Overview

• Embargoed reviews published Oct. 15 ahead of the Oct. 16 launch report that the ROG Xbox Ally X runs many modern AAA titles smoothly at 1080p with 120Hz support when tuned for performance.
• The entry-level Xbox ROG Ally delivers Steam Deck–like results and fares better with indie or older games, with newer releases often requiring lowered settings or reduced resolutions.
• Both devices run Windows 11 with the new Xbox Handheld Experience that aggregates Game Pass and PC storefronts, a convenience reviewers praised even as they reported UI hiccups and occasional input quirks.
• Battery tests typically showed roughly two to three hours in turbo or heavy games and around four to six hours in lighter modes, with Armoury Crate controls letting players trade performance for runtime.
• Reviewers flagged premium pricing, regional differences and limited early stock for the Ally X, and noted that cloud play works well in some cases but quality depends on connection and Game Pass tier.