Xbox Ally X Review – Premium Windows Handheld for Hardcore Gamers

Introduction

The Xbox Ally X marks Microsoft’s most ambitious entry into the growing PC handheld market. Unlike the original Xbox handheld concepts that focused on streaming Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Ally X is a full‑blown Windows PC with Xbox branding and a custom overlay that aims to deliver a console‑like experience on the go. After a week of hands‑on testing, this review breaks down the device’s design, performance, software, and whether its $1,000 price tag can be justified.

Design and Build Quality

The Ally X adopts a layout reminiscent of the PlayStation Portal: an Xbox controller split in half with a 7‑inch screen nestled between the halves. The overall feel is solid and premium, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints.

• Controller ergonomics – The grips are slightly larger than a standard Xbox controller, making the handheld feel most comfortable in medium to large hands.
• Thumbsticks – Deeply tuned, offering precise control and satisfying resistance.
• Triggers – Feature haptic feedback and a crisp click, comparable to the latest Xbox Series controllers.
• Face buttons – The X, Y, A, B buttons have a pronounced travel and audible click; they can feel a bit loud and, in rare cases, may stick if pressed aggressively.
• D‑pad – Adequate for navigation but not as refined as the thumbsticks.
• Weight – Despite its thickness, the device feels well‑balanced and does not cause noticeable fatigue during extended sessions.

Display and Audio

The Ally X ships with a high‑quality LCD panel rather than an OLED. While some users may miss the deep blacks of OLED, the screen delivers:

• Resolution – 1080p native, with a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz.
• Color vibrancy – Bright and accurate enough for most games; a slight boost in brightness would be welcome.
• Speakers – Surprisingly robust, producing clear, loud audio that handles explosions and ambient effects without distortion.
• Ports – Includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a micro‑SD slot, a USB‑C power port, and an additional USB‑C for accessories such as AR glasses.

Hardware Specifications

Component	Specification
CPU	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads)
GPU	Integrated RDNA 3 graphics, up to 2.4 TFLOPs
RAM	16 GB LPDDR5
Storage	512 GB NVMe SSD (expandable via micro‑SD)
Battery	53 Wh, supporting fast charging
OS	Windows 11 with Xbox Full‑Screen Experience overlay

The specs place the Ally X in the upper‑mid tier of handheld PCs, capable of running modern AAA titles at 720p‑1080p with respectable frame rates.

Software Experience

Xbox Full‑Screen Experience

Upon boot, the device launches a custom Xbox Full‑Screen Experience overlay that mimics the console UI. It provides quick access to:

• Game library (including Xbox Play Anywhere titles)
• System settings and performance profiles
• An Xbox button that opens an Alt‑Tab‑style switcher for rapid app toggling

The overlay is generally smooth, though occasional stutters can occur when switching between apps.

Windows Flexibility

Because the Ally X runs full Windows 11, users can install any PC launcher:

• Steam (pre‑installed)
• Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, Microsoft Store, and others

Launching games works out‑of‑the box without the need for complex configuration, a clear advantage over Linux‑based handhelds. However, the Windows environment still brings typical annoyances such as background notifications and occasional pop‑ups.

Armory Crate Integration

Performance tuning is handled through ASUS Armory Crate. This utility lets you adjust:

• Power profiles (Turbo, Balanced, Power‑Saver)
• Frame‑rate caps and resolution scaling
• Fan curves and thermal limits

The coexistence of the Xbox overlay and Armory Crate can feel disjointed, giving the device a “Frankenstein” vibe where two distinct interfaces compete for attention.

Gaming Performance

Testing a range of titles revealed solid performance across the board:

• Forza Horizon 5 – Ran at 1080p with 45‑55 fps on the Turbo profile.
• Battlefield 6 – Playable at 720p‑1080p, 30‑45 fps depending on the power setting; the experience was surprisingly smooth for a handheld.
• Indie titles (e.g., Hades II, Prince of Persia) – Consistently hit 60 fps with high settings.

The device handles modern AAA games well when the Turbo profile is enabled, though this dramatically reduces battery life.

Battery Life

Battery endurance aligns with expectations for high‑performance handhelds:

• AAA games (Turbo mode) – Approximately 1.5‑2 hours of continuous play.
• Indie or less demanding games (Balanced mode) – Up to 4‑5 hours.
• Standby – Minimal drain; the device can sit idle for several hours with only a 1‑2 % loss.

Fast charging restores roughly 50 % capacity in under an hour.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At $1,000, the Ally X sits at the top end of the handheld market. The price includes a premium build, a fast SSD, and the Xbox branding, but it competes directly with:

• Steam Deck OLED – $549 for the premium model, offering a comparable gaming experience with an OLED screen.
• ASUS ROG Ally (non‑X version) – Starts around $600 with slightly lower specs.
• Other Windows handhelds – Devices like the MSI Claw or Lenovo Legion Go provide similar performance at lower price points.

For users who prioritize Xbox ecosystem integration, a high‑refresh LCD, and a sleek design, the Ally X may justify the cost. For most gamers, the price feels steep given the availability of more affordable alternatives.

Comparison with Competitors

Feature	Xbox Ally X	Steam Deck OLED	ASUS ROG Ally (standard)
OS	Windows 11 + Xbox overlay	SteamOS (Linux)	Windows 11
Screen	1080p LCD, 120 Hz	7‑inch OLED, 60 Hz	1080p LCD, 120 Hz
CPU/GPU	Ryzen Z1 Extreme	Custom AMD APU (Zen 2)	Ryzen Z1
Storage	512 GB SSD	512 GB NVMe SSD	512 GB SSD
Price	$1,000	$549	$600
Battery	53 Wh	40 Wh	40 Wh

The Ally X excels in raw performance and premium feel but lags behind in price and screen technology.

Conclusion

The Xbox Ally X is a capable, well‑crafted Windows handheld that delivers a console‑like experience for gamers entrenched in the Xbox ecosystem. Its strong performance, robust controller ergonomics, and flexible Windows environment make it a solid choice for power users who don’t mind the quirks of a hybrid software stack.

However, the $1,000 price tag limits its appeal to a niche audience. For most gamers, more cost‑effective options such as the Steam Deck OLED or the standard ASUS ROG Ally provide comparable performance without the premium markup.

Bottom line: If you have deep pockets, value the Xbox branding, and want a premium Windows handheld that can run AAA titles at respectable frame rates, the Ally X is worth a look. Otherwise, consider the broader handheld market before committing to this high‑end device.