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ROG Xbox Ally X Review – Is 2025’s Premium Handheld Worth It?
Imagine carrying a serious gaming PC in your hands—one that feels like a console, but behaves like a mini beast. That’s what the ROG Xbox Ally X promises. In 2025, when handheld gaming PCs are no longer niche, ASUS, in partnership with Xbox, aims to set a new benchmark. I spent time with the device, and here’s how real-world use stacked up.
ROG Xbox Ally X Specs & Features at a Glance
The ROG Xbox Ally X packs serious hardware: a 7-inch 120Hz Full HD display, an AMD Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 1 TB SSD. Its design is ergonomic—grips shaped like an Xbox controller, textured matte black finish, dual USB-C ports for expandability.
On the software side, ASUS and Microsoft have created an “Xbox Full Screen Experience” on Windows 11, simplifying entry for gamers and merging Xbox, Steam, and other libraries.
Real-World Gaming Performance & Battery Life
In testing, the handheld delivered mixed but impressive results. Indie titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong hit full 120fps with ease. AAA games? For instance:
- At 1080p ultra settings in Cyberpunk 2077, you get ~28fps on battery, ~26fps when plugged.
- Lowering the resolution to 720p and enabling AMD FSR brought 50-60fps, which is decent given the form.
- In Assassin’s Creed Mirage: ~57fps at default settings.
Battery life remains the Achilles’ heel. In Performance mode, you’ll get around 3 hours; in Turbo mode, 2-2.5 hours at most. If you’re gaming while commuting or sitting in a café, be ready to recharge soon.
Design, Build & Usability (Why It Feels Premium)
According to Gadgets 360, holding the device gives you a premium vibe—grips inspired by the Xbox controller, textured surfaces, familiar button layout. The ergonomic design means extended gaming sessions are less tiring than some slab-style handhelds. Thermal management is good: fans are audible in Turbo mode, but the device stays comfortable.
On the downside: at 715 g weight it’s heavier than many portable consoles. Also, ASUS skipped an OLED screen; they went with an IPS LCD with an anti-reflective coating. That decision may matter for display purists.
Also Read OnePlus 15 Review Preview: What the Flagship Holds in 2025
Should You Buy in 2025? (My Take)
If you’re a hardcore gamer who travels or wants PC-level gaming in handheld form, this device ticks many boxes. The specs are beastly, and the interface is polished. But there are trade-offs: at the price tag (in India starting around Rs. 1,14,990), it’s a major investment.
If your gaming is casual—Indie titles, streaming, less intense graphics—then maybe a more affordable handheld or gaming laptop might offer better value. Personally, I’m excited about the direction: handheld PC gaming is reaching maturity in 2025, and this device feels like a glimpse into that future. But I’d like to see longer battery life, perhaps an OLED display version, and stronger game-library optimisation for handheld mode.
Conclusion
The ROG Xbox Ally X is impressive, ambitious, and premium—and it isn’t perfect. It’s for gamers who demand performance and portability, and are willing to make compromises (such as battery life and price). Personally? I’m optimistic about the future of handhelds—and this device is a significant step toward “console-level power in your hands.” If I had to pick one, yes—I’d consider buying it. How about you: are you willing to invest in handheld PC gaming?
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, official brand announcements, and verified media reports. The opinions and analysis expressed here reflect the writer’s personal perspective and are not influenced by any brand or promotional partnership. Readers are advised to verify specifications and availability from official sources before making any purchase decisions.
Source : Gadgets360 - ROG Xbox Ally X Review
✍️ Written by Minu Chaudhary
Smartphones | Electric Vehicles | Gadgets | AI Innovations & Automotive Trends
Minu Chaudhary is a passionate technology and automobile writer with a keen eye for innovation and emerging trends. With years of experience in digital journalism, she focuses on delivering accurate, insightful, and reader-friendly reviews about the latest gadgets, EVs, and mobility tech. Her goal is to make complex tech topics simple and engaging for everyday readers.
