Disclosure: I’m addicted to gaming. From a very young age, my hands were busy with any device that could provide a little thrill. From the days of the old Megason, Atari, and Nintendo, with classic games like Donkey Kong to Tetris. Over the years, the small screen that accompanied me in childhood turned into a computer monitor, and later the television took a significant place in my gaming life, alongside the fresh console.
I had the chance to return to my roots. ASUS offered a review of its new portable console, developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s XBOX and the processor company AMD. The series, which includes the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally, essentially combines the power of the XBOX with the Windows 11 interface, making your game library accessible anytime, anywhere.
During the two weeks I spent with the console (almost everywhere I went), I got to play countless games included in the Game Pass library. This included games I had already purchased in the past, which were now accessible through the Battle.net app.
I played puzzle and strategy games like Blue Prince (highly recommended, by the way, and incredibly addictive). I played adventure games like the latest Indiana Jones release. Thanks to XBOX’s collaborations with companies like EA and Ubisoft, I also had the opportunity to try sports games like 26FC or shooters like Call of Duty and Rainbow Six.
I felt like I was six years old again, except instead of playing a single game at a resolution fit for the 1980s, I’m playing AAA games with not a single frame dropped along the way. The reason everything runs so smoothly and looks so good on the 7-inch touchscreen is the hardware that holds the entire operation together—and it’s impressive.
The ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A processor – 2.8GHz, while the ROG Xbox Ally X includes the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, with an NPU unit delivering 50 TOPS of AI performance. Both chips also feature AMD’s Radeon GPU, offering incredible performance in a portable device along with high energy efficiency.
In terms of memory, the Ally model includes 16GB of ultra-fast memory, providing plenty of RAM and VRAM even in demanding games, while the Ally X raises the bar with 24GB. Both devices feature an FHD 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 500 nits. The screen also supports FreeSync Premium VRR. In the end, games look fantastic on the display, and although it’s best to avoid direct sunlight, at the right angle you’ll have no problem seeing what’s in front of you in almost any weather condition.
Another important aspect is the build of the consoles. Both models, one in white and one in black, are very eye-catching with a premium and professional look. In terms of size, they fit perfectly in your hands with very convenient access to the controllers and numerous buttons, both on the sides and front of the device. The X model weighs 715 grams, while the Ally weighs 670 grams—light and portable enough to carry anywhere easily.
Both ROG Xbox Ally models come with ultra-fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage, ensuring short load times and smooth performance even in heavy games.
The ROG Xbox Ally model includes a 512GB drive, while the ROG Xbox Ally X comes with a larger 1TB drive, allowing you to keep multiple AAA games simultaneously or dozens of indie games and classics without the need to delete and reinstall. Additionally, both models support storage expansion and include a high-speed microSD slot.
Regarding connectivity, both devices feature a selection of modern ports designed for gamers on the go: The ROG Xbox Ally offers a 3.5mm combo audio jack, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0, and a microSD UHS-II card reader. The ROG Xbox Ally X adds even more advanced support with a USB4 port compatible with Thunderbolt™ 4, an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort 2.1, and a microSD UHS-II slot. The device’s Wi-Fi connection is very stable and fast, so even at a local café, I could play without any issues.
In terms of battery life, you have hours of gameplay even without continuous charging. The Ally model is equipped with a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has an even larger 80Wh battery, allowing long hours of continuous play even outside the home. The intelligent management system dynamically balances performance and energy savings, letting you choose whether to maximize full power in Turbo mode or enjoy quiet and efficient gameplay.
The most significant feature of the console is its connection to the vast Game Pass library. Both models support the new Xbox interface in full-screen, a dedicated gaming experience based on Windows 11, designed with the Xbox console user experience in mind. The massive gaming library centralizes all games in one place, and there’s a dedicated button that opens a special game bar for you, allowing interactions with friends or quick access to settings. The console’s controllers are very comfortable, so even after hours of gameplay, your hands won’t get tired.
In conclusion, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a portable gaming machine that never tires and never disappoints. With the massive Game Pass library, you’ll have endless options to pass the time, no matter where you are. Recommended retail price: NIS 3,200 for the ROG Xbox Ally X model, NIS 2,200 for the ROG Xbox Ally model.