# ROG Xbox Ally X - a PC Gamer’s Perspective Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XhDRAq4YO8 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/_XhDRAq4YO8 Generated: 2025-10-15T13:33:50.567+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The ROG Xbox Ally X is a clear step up for PC gamers who accept non-subsidized PC pricing and value extended 1080p battery life over the original Ally, but the lower-spec NonX model is a massive disappointment priced too high compared to the Steam Deck. **Key Points:** - The ROG Xbox Ally X provides significantly better real-world play time in the 1080p gaming sweet spot, yielding similar performance to the older Ally X but at a lower 17-watt power profile, offering more hours from the same 80Wh battery. - The Ally X features the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU (8-core, 16-thread, 16 cores RDNA 3.5 graphics) and starts at $999 with 24GB LPDDR5 memory and a second Thunderbolt 4 compliant USB-C port. - The Xbox Ally NonX uses an older Z2A chip, essentially a minor update to the original Steam Deck's processor (Zen 2/RDNA 2), which the reviewer deems a massive disappointment, especially at its $600 price point. - The Xbox full screen experience software is surprisingly polished for launch, offering memory savings (2GB reclaimed) and console-like features like shutdown confirmation and near Quick Resume, though it still suffers from distinctly Windows issues like Steam pop-ups. - A major caveat for both devices is that the vast majority of the old Xbox digital game library will not run on this device because it is essentially a Windows 11 mode, leading to the question: "how is this an Xbox then?" - Ergonomically, the Ally X improves comfort significantly, featuring better thumb sticks and grips, although the angled screen's usefulness depends on the user's posture, and the flipped menu buttons are inconvenient. - The Ally X charges very quickly, reaching full charge in just over 90 minutes compared to the LCD Steam Deck's 3 hours, and achieves an average temperature of just 69° even when peaking at 90° under heavy load. **Context:** The video reviews the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and the lower-spec Xbox Ally NonX, handheld gaming PCs that run Windows 11 but feature prominent Xbox branding and a new 'Xbox full screen experience' overlay. The reviewer approaches the device from a PC gamer's perspective, comparing it against the original ROG Ally and the Steam Deck, focusing on hardware, performance, and the confusing branding strategy by Microsoft and ASUS. ## Detailed Analysis The reviewer initially struggles to define the ROG Xbox Ally as an Xbox due to limited legacy Xbox game compatibility, viewing the Xbox full screen experience as merely an application over Windows 11, which is what PC gamers have long desired: a fusion of Windows versatility and Xbox optimization. The Ally X represents a generational leap, boasting superior ergonomics, excellent thumb sticks, and the powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, enabling noticeable performance gains, especially in battery life when gaming at 1080p where it matches the older Ally X's performance while consuming less power. Conversely, the NonX variant is heavily criticized for using outdated Zen 2/RDNA 2 architecture, making its $600 price tag unjustifiable against cheaper Steam Deck options, despite showing a slight 22% performance advantage over the Steam Deck at 720p due to an extra 5 watts of power. The software experience is generally positive, with the Xbox mode being slick and efficient, lacking only modern Xbox titles in its library. The reviewer concludes that for a PC gamer already accepting high PC pricing, the Ally X is a worthwhile upgrade primarily due to its exceptional 1080p battery endurance, whereas the NonX is a tough sell due to poor value proposition. ### Product Identity and Software - Microsoft calls it an Xbox, but it runs Windows and lacks old Xbox library support - The Xbox full screen experience is slick, offers 2GB memory savings, and consolidates games from various stores, though it retains Windows quirks like Steam launch delays. ### Ally X Hardware and Performance - Features Ryzen Z2 Extreme (8c/16c RDNA 3.5) and 24GB RAM, starting at $999 - Performance crushes the old Ally X at max power, but the main benefit is matching old performance at a lower 17W power draw, drastically improving 1080p battery life to over 5 hours. ### Ally NonX Hardware and Value - Uses older Zen 2/RDNA 2 architecture, similar screen to the original Ally - It offers a marginal 22% uplift over Steam Deck at 720p but is severely overpriced at $600, making it a tough sell against cheaper Steam Deck models. ### Ergonomics and Design Changes - Ergonomic grips make it extremely comfortable despite being heavier - The angled screen is great for upright viewing but potentially awkward when lying down; thumb sticks are significantly improved; menu buttons were flipped, making the Armory Crate button harder to access. ### Battery and Charging - Both Ally X models have 80Wh batteries, delivering similar battery life in comparable power profiles - The Ally X charges in just over 90 minutes, significantly faster than the Steam Deck's 3 hours, and the NonX achieved nearly 6 hours running unintentionally at 6W. ### Accessory Inclusion - Dbrand's Kill Switch case is introduced as a sponsor accessory, featuring smart ventilation slits and a hidden SD card holder - The case includes a kickstand, which the reviewer notes the base device lacked despite being bulkier than the Nintendo Switch.