ROG Xbox Ally Review: A More Affordable Entry with Some Trade-Offs
Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS touchscreen, 120Hz, 500 nits, AMD FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 4 cores, 8 threads (6–20W TDP) |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2 Graphics, 8 cores |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 1 x UHS-II microSD card reader 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 60Whr |
| Size | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm |
| Weight | 670g |
Unboxing the ROG Xbox Ally
Benchmarks
The Xbox Ally’s AMD Z2 A processor delivers performance roughly equivalent to the Steam Deck OLED (512GB). It can handle lightweight and moderately demanding games well but struggles with modern AAA titles unless settings are heavily reduced.
In tests conducted on Turbo mode (20W) with 4GB VRAM allocated, the following results were recorded:
- Furmark 2 (GL, 1080p): 22 FPS Minimum, 23 FPS Average, 26 FPS Max
- Furmark 2 (VK, 1080p): 20 FPS Minimum, 23 FPS Average, 24 FPS Max
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 24 FPS Average (High, 1080p, V-Sync On) | 20 FPS Average (Highest, 1080p, V-Sync On)
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Steam Deck preset, 1080p): 31 FPS Average
- Peak (High, 1080p, V-Sync On): 67 FPS Average
The ROG Xbox Ally can get rather hot at times, peaking out at 93.6°C for the CPU while the GPU is at a decent 71°C at their highest. This happens with Furmark 2 and some of the heavier games around, but it’s worth noting that throttling happens at 95°C. Lighter games like Peak on the other hand see the CPU temperatures hovering around the 75 to 85°C mark while the GPU is slightly lower at 65 to 68°C.
Battery life varies significantly depending on workload:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Turbo Mode, 20W) = 1 hour 43 mins
- Peak (Silent Mode, 6W) = 6 hours 24 mins
- Office and light work (Windows Mode, 15W) = 13 hours 29 mins
While battery endurance during gaming is short, this remains consistent with other x86 handhelds in its class.
Pros
Ergonomic and Comfortable Design
The new Xbox-inspired grips are among the most comfortable of any handheld PC, addressing issues from the original ROG Ally. Button placement feels natural, and the smaller rear M1/M2 buttons reduce accidental presses.
Upgradable and Serviceable
Opening the device is straightforward, with easily accessible screws and clear internal labeling. The SSD can be swapped, and the battery is removable with built-in removal instructions.
Responsive Controls and Display
The ABXY buttons, triggers, and joysticks are tactile and responsive. The 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display offers clear visuals with 97% sRGB coverage, smooth motion, and solid brightness levels. While I do wish the travel distance of the buttons would be shorter, what you get here is perfectly fine for non-competitive gamers.
Improved Software Integration
Microsoft’s updated Windows experience enhances usability with a full-screen Xbox mode and faster access to ASUS Armoury Crate controls. The integration of Xbox Game Bar and Game Pass access makes it more console-like.
Eye-Catching Price Tag
The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t a high performance handheld gaming device, but it’s an attractive one thanks to its price tag. It is currently retailing for RM2,699, making it appealing for those who are new to these kinds of portable PCs but aren’t willing to shell out a lot of cash for it.
Cons
Limited Local Performance
Despite being a Windows handheld, the AMD Z2 A chip performs similarly to the Steam Deck’s APU, meaning demanding games often require significant graphical compromises. Lack of HYPR-RX features, something the more premium Xbox Ally X has, limit the performance potential.
Short Gaming Battery Life
Under high loads, battery life falls below two hours, limiting its portability for extended gaming sessions. Lighter games played under lower power settings should still give decent battery, but this is definitely not one for the hardcore gamers.
Windows PC Store Usability Issues
The Xbox Store on Windows has improved to include some handheld-specific categorization such as “Tested for Handheld Compatibility” and “Handheld Optimized” filter. However, many titles are not properly verified for performance, and the storefront remains clunky compared to Steam’s ecosystem.
No Hall Effect Joysticks
While responsive, the sticks use standard sensors, leaving room for potential drift over time. Since it’s built-in, one would have no choice but to send it for repairs if the issue gets particularly bad, which is a problem because there is no permanent fix to it.
No Carrying Case Included
Unlike competitors such as the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go, the Xbox Ally does not include a protective case out of the box. It might not necessarily cost much to get one, but that’s still an additional cost you will need consider.
Should You Buy the ROG Xbox Ally?
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally represents a strong entry-level Windows handheld that blends ergonomic comfort with solid cloud gaming potential. Its hardware is modest but capable of handling indie and less demanding games while excelling in streaming scenarios. Since there’s a significant lack of cloud gaming services in Malaysia for now, its appeal diminishes as a result.
However, its limited raw performance, short gaming battery life, and the still-rough Windows handheld experience prevent it from being a truly seamless device. Personally for me, a handheld gaming device like this isn’t something one should cheap out on unless you know for sure the games you play are on the lighter side. For most gamers, they should consider spending a bit more for the ROG Xbox Ally X, consider rivals like the Legion GO 2, or go for the older ROG Ally X for better long-term use.
PriceShop Rating
Mehhhh
✅Ergonomic and comfortable design
✅Attractive price
✅Upgradable and serviceable
✅Responsive control and display
❌Limited local performance
❌Long-term usage concerns
❌No carrying case included
❌Short gaming battery life
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