ROG Xbox Ally Review: The Most Affordable Entry into PC Handheld Gaming

The ROG Xbox Ally is making a huge splash as the most affordable entry point into the PC handheld console market right now.

Priced at just RM2499, this device inherits the same premium design and features some of the latest hardware from its more powerful siblings. This aggressive pricing immediately makes it accessible to many new users. However, the key question remains: what sacrifices were made to achieve this price point?

ROG Xbox Ally Overview

Build Quality

The ROG Xbox Ally features a chassis redesigned with ergonomics in mind. It uses contoured grips inspired by familiar Xbox controls.

These grips are perfectly shaped to match the natural curves of your hands, making them feel instantly comfortable for long gaming sessions. The grips are also textured for a more secure and reliable hold.

Inside, the components are engineered for a perfectly balanced feel. This smart weight distribution reduces the perceived heaviness of the device. This focus on balance translates directly to longer, fatigue-free gaming sessions.

The device weighs 670 g (1.48 lbs) and measures approximately 29.0 x 12.1 x 2.75 cm.

Aesthetically, it features micro-printed ROG and Xbox text and the ROG “Fearless Eye” logo on the grip. For a touch of gaming flair, the outer thumbstick rings incorporate customizable RGB lighting.

This lighting, along with performance modes, is controlled via AURA SYNC within Armoury Crate Special Edition.

Display Excellence

The ROG Xbox Ally boasts a vibrant 7-inch display. This screen features FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It utilizes a high-quality IPS-level glossy panel. A vital feature for serious gamers is the fast 120Hz refresh rate. This is paired with AMD FreeSync Premium technology.

The result is ultra-smooth gameplay with a fully variable refresh rate that eliminates screen tearing. The screen is impressively bright, claiming 500 nits. This ensures a crystal-clear view even when you play outdoors. For durability, the display is protected by both Gorilla Glass Victus and Gorilla Glass DXC.

In terms of color, it claims full 100% sRGB coverage. The screen is also a crucial 10-point multi-touch display. The touch screen proves essential when navigating Windows or inputting text. With Armoury Crate Special Edition, users can quickly switch between 1080p, 900p, and 720p resolutions. This allows fast frame rate adjustments to match a game’s needs.

The Xbox optimized UI also smooths basic tasks like logging in and navigation. You might not need a physical keyboard or mouse during a normal gaming session, which is a major win for portability.

Audio

The audio system of the ROG Xbox Ally is surprisingly robust. It consists of a 2-speaker system that uses Smart Amplifier Technology. These dual Smart Amp speakers provide powerful, clear sound. The audio experience is further enhanced by support for Dolby Atmos.

For private listening, the device offers Hi-Res certification specifically for headphones. It also includes a built-in array microphone. This microphone incorporates AI noise-canceling technology to ensure clear voice communication during online play.

For a handheld console, the spatial sound is surprisingly well-calibrated and generally leaps and bounds ahead of typical portable audio.

Controller

The controller layout of the ROG Xbox Ally is designed for comfort and precision. It draws clear inspiration from Xbox Wireless Controllers.

It features a full set of inputs, including standard ABXY buttons and a D-pad. The L & R triggers use Hall Effect analog sensors for durability and precise movement control.

Navigation buttons include dedicated View, Menu, Command Center, Armoury Crate, and Xbox buttons. Directional control is handled by two full-size analog sticks.

For advanced customization, there are two assignable grip buttons on the rear. Feedback is delivered through precise HD haptics.

The device also incorporates a 6-Axis IMU (gyro) for motion-sensing control. All controls are built for longevity; the ABXY buttons are rated for 10 million presses.

Input/Output (I/Os)

The ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with essential input/output ports. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports. Both ports are highly functional, supporting DisplayPort™ 1.4 output and Power Delivery 3.0.

The device also includes one 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack for wired headsets. Storage expansion is handled by a UHS-II microSD card reader.

This reader supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC card formats. We recommend sticking to an SDXC card for the best storage experience. The Power button on the chassis also cleverly serves as a Built-in Fingerprint Sensor.

ROG Xbox Ally Internal

SOC

CPU

The ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor. This processor is an entry-level APU featuring 4 cores and 8 threads. It operates with a base clock of 2.8GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz. Importantly, the Ryzen Z2 A is built on the Zen 2 microarchitecture.

While other advanced models now use Zen 5, this choice delivers reasonable performance. Its main focus, however, is on high power efficiency. The processor is designed specifically to ensure the ROG Xbox Ally offers greater power efficiency while you game on the go.

GPU

The device uses integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics. Specifically, the Ryzen Z2 A processor includes eight RDNA 2 graphics cores. This GPU architecture is critical because it allows the ROG Xbox Ally to use advanced Radeon software technologies.

Features like AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) help deliver a smoother, more fluid gaming experience in the latest titles.

Gaming Performance

So, is the GPU powerful enough for modern gaming? Yes, but with caveats. When testing Helldivers 2 at 720p resolution and low settings, we managed a maximum of 60fps average frames. However, the frame rate would drop down to 20fps during intense, chaotic moments.

