Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally (2025), a handheld built for gamers who refuse to compromise. Asus has taken the comfort and familiarity of an Xbox controller and fused it with the power of a modern gaming PC — a true “AAA anywhere” device. This isn’t just a toy for travel days or a novelty gadget; it’s a machine built for the gamer who expects full performance whether they’re on the couch, a flight, or waiting at the bar for friends to show up.
In this review, I dive into the real feel of the device — the craftsmanship, the responsiveness, the ups and the downs — to see if the Xbox Ally deserves a spot in your everyday gaming rotation.
A True Xbox Feel in Your Hands
The moment you wrap your fingers around the Xbox Ally, it becomes clear why this version carries the Xbox branding. The grips are sculpted with the same ergonomic DNA that has made the Xbox controller a fan favorite for generations. Textured surfaces keep the device locked in your hands without forcing a death‑grip, and the weight is balanced well enough to avoid wrist strain.
What I love most is how immediately familiar things feel. Thumbsticks glide with buttery precision, ABXY buttons pop with confidence, and the D‑pad is surprisingly crisp — no mushiness here. Even the small details matter: the buttons are rated for millions of presses, which means the Ally is built for a long and satisfying grind.
This isn’t a handheld that feels delicate. It feels like an everyday carry for serious gamers.
A Display Designed for Motion
The 7‑inch screen is a sweet spot: big enough to appreciate detailed worlds, portable enough to avoid feeling like you’re lugging around a mini‑laptop.
Full HD resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync mean gameplay stays sharp, immersive, and stutter‑free even as action on screen gets intense. Pair that with Dolby Atmos audio and dual Smart Amp speakers, and the Ally becomes a miniature theater that thrives during late‑night sessions.
Movies? Crisp. RPGs? Gorgeous. Fast‑paced shooters? Smooth.
I only wish brightness pushed a little higher outdoors — shade recommended if you’re gaming poolside.
Powerful Performance in a Small Body
Note: The ROG Xbox Ally (2025) comes in two versions: the base Ally model and the upgraded Ally X. This review focuses on the base Ally, with callouts for Ally X upgrades where relevant. Housing the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the Ally stands tall against expectations. It runs Windows 11 — not a thin custom OS — which means you’re freely flipping between Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, and any other PC launcher you love.
AAA titles run shockingly well for a device you can slip into a backpack. And if you want to take things to the next level? Plug it into a monitor and drop into turbo mode — suddenly your handheld becomes a legit desktop replacement.
The Ally gives you options. And gamers love options.
Battery & Cooling: More Time to Play
Handhelds live or die by battery life. The Ally’s upgraded 60Wh battery delivers noticeably longer gaming sessions compared to the original version.
Realistically, if you’re pushing high‑settings in demanding games, expect a few hours before you reach for the charger. But dial back refresh rate or settings and you can comfortably game longer — while the Zero Gravity cooling keeps heat under control.
It’s not infinite battery life, but for this level of performance, it’s impressive.
The Windows Advantage
Here’s the secret sauce: flexibility.
The Ally boots straight into an Xbox Full Screen experience if you’re a Game Pass loyalist. But the moment you want to step outside that ecosystem — Windows says go for it.
Your entire gaming world is now portable:
- Cloud gaming
- Local AAA installs
- Retro emulation
- Streaming from your Xbox console
That freedom is the difference between a dedicated handheld and a full‑blown gaming computer you can toss in your bag.
Downside? Windows updates pop up at the worst times. Small price to pay for dominance.
Price: Surprisingly Accessible
At around $599, the ROG Xbox Ally undercuts many gaming laptops while offering an entirely different lifestyle advantage — mobility. You can order yours now in the ASUS’ online store.
Is it more expensive than a Nintendo Switch Lite? Sure.
Is it delivering a completely different class of gaming? Absolutely.
The value here is about access: any game, anywhere.
Final Verdict: Built for the Modern Gamer
The ROG Xbox Ally (2025) is a bold step toward a future where gaming is no longer tied to a place. It’s for the players who refuse to choose between performance and freedom.
Should you buy it?
- If you love Game Pass or PC gaming → Yes.
- If you crave AAA games on the go → Yes.
- If you just want something casual for indie platformers → there are cheaper options.
For the gamers who live their life in motion — commutes, airports, late‑night hangs — the Xbox Ally is more than a gadget. It’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Rating: 9/10 — The new standard for handheld power.
