
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Review Score
21 out of 21 reviewers highly recommend this product
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGamesN | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Despite the addition of the Xbox name, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X still doesn't really feel like a proper console-like Windows gaming handheld. However," | |||
| IGN | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Xbox Full Screen Experience alone would probably be enough for me to recommend the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to anyone looking for a new handheld gamin" | |||
| Tom's Hardware | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has excellent ergonomics thanks to controller-style grips, and Microsoft's handheld-focused Xbox experience is far better tha" | |||
| Tom's Guide | Oct 17, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The ROG Xbox Ally X takes the crown as the best PC gaming handheld you can buy, and it rightly should given that gargantuan $999 price tag. The ergonomics are stellar, the performance uplift is pronou" | |||
| XDA | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"In my opinion, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is the best gaming handheld on the market. It finally fixes the glaring problems that have historically come f" | |||
| Wired | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"If you want uncompromising performance and high-end capabilities, though, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a clear winner. It breezes through everything the bas" | |||
| Techradar | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"A solid new entry into an emerging market – despite a confusing brand mashup" | |||
| Engadget | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Thanks to top-notch performance and a new software experience, the smallest Xbox is a big step forward for Microsoft." | |||
| Windows Central | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Xbox Ally X offers several improvements over the previous ROG Ally X classic, but is it worth buying? We evaluated its performance and features to" | |||
| Games Radar | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The ROG Xbox Ally X is an upsettingly expensive handheld that offers an exceptional portable PC experience paired with console-level comfort. Not only" | |||
| Xbox Era | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The ROG Xbox Ally X. Is it an Xbox? I don’t think so. It’s a $1000 dollar PC handheld that has a distinct Xbox flavour. A capable and extremely comfor" | |||
| PC Mag | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Asus and Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally X is an impressive update to the Ally X, adding console-style controller grips and a full-screen Xbox interface. Th" | |||
| Gizmodo | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"It's the first step on a long road to reinventing the Xbox brand. In the meantime, it's one of the best handheld PCs you can get, despite one glaring" | |||
| CNET | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Whether or not the Ally X deserves your $1,000 depends on how diverse your launcher needs are: If you're mostly a Steam gamer, it might not be worth it. But if you have games scattered across multiple" | |||
| Wccftech | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"I have now spent three weeks with it at the time of this publishing." | |||
| Pcworld | Nov 22, 2023 | Read Review → | |
"It's not the purely handheld Xbox that many had hoped for, but something better. The simplicity of an Xbox, without losing the flexibility of a Windows PC. The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme isn't what I was hoping for, but it does the job. A more comfortab" | |||
| Pocket-lint | Oct 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Despite the avalanche of catchy marketing, Asus and Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally X handheld is not an actual Xbox -- at least in the traditional sense." | |||
| Geekculture | Oct 27, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X breaks the status quo for handheld consoles by implementing the Xbox controller’s design philosophy into its grips and buttons, making it one of the most ergonomic and comfortable handhelds by a long shot. It’s just a shame t" | |||
| Lifehacker | Dec 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is Microsoft's first attempt to compete with the Steam Deck, introducing Xbox branding and a new controller-friendly interface to Windows gaming handhelds. Despite industry leading comfort, it's too pricey for the performance" | |||
| Pcgamer | Oct 17, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Microsoft is asking a lot to justify the cost of the upgraded APU, redesigned Ally X chassis, and Windows overlay. Though it is, altogether, the best handheld I've ever used, but at a price I find hard to recommend to most people." | |||
| Gadgets360 | Nov 4, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X brings the best of Xbox, packed in a compact form factor. Check out the review to know more about the gaming handheld." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a high-end gaming handheld that delivers exceptional comfort, performance, and a unique Xbox Full Screen Experience. However, its steep price makes it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
✅ Strengths
- Comfortable to hold: Multiple reviews highlight the improved ergonomics with actual controller grips (e.g., PC Gamer, Lifehacker).
- Top gaming performance: Several sources praise its strong hardware and ability to run games smoothly (e.g., Pcgamer, The Verge).
- Xbox Full Screen Experience: This unique interface is praised for making it more intuitive to use as an Xbox device (e.g., Lifehacker).
⚠️ Weaknesses
- High price tag: Multiple publications point out that the $999.99 price is steep and not justifiable (e.g., PCMag, PC Gamer).
- Buggy operating system: The Windows overlay is criticized for being unstable and causing issues with certain games (e.g., Lifehacker, Pcgamer).
- Limited game library: While it can run PC games, the lack of native Xbox console games restricts its appeal to traditional gamers (e.g., PC Gamer, The Verge).
💡 Bottom Line
While the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X offers a unique and high-performance gaming experience with an emphasis on comfort, its $999 price tag is difficult to justify for most consumers. It may be worth considering for enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for top-tier hardware and a more integrated Xbox experience, but budget-conscious gamers should likely skip it in favor of more affordable alternatives like the Steam Deck or Android-based devices.