For Stellar Blade, we tried high settings on 720p and maintained an enjoyable average of about 30 fps. There was some stuttering, but the game was still playable. On older titles, like the classic Ace Combat 7, we saw excellent results. At high settings and 720p, the frame rate maxed out at 120 fps. This clearly shows that users looking to enjoy older titles have a very high chance of an excellent, high-graphic gaming experience with the ROG Xbox Ally.

RAM

The ROG Xbox Ally features 16GB of LPDDR5 memory. This memory is located on board and runs at a rapid 6400MT/s in a dual-channel configuration.

The inclusion of high-speed memory ensures the device remains snappy and responsive. This memory speed is also crucial for supporting the integrated GPU, helping to produce sharper visuals during gameplay.

Storage

The primary storage is a generous 512GB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD. This drive uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor. Operating at PCIe Gen4 speeds, this drive helps leave long loading times in the dust.

Games install incredibly quickly thanks to this speed. The good news is that the storage is designed to be easily upgradable using an off-the-shelf drive.

Network

Networking capabilities are excellent, featuring fast Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) technology. This utilizes a Triple band 2×2 configuration for stable connections. Wireless peripheral connectivity is handled seamlessly by either Bluetooth® 5.2 or Bluetooth 5.4.

ROG Xbox Ally Thermal and Power

Cooling

The ROG Xbox Ally uses ROG Intelligent Cooling. This system incorporates the Zero Gravity thermal system to manage heat dissipation effectively. It features the latest thermal enhancements specifically designed for gaming on the go.

This specialized cooling ensures a distraction-free experience and sustained performance. It works regardless of how the device is held or positioned, even when playing inverted.

Interestingly, during all my gaming sessions, I hardly felt any heat buildup on my palms. Internal temperatures usually stabilized around 80-90°C. Also, the cooling system is impressively quiet; I almost never heard any noticeable noise from it.

Battery

The ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with a 60WHrs (Watt-hour) battery. This is a 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion unit. For charging, it includes a 65W AC Adapter that uses a TYPE-C connection. The 60Wh battery capacity is a significant increase over the previous generation’s 40Wh unit.

This battery size claims up to 110% more battery life in specific tested scenarios. Users can maximize longevity by using Silent mode for quiet performance and the longest possible battery life. They can switch to Turbo mode for smoother gameplay when near an outlet.

In our UL benchmark PCMark, with Gaming battery test, the Xbox Ally yielded about 1 hours and 39 minutes of runtime. While this isn’t all-day power, it’s certainly sufficient for users to enjoy games during commutes or while waiting for others.

ROG Xbox Ally Software and AI Features

The ROG Xbox Ally runs on the familiar Windows 11 Home. A major software enhancement is the Xbox full screen experience. This feature lets the device power on directly into a dedicated, optimized gaming interface. This mode is crucial as it uses fewer resources.

It results in up to 2 GB of memory savings and a two-thirds reduction in idle power consumption compared to the full Windows shell.

The dedicated Xbox button provides quick access to the Game Bar for checking system stats. Deep customization is available through the Command Center and Armoury Crate Special Edition (ACSE). ACSE allows users to adjust RGB lighting, thermal profiles, and key mapping.

It also integrates AMD Radeon technologies like RSR, RIS, and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF). For communication, the AI noise-canceling technology cleans up the microphone input.

The device even introduces the Gaming Copilot (Beta), accessible by holding the Command Center button, acting as a personal sidekick for recommendations and help.

ROG Xbox Ally Conclusion

The ROG Xbox Ally is positioned perfectly at the RM2599 price point. This makes it the most affordable Windows handheld console currently available in the market. Yes, it comes with less raw firepower than its premium counterparts. However, it is entirely sufficient to handle modern games, provided the user is willing to lower the resolution and graphic settings. More importantly, it is a fantastic platform for enjoying older, classic titles at peak graphical fidelity.

The ROG Xbox Ally brings a wealth of advantages, starting with its aggressive price point and stunning ergonomic design. You get a fantastic 120Hz display with AMD FreeSync Premium, a quiet and effective Zero Gravity cooling system that keeps your palms cool, and a noticeable battery increase to 60Wh. The optimized Xbox UI and ACSE software make the Windows experience painless.

The lower price does come with compromises, however. It uses the older Zen 2 microarchitecture, meaning you absolutely must lower resolution and settings for the newest AAA titles to get playable frame rates. Furthermore, while improved, the 2 hour and 30 minute gaming battery life means you’ll still be tethered for marathon sessions.

The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t just a gaming console; it’s a statement about your choices. This device prove that gaming doesn’t have to be always about graphic, even with modest hardware, games are still enjoyable. And with the Xbox Ally, you carrying a golden age of high-fidelity older titles and streamlined modern gaming in your hands.

With that, we recommend the Xbox Ally, and award it with the HelloExpress Gold Award. Check out the ROG Abox Ally here!

https://rog.asus.com/my/gaming-handhelds/rog-ally/rog-xbox-ally-2025/

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