick‑launch menu for recent titles and installed stores (Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG, etc.)
- Performance profiles – Silent (17 W), Performance (35 W), Turbo (55 W), and a Manual mode for custom wattage limits
- Button mapping for both gamepad and desktop modes, including secondary functions, dead‑zone adjustments, and gyro‑as‑mouse support
- RGB and display color‑space controls
- Battery‑care settings – optional 80 % charge cap to extend battery lifespan
- GPU utilities – Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), Anti‑Lag, Boost, Chill, and Image Sharpening
The interface is clean and functional, though it could benefit from deeper library customization and additional theming options.
Performance Benchmarks
Using Geekbench 6, the Ally X recorded:
- Single‑core: 2,790 points
- Multi‑core: 11,688 points
These scores align with other devices powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and demonstrate a solid uplift over the Z1 Extreme platform.
In 3DMark Time Spy, the handheld achieved a score of 43, surpassing the Z1 Extreme even at a 35 W TDP—a notable achievement for a handheld iGPU.
Gaming Tests
Forza Horizon 5 (1080p, Medium)
- TDP: 17 W (Performance mode)
- Average FPS: >90 fps
- Observations: Smooth frame‑rate, responsive analog triggers with haptic feedback, excellent for racing titles.
Street Fighter 6 (1080p, Medium)
- TDP: 17 W
- Average FPS: ~90 fps
- Observations: D‑pad registers inputs accurately despite a slightly firm feel.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Resolution: 900p (1440 × 900)
- TDP: 25 W (Steam Deck preset) – ~60 fps, occasional dips.
- With FSR Frame Generation: 1080p, 17 W – average 74 fps, eliminating most dips.
Doom Eternal (1080p, Medium, FSR Balanced)
- TDP: 25 W, Turbo mode – >70 fps with frame‑gen enabled.
Borderlands 4 (900p, Low, FSR Balanced)
- TDP: 25 W – struggled to reach 60 fps; 720p is recommended for smooth play.
Indie Titles (e.g., Silkong, Shredders Revenge)
- Power draw: ~8 W total, delivering 10+ hours of gameplay at 50 % brightness.
These results illustrate that the Ally X excels at medium‑resolution titles when operating at lower TDPs, while more demanding AAA games benefit from AMD’s frame‑generation technologies to maintain fluid performance.
Battery Life
The 80 Wh battery provides the following real‑world endurance estimates (screen set to 50 % brightness, 60 Hz refresh):
- Indie/2D gaming (≈8 W draw) – ~10 hours
- AAA gaming at 17 W TDP – ~3 hours
- AAA gaming at 25 W Turbo – ~2.5 hours
Even in performance‑heavy scenarios, the Ally X holds its own against competing handhelds, delivering respectable run times thanks to its efficient Zen 5 cores and adaptive power management.
Conclusion
The ROG Xbox Ally X marks a significant step forward for Windows‑based handheld gaming. Its Zen 5 hybrid CPU, Radeon 890 iGPU, and 120 Hz IPS display combine to produce smooth gameplay at medium resolutions while keeping power consumption in check. Ergonomically, the controller‑style grips and haptic triggers make long sessions comfortable, and the refined Armory Crate suite provides granular control over performance, button mapping, and battery health.
While the Full‑Screen Experience mode still has room for optimization—particularly in RAM savings and UI polish—the overall package is compelling. Battery life is adequate for both casual indie sessions and shorter bursts of AAA gaming, and the ability to run any Windows‑compatible storefront (Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, etc.) makes the device a true portable PC.
For gamers seeking a versatile handheld that bridges the gap between console comfort and PC flexibility, the ROG Xbox Ally X offers a powerful, future‑proof platform built around AMD’s latest architecture. Further software updates and potential OLED display revisions could push it even higher, but even in its current form, it stands as one of the most capable handhelds on the market.