Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Evaluation: Not Meeting Anticipations


The ROG Xbox Ally X: A Revolution in Handheld PCs

In the continuously advancing realm of portable gaming PCs, the ROG Xbox Ally X distinguishes itself with its pioneering method of software integration. Although numerous devices have sought to unseat the favored Steam Deck, they frequently do not succeed due to one essential miscalculation: the operating system. The Steam Deck, even with its slower speed and inferior resolution, remains a leader in the market, primarily because it provides a user-friendly experience that other devices relying on Windows 11 cannot quite replicate.

The ROG Xbox Ally X, along with its sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally, tackles this challenge directly. Rather than compelling users to maneuver through the unwieldy Windows 11 desktop using thumbsticks and a touchscreen, these devices offer a gamepad-optimized ‘Xbox’ mode. This mode is specifically crafted for gaming, granting effortless access to game launchers and installed games via a D-pad-friendly interface. This redirection of focus from hardware to software usability signifies a major improvement, recognizing the drawbacks of Windows 11 as a handheld operating system.

By emphasizing a gaming-focused experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X establishes a new benchmark for handheld PCs. It understands the value of intuitive navigation and user-friendliness, factors that have played a key role in the Steam Deck’s lasting success. While the ROG Xbox Ally X may not resonate with everyone, its groundbreaking approach to software integration might shape future innovations in the handheld gaming industry.