Talking Point: Will The ROG Xbox Ally Be Your First 'Handheld Gaming PC'?

I’ll stick with the Switch 2 TYVM
Call me when PlayStation and Xbox make genuine handheld consoles instead of a screen share tablet and a pc.

Nah, I've got an oled steam deck (which is great) but no interest in upgrading. Tbh ill probably go full pc because I play docked 99% of the time

I'm tempted because it's better than the current Rog Ally models and I have skipped all handheld PCs so far. Unfortunately, all the Sonic threads were archived on this site, so one question related to handheld PCs running Windows and Sonic: is "Sonic Racing Cross Worlds" Play Anywhere? Many Sega games are Play Anywhere, but I can't find confirmation for this title. There are some pre-order and digital deluxe goodies, so I might pre-order this one.

I have zero interest in handheld. I have a pretty good TV, so I like to use it.

It's a , 'wait and see ', from me.

Yes will be picking up. I play a lot on handheld and don’t mind the screen size much. The biggest draw for me is the ergonomics and upgraded battery from my OG Ally. The Ally and Steam Deck are great but start to hurt my hands after a while. Also remote play and cloud gaming work great, but having a handheld that also runs Steam / other storefronts is a huge bonus.

My first was the Steam Deck and then I purchased the Lenovo Legion Go, and it's become my secondary gaming device after my Xbox. Really they were also my first real trist with PC gaming. The Steam Deck is where I bought and played Baldur's Gate 3 like before it even came to PS. And I've put so many hours into Hades 2. Really I love my Legion Go and PC gaming. The amount of free games I've gotten through the different storefronts + my family's Amazon prime is bonkers. And I love having access to everything from Xbox to Steam games.

The Xbox Ally is a solid product in the handheld PC market, but Microsoft is underestimating people's understanding of this market. I don't think they're unaware of how niche it is, but I do think they're unaware of how unaware casual audiences are of the fact that it exists at all. The Xbox Asus Ally is basically the ROG Ally 2, but the Xbox branding is setting entirely different expectations for what this device is. I'd buy one but it's just not necessary for me to upgrade. The Z2E isn't more powerful enough to justify it. I am eagerly awaiting that Xbox experience mode. I hope Microsoft realizes that Xbox PC could be the one ring to unite them all and help kick off the PC handheld market proper. It is a great way to get into PC gaming. I don't expect rumor minimum $600 to Rog Ally and updwarss of 1k for the X, to suddenly sell like hotcakes. Or much at all. But Xbox just needs to nail the software and UX & UK for gaming on Windows overall.

I'm passing on this one. I already have the rog ally and steam deck. Maybe I will upgrade to an iteration of this somewhere down the line but it doesn't sound much better than what is currently out there, especially at the price.

I do plan to get the new version of windows or xbox os on my rog ally when that becomes available.

These handhelds are like 3D TVs. Some people love them but the market isn't big enough to justify their existance.

Id be very tempted if it was an xbox handheld. I may pick up an older model ROG if this makes the price of them drop though.

Steam Deck was my first handheld, period. Outside of those one-game static LCD Nintendo devices from the early eighties. They never appealed to me. The Gameboy was released when I was about 11 and the technology did not impress me.

I have no use case for it and see no benefit to owning this device for my own personal gaming habits.

I'm definitely going to buy one, I'm waiting to see some tests, but logically we should have better battery life and performance than a Steam Deck, and especially native Windows support, all stores support, with an Xbox-designed interface, which will make all the difference. Don't forget that Steam Deck with Proton is still a "sort of Windows emulation " * for games with the inherent performance and compatibility problems - none of that on this Xbox ROG Ally. The question remains about price, even the lite version seems a bit expensive to me, but I'm almost certain that launch prices won't stay the same for very long, they should drop quickly.

*: Technically, it's not an emulator, it translates Windows API calls into their Linux equivalents, but it’s still an additional compatibility layer that inevitably introduces some slowdowns—though less than a true emulator—and, above all, it doesn’t necessarily support every Windows instructions, many problems with directx8. This is why there can sometimes be compatibility issues (problems with the Epic Games Store, EA App, Rockstar Launcher, or with games that use restrictive anti-cheat or DRM systems: Destiny 2, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Valorant, League of Legends, certain Game Pass titles, etc.). Windows will always be more performant than Linux for gaming, simply because developers develop their games for Windows, not for Linux. The latter just uses a compatibility layer that has its limitations.

