ASUS has teamed up with Microsoft to bring a new era of portable gaming, the ROG Xbox Ally. This latest handheld aims to combine the raw performance of a Windows gaming PC with the ease and familiarity of the Xbox ecosystem. Featuring AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 A processor (which is not that new, as this is an slightly upgraded version but optimized RDNA2 APU used by the Steam Deck), a bright 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, and a 60Wh battery, the ROG Xbox Ally is designed for gamers who want console-quality gaming on the go without sacrificing flexibility.
Unboxing & First Impression
Design and Build: A Familiar Xbox Feel
The ROG Xbox Ally takes clear inspiration from the iconic Xbox controller. From the ergonomic grips to the asymmetrical thumbsticks and precise triggers, every detail feels purpose-built for comfort. ASUS has refined its earlier ROG Ally design, creating smoother curves and better weight distribution that make long gaming sessions surprisingly comfortable. Another notable upgrade is the triggers are now Hall Effect, this gives advantage over better response rate and increased durability.
At around 680 grams, (middle body measurement point at 669 Grams) it’s not feather-light, but the balanced chassis helps offset fatigue during extended play. The matte finish resists fingerprints well, and the build feels sturdy enough to withstand travel. What stands out most is how natural it feels as it is still essentially an Xbox controller with a powerful screen attached.
Display: Smooth, Sharp, and Responsive
Front and center is a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display running at 120Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This screen is one of the best in its class, delivering smooth motion and crisp visuals whether you’re playing Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, or Monster Hunter Wilds.
ASUS’s choice to use an LCD instead of OLED may disappoint some, but the decision pays off in better power efficiency and lower risk of burn-in during long gaming sessions. Colors are vivid, contrast is respectable, and the adaptive refresh rate helps maintain smooth gameplay even when frame rates dip. For handheld gaming, it’s an impressive display that strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency.
Hardware and Performance
Hardware and performance wise, the ROG Xbox Ally runs on AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 A processor which is a custom APU built specifically for handheld gaming. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, it’s modestly powerful enough to handle a wide range of modern titles, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Shadow of the Tomb Raider, especially when tuned mixed between low and medium settings.
Games load quickly, and multitasking between Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and the Microsoft Store feels fluid. The Windows 11 operating system provides full PC flexibility, but the real innovation lies in the Xbox full-screen experience which is a streamlined interface that launches directly into an Xbox-style dashboard. This makes the handheld feel more like a console, allowing users to browse Game Pass or resume games without diving into Windows menus.
Performance and benchmark side, the ROG Xbox Ally holds its own. Most modern games run at 720P and 1080p with stable frame rates when balanced between power and thermal settings. The included Armoury Crate SE software lets you fine-tune profiles or adjust the wattage for more demanding titles. While it’s not quite desktop-level, the balance between performance and portability is remarkable.
Battery Life: Improved, but Still Limited
Battery life is often the trade-off for handheld power, and the ROG Xbox Ally is no exception. The 60Wh battery is larger than what we’ve seen in previous handhelds, but real-world performance varies depending on workload. Expect roughly 3–5 hours of gaming on moderate settings, or up to 7–8 hours for streaming, cloud gaming, or lighter indie titles.
The Ryzen Z2 A chip is more efficient than its predecessors, and ASUS has clearly optimized for endurance. Still, demanding AAA games will drain the battery quickly. Thankfully, USB-C fast charging tops up the device rapidly, and the Ally can even run while plugged into a power bank for extended sessions.
Cooling and Noise
Thermals are handled well considering the compact form factor. The fans and a vapor chamber keep the system cool under heavy loads, with minimal throttling. Fan noise is noticeable at high power modes but not distracting which is a fair trade for maintaining consistent performance.
During normal gameplay, temperatures stay comfortable, and the system rarely feels hot to the touch. ASUS has clearly refined its cooling system from earlier handhelds, striking a solid balance between noise, temperature, and performance.
Software and Xbox Integration
What truly sets the ROG Xbox Ally apart is its deep Xbox integration. The system boots directly into the new Xbox full-screen mode after Windows 11, giving players instant access to Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, and their Xbox library. Navigation feels console-like, fast, and fluid, even when using only the built-in controls.
Despite running Windows 11, the new UI hides most of the OS’s complexity, making it far more approachable for players who just want to jump straight into gaming. You still have full desktop access if needed, but the streamlined Xbox overlay is what makes the Ally feel truly unified.
Cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Streaming via local network or GeForce Now should run smoothly, making it easy to play high-end titles without local installs. It’s one of the best implementations of hybrid gaming on any handheld to date.
Storage and Expansion
Out of the box, you get 512GB of SSD storage, which fills up quickly with today’s large game files. Fortunately, ASUS allows for easy upgrades via the M.2 slot and supports microSD high speed cards for a more affordable expansion solution. As an added bonus, the XBOX Ally has two USB C, and you can use one of the slot for portable storage expansion to run your games.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 7-inch 120Hz display with VRR
- Comfortable Xbox-style ergonomics
- Modest performance from Ryzen Z2 A chip
- Seamless Xbox integration and Game Pass support
- Expandable storage options
- Improved cooling and battery efficiency
Cons
- Battery life still limited for heavy gaming
- Windows 11 can still feel clunky at times
- Slightly heavy for one-handed use
- 512GB storage fills up quickly
- I wish it has 24GB RAM and Faster memory speed
Verdict: A Promising Future for Xbox on the Go
The ROG Xbox Ally is still one of the most exciting handhelds of 2025. It delivers on its promise of close to console-quality gaming in a portable form while giving players the freedom of a full Windows PC. The ergonomics are superb, the display is stunning, and the Xbox ecosystem integration makes it ideal for Game Pass subscribers and hybrid gamers alike.
It’s not without flaws, the battery life and weight remain a slight concerns, and Windows still brings occasional friction, but as a total package, the ROG Xbox Ally successfully redefines what portable gaming can be.
If you’ve ever wished you could take your Xbox experience anywhere without compromise, this might just be the handheld you’ve been waiting for at just RM2699. But if you wanted more performance and longer gameplay, the ROG XBOX Ally X would be a better choice, and at a higher pricing point, at RM4299.
So if you have decided to get one, visit this link to know more and maybe you really wanna have one portable handheld that plays your PC games, all in your hands.