The 2025 ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X pairs a capable Windows gaming handheld with a more controller-friendly Xbox startup interface. Its appeal is real, but evolutionary: the interface does not turn Windows into a closed Xbox console, and the performance advantage over rivals may be modest. This page covers the Xbox Full Screen Experience, software and system-performance findings—not the review’s separate game benchmarks, battery testing, acoustics, thermals or final verdict.
What this page of the review covers
This is page two of Zak Killian’s HotHardware review, published October 15, 2025. It focuses on the Xbox Full Screen Experience, software and system benchmarks. HotHardware covers gaming benchmarks and experience, acoustics, thermals, battery life and conclusions on separate pages. Read the HotHardware review.
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What the ROG Xbox Ally X is
The 2025 model is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X RC73XA: a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC with an Xbox-oriented startup experience. Its core hardware includes an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a 1TB M.2 SSD and an 80Wh battery. The display is a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium. ASUS’s product page lists the configuration; Windows Central’s review lists Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB4 Type-C, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, a UHS-II microSD reader and a headphone jack.
How the Xbox Full Screen Experience works
HotHardware found that the handheld boots into the Xbox Full Screen Experience instead of going straight to the Windows desktop. The interface presents installed or recently played games alongside game and Game Pass promotions. It is best understood as a controller-oriented front end layered over Windows, not as a traditional closed Xbox console.
#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
The review found that the library view could aggregate games from installed services including Steam, Epic Games and EA Play. GOG Galaxy support was not verified in that review, so it should not be treated as confirmed. The full Windows desktop remains accessible.
Game Bar replaces some Armoury Crate functions
HotHardware reports that functions previously associated with Armoury Crate were integrated into Xbox Game Bar. These include switching between gamepad and mouse modes, viewing a performance overlay and selecting performance presets. Game Bar also exposed audio controls and screenshot and recording features, although the reviewer did not test how well capture worked. The page therefore establishes that the controls are present, not their recording quality.
Performance: strong, but the lead has limits
PC Gamer described the Xbox Ally X as the fastest handheld gaming PC in its test suite at review time, while noting that the lead was not dramatic and could amount to a handful of frames per second at maximum power. Its reviewer also praised performance at the 17W Performance preset in a particular tested game; that result is not a guarantee for every title or setting. PC Gamer’s review provides that assessment.
ASUS currently claims “up to 30%” more performance than the prior ROG Ally X, based on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Doom: The Dark Ages at 1080p with default in-game settings in Turbo mode, under both AC and DC conditions. This is a manufacturer-tested comparison, not an independent result or a promise of a typical gain across games. ASUS’s product page states the claim and test conditions.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
Battery claims need their test conditions
ASUS also claims “up to 2X battery life” compared with the prior ROG Ally X. Its product-page comparison uses Hollow Knight: Silksong at 720p, a 60 FPS limit, low graphics settings and Silent mode; both handhelds are specified with 80Wh batteries. That is a manufacturer comparison under one particular workload, not a general gaming-runtime estimate.
PCWorld’s review illustrates how widely runtime can vary with settings: its estimate ranged from about two hours under high load, high brightness and 120Hz to 19 hours 40 minutes under low load, low brightness and 60Hz. The long-end figure is not a gaming-runtime promise. PCWorld’s review gives the conditions behind its range.
Comfort, screen and controls are separate trade-offs
Windows Central praised the textured, controller-inspired grips and comfort during long sessions, while noting the absence of Hall-effect joysticks and a touchpad. PC Gamer also praised comfort but criticized the IPS screen relative to its expectations for a premium-priced device. Those are reviewer judgments, not measurements that settle which handheld is best for every player. When comparing models, consider comfort and controls alongside display type, brightness and refresh rate, performance at a comparable power level, gaming battery life, software familiarity and price.
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Can you upgrade storage?
ASUS says the SSD is upgradeable using an off-the-shelf drive, and Windows Central reports that it is accessible and swappable. Check the exact interface and model compatibility before buying an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD; the available evidence does not establish compatibility for every drive SKU. The built-in UHS-II microSD reader is a separate option for expandable storage.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
ASUS lists the ROG Bulwark Dock (2025) DG300 and ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case among recommended products. They are optional accessories, not prerequisites; check current compatibility and availability for the exact model before purchasing.
Is the ROG Xbox Ally X worth considering?
It makes the most sense for someone who wants a comfortable Windows handheld with a more gamepad-friendly way to reach a mixed PC-game library. Reviewers recognized its performance and ergonomics, but differed on whether those improvements justify its premium positioning, and the screen drew criticism. The Xbox interface is a usability layer rather than a replacement for Windows, so the device’s appeal depends partly on whether that flexibility is a benefit or extra complexity for you.
Windows Central listed the handheld at $999.99 in its October 2025 review, and ASUS’s product page capture also listed $999.99. Those are dated listing snapshots, not a verified current street price or inventory check; confirm the local listing before making a purchase decision. Windows Central’s review and ASUS’s product page provide the cited listings.
Quick Recap
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