Asus ROG Ally X Reviews Suggest It’s The Best Xbox Handheld Yet

“Easily the best Windows 11-based handheld gaming PC”

We’re still waiting on Microsoft to reveal some kind of an Xbox handheld device that’s been heavily rumoured over the past few months, but until then, you might be interested in a new device from ASUS called the ROG Ally X.

This is the follow-up to last year’s ROG Ally, which we described at the time as the “best handheld console on the market for gamers whose digital library favours Microsoft.” The ROG Ally X takes things a step further, adding improved cooling, extra RAM and a significantly improved battery life, resulting in some excellent reviews so far.

Here’s a sample of the ASUS ROG Ally X reviews we’ve spotted across the web:

IGN (9/10)

“The Asus ROG Ally X is simply the best handheld gaming PC on the market right now. With more and faster memory and double the battery as the original Ally, the Ally X will run any modern game without dying in an hour and a half.”

GamesRadar (4.5/5)

“The Asus ROG Ally X is a neat addition to the brand’s range, and the top handheld in the lineup, but it’s far from the best value for money. Every upgrade in here is warranted, and worth it if you can spring the cash, but the core experience remains relatively similar throughout.”

Windows Central (4.5/5)

“In the end, if you are really excited about the ROG Ally X or don’t have an original ROG Ally yet, then I do recommend getting this newer model. However, if you’re on a budget or already have an ROG Ally, this expensive device might not be the best fit for you.”

The Verge (7/10)

“If you must have Windows or play the latest games on the go, the Ally X is the best Windows handheld yet. I hope it normalizes bigger batteries and VRR screens, and I hope Asus will seriously consider a SteamOS version, too.”

As you can see, the general consensus from these reviews seems to be that it’s probably the best Windows (and therefore Xbox) handheld on the market, although if you already own the original ROG Ally, it’s not necessarily worth upgrading to at full price. There’s clearly praise for the improvements that have been made here though.

If you do end up buying one of these things for £799.99 / $799.99 (or the original ROG Ally / Lenovo Legion Go for a bit cheaper!), you’ll benefit from the ability to play PC Game Pass titles via the dedicated Xbox app for Windows. Also, if you own any Xbox Play Anywhere supported titles, they’ll be available to play via the handheld as well.

Do you own any gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally? Tell us about them down in the comments below.

Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he spends his time reporting on the biggest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.

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