The line between PCs and consoles has always been blurry, and the ROG Xbox Ally X exposes that tension in a very clear way. Consoles succeed because they are simple, streamlined, and predictable. They give users an environment where everything “just works.” PCs, in contrast, thrive on freedom: you can install any software, experiment with emulators, and tinker with settings. The Ally X attempts to merge these two worlds, but the experience comes with trade-offs.
For newcomers, the device can feel intimidating at first. Unlike the Steam Deck, which boots directly into SteamOS and can make a first-time user feel almost entirely like they’re using a console, the Ally X demands standard Windows setup and login before you even reach the Xbox interface. This can make it feel less accessible for casual gamers who just want to pick up and play. It’s not plug-and-play, and that initial hurdle might put some off.
Once past that setup, however, the Ally X proves its worth. The device borrows a system from the Steam Deck that flags which games are optimized for handheld play. It’s a small but vital feature for ensuring a smooth gaming experience on the go. Switching between different services can occasionally feel laggy, but the Xbox app itself functions well, recreating the console experience convincingly. That said, some limitations remain: my Series X library shows 427 installable games, but on the Ally X, that number drops to 108 due to partial compatibility. Still, the essence of Xbox is present—just in a slightly reduced form.
The more I use the device, the more I appreciate it. With its Steam compatibility and enhanced power, it’s easy to imagine the Ally X replacing my Steam Deck. I’m invested enough that I’m already considering accessories—the $60 case alone indicates serious intent. There’s a lot to like here, from performance to flexibility, and the hardware itself is impressive.
But there’s also a sense of nostalgia. I can’t help but wonder how the Ally X would have felt a decade ago, when Xbox was my main platform, and my friends were fully engaged in the ecosystem. Back then, Xbox Live mattered, Gamerscore felt important, and building a digital library was a social activity. I would have embraced this device wholeheartedly, and it might have become my primary gaming hub.
Today, however, the ecosystem feels quieter. Friends and fellow gamers have largely moved on, leaving my activity feed and friend list feeling like a town center on Easter Sunday, with most shops closed. Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledged the challenges in 2023, noting the Xbox One generation “lost” many players in building digital libraries. Using the Ally X, his words hit home. The device, excellent as it is, highlights just how far Xbox has fallen in relevance over the past decade.
In many ways, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a paradox: a remarkable device launched at a moment when its ecosystem feels diminished. It showcases both Xbox’s potential and its missed opportunities. But perhaps that’s the point. This handheld might be a stepping stone, a device that proves the company still has the ability to innovate and reconnect with its audience. For gamers like me, it’s a thrilling piece of technology, even if it arrives at an odd time in the console’s lifecycle.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is, in short, a powerful, versatile, and well-designed handheld. It’s a device I’m happy to use daily and one I can see becoming an important part of my gaming routine. While it’s not the perfect solution for everyone—particularly casual console players or those who prioritize seamless plug-and-play—it represents a significant step forward in handheld PC gaming. For Xbox fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder of past glory and a glimpse of what might still be possible.