Image: ASUS
Asus · From $599.99
Release date Oct 16, 2025
Worth a Look
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
9 with a published score, 4 scored from text · How it works
Latest review Apr 8, 2026
Critics like the comfortable Xbox-style grips, the 7-inch 120Hz display and the console-style Xbox full screen interface. Most say the Ryzen Z2 A chip performs about level with the Steam Deck OLED, so AAA games need lowered settings. At $599.99 many reviewers call it poor value next to the Steam Deck and the faster Ally X.
“The ROG Xbox Ally succeeds not by reinventing the handheld, but by refining it into something that finally feels complete, accessible and genuinely enjoyable to use.”
“Overall the design of this device is exceptional.”
“In our tests, the new ROG Xbox Ally showed disappointing performance, typically falling slightly behind the Steam Deck OLED.”
“The Asus ROG Xbox Ally finally makes Windows handhelds as compelling as they should have been in the first place.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that offers performance that's more on the level of the Steam Deck, making it one of the most direct competitors to Valve's device.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is an interesting entry in the PC gaming handheld space for obvious reasons, but it's not quite a slam dunk.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a good entry point into the handheld space that conveniently puts all of your Xbox, Steam and PC games in one place.”
“But looking at the hardware in a vacuum, the improvements make either Xbox ROG excellent for first-time handheld PC buyers, but not worthwhile upgrades if you own any PC handheld already.”
Covers both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X; headlined as a review of the ROG Xbox Ally.
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a good handheld, especially in the new market.”
“With a different CPU, this could have been a real contender, but as it is, it's a little overpriced and underspecced.”
“The Asus ROG Xbox Ally has an appealing price point and a comfortable design, but it has sleep/wake issues and doesn't offer better performance than the Steam Deck OLED.”
“It's too expensive to buy over a Steam Deck. It's not powerful enough to buy over its more expensive sister console.”
“For what it’s worth, the ROG Xbox Ally is fine, but at $600, it’s a huge investment for dated performance.”
“The Asus ROG Xbox Ally has an appealing price point and a comfortable design, but it has sleep/wake issues and doesn't offer better performance than the Steam Deck OLED.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a good handheld, especially in the new market.”
“Overall the design of this device is exceptional.”
“But looking at the hardware in a vacuum, the improvements make either Xbox ROG excellent for first-time handheld PC buyers, but not worthwhile upgrades if you own any PC handheld already.”
Covers both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X; headlined as a review of the ROG Xbox Ally.
“In our tests, the new ROG Xbox Ally showed disappointing performance, typically falling slightly behind the Steam Deck OLED.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally succeeds not by reinventing the handheld, but by refining it into something that finally feels complete, accessible and genuinely enjoyable to use.”
“The Asus ROG Xbox Ally finally makes Windows handhelds as compelling as they should have been in the first place.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that offers performance that's more on the level of the Steam Deck, making it one of the most direct competitors to Valve's device.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is an interesting entry in the PC gaming handheld space for obvious reasons, but it's not quite a slam dunk.”
“The ROG Xbox Ally is a good entry point into the handheld space that conveniently puts all of your Xbox, Steam and PC games in one place.”
“With a different CPU, this could have been a real contender, but as it is, it's a little overpriced and underspecced.”
“It's too expensive to buy over a Steam Deck. It's not powerful enough to buy over its more expensive sister console.”
“For what it’s worth, the ROG Xbox Ally is fine, but at $600, it’s a huge investment for dated performance.”
