The Xbox Ally X handheld shows promise with powerful performance and a compelling vision, but current issues like slow setup, software jank, and hardware glitches make it feel rough and unpolished. Despite frustrations, the reviewer remains optimistic about future updates and the device's potential to unify Xbox and PC gaming, expressing hope that Microsoft will address these problems to realize its full potential.
The article provides six key tweaks—adjusting VRAM, understanding TDP modes, updating Windows, enabling AMD graphics features, upgrading SSDs, and choosing the right accessories—to optimize the gaming performance of ASUS ROG handhelds like Xbox Ally X for a smoother gaming experience.
The Xbox Ally X, a high-end handheld gaming PC priced at $999.99, is now available at a discount when purchased as an open-box item from Best Buy, with prices ranging from $889.99 to $949.99 depending on condition, making it more accessible for gamers seeking powerful portable gaming.
Linux, specifically Bazzite, significantly improves the performance, responsiveness, and user experience of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming device compared to Windows, highlighting the potential for better optimization and usability in portable gaming.
Microsoft and Asus collaborated on the Xbox Ally X handheld, with Asus determining its high price of $1000 based on market insights and hardware features, despite concerns about affordability and value.
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, a powerful handheld gaming PC priced at $999, has sold out despite mixed reviews and Microsoft's unpopular shift in gaming strategy, including increased Game Pass prices. While it offers strong performance for demanding games, its bulky design and reliance on streaming from Xbox Series S limit its appeal as a standalone device, making it more of a niche gadget for tech enthusiasts than a mainstream gaming breakthrough.
Amazon France accidentally shipped the ROG Xbox Ally X three weeks early, leading to early reviews and impressions from users, highlighting its improved design and performance, while raising questions about the mishap's repercussions and availability delays elsewhere.
Microsoft and Asus are launching the Xbox Ally handhelds on October 16, with the standard model priced at $600 and the more powerful Xbox Ally X at $1,000, amidst rising tariffs impacting prices across gaming devices. The devices feature Windows 11 tailored for handheld gaming, aiming to compete with Valve’s Steam Deck, which remains the most affordable option despite recent price hikes. The new handhelds promise improved performance and user experience, but their value depends on individual preferences and budget.
Xbox has announced a new Handheld Compatibility Program and release date for the Xbox Ally X, aiming to improve game compatibility and performance transparency for portable gaming devices, potentially addressing issues seen with Steam Deck verification. The system includes badges for game optimization and performance indicators, which could enhance user experience and prevent frustration from poorly running games on these new handhelds, set to launch on October 16, 2025.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2, a versatile gaming handheld with an OLED display and detachable controllers, has leaked, showcasing improvements over its predecessor and potential competition for the upcoming Xbox Ally X, with features like VRR, a large screen, and high storage capacity, though its final pricing and specifications remain uncertain.
Leaked prices suggest the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will cost around $599 and $899 respectively, aligning with their predecessor's pricing in Europe, and potentially making them some of the most powerful gaming handhelds with Z2 APUs, though final prices await official confirmation.
Xbox has launched the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds in partnership with Asus, with the reviewer highlighting the Xbox Ally X's exceptional comfort and portability, making it a promising device for gaming on the go, especially for titles like Gears of War.
The Xbox Ally X, a new gaming handheld developed by Asus and Microsoft, offers high-end specs, a streamlined Windows-based OS, and ergonomic design, aiming to be the ideal portable gaming device, though its high price may be a barrier for many.