I already have a Switch OLED, Switch 2 and Steam Deck - all of which i already use a hell of a lot - so I'm not really in the market for another handheld, especially at the current rumoured price points.

Yes. I'm even getting the Ally X. It's not for everyone, though. Biggest reason I'm getting it is because I travel a lot for work and I would love to get some games that have PC version achievement stacks while I have some down time. Plus it just looks aesthetically pleasing and I'm an early adopter anyway.

No - I already have the OG RoG Ally - that was my first Handheld Gaming PC - its the only Handheld PC I've owned but owned numerous PC Tablets and Laptops.

I've owned many Handheld gaming devices from Nintendo's Game & Watch games to a Gameboy, Gameboy Color, DS etc. I've had a Sega Game Gear too but I've not gamed on a handheld 'gaming' device for over a decade (not counting playing a few games on Mobile phones over the years) - at least until I bought my RoG Ally.

For me, the RoG Ally is 'decent' but just not comfortable or easy to use. The Controls and layout are Small so I struggle to intuitively hit the right buttons as my Muscle Memory is used to a full size layout. That's one of the BIG reasons I'm interested in the RoG Xbox Ally X - not just because it maybe a bit of an upgrade spec wise, but because I expect it to feel more like a Controller in my hands. I don't travel much, certainly not whilst I could game too, so its more for the Home use when the TV is being used. The ability to just carry on playing in comfort (on the Sofa with an Xbox like Controller) appeals greatly. Often I only have 30mins or so before something starts on TV and Don't turn on the Console, but turning on the RoG Ally allows me to play for as long as I want without having to move or cut the session short.

Already have a Rog ally z1e that I picked up new for just £320, so not for now but the xbox ally x in a couple of years on a deep sale would be a welcome upgrade

I am tempted by one of these, though not for the Xbox stuff as so few of my Xbox games are play anywhere and my PC library is dominated by Steam. I have considered the Steamdeck for a while but will be looking at this and this also looks more comfortable to hold than the Deck and existing Rog Ally as well

I've no use for handheld gaming, so no.

Personally I would rather buy a regular Asus ROG Ally if that Xbox-centric Windows 11 update is made available for all handheld devices (probably only a matter of time) and attach some 3rd party grips, all for half the price of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally.

@TrollOfWar this is my thinking also. Ultimately the xbox association with this is simply an overlay skin. I see no reason why it wont be released for all windows handhelds after the initial launch on the new device.

I just use my Anbernic 556 for retro stuff and psplay app for remote gaming from my ps5 pro, that'll do me, at 53 i appreciate the tv screen more 🤓🤓

This system has zero mass market appeal. In fact I only see it confusing the mass market.
I suspect we'll be seeing them turn up in CEX very quickly once the penny drops that it's not actually an Xbox, it just has an overlay and the Xbox logo.

Recently bought a legion go on the back of the hype for the Xbox Rog and must say i’m loving it. Getting a lot of value from Gamepass titles i wouldn’t have otherwise played and i will def be upgrading to the Xbox Rog Ally X at some point

I’m set with Switch 2, Steam Deck OLED and Series X via remote on SD. No reason to get one yet for me. That’ll only happen if my entire Xbox library becomes Play Anywhere, or Xbox makes a native handheld.

The last thing I want is a handheld with Windows on it, SteamOS all the way!

Honestly, I feel that Microsoft is banking on Console folks "making the jump" more so than actual PC Gamers buying the console. Now it comes down to whether that "Windows Launcher" truly minimizes the Windows OS bloat and simplifies the actual gaming experience (like Steam OS does). Now, don't get me wrong. The specs (on paper) look impressive and Microsoft will probably "eat the cost" to make it more plausible with folks who balked online with the Switch 2 cost. Either way, I take it as a win for gamers if the gamble is successful.

If there's one thing I've learned from playing with the Switch, the Steamdeck, and even going back and playing on devices like the Gameboy Advance and the PS Vita, it's that handheld devices are absolutely miserable to use. It's always an issue with the screen being too small, the device being too clunky and heavy, and/or the controls always being too cramped and uncomfortable for me to hold.

The closest I've ever come to enjoying handheld gaming as an adult is the 8BitDo Mobile Game Controller because it's essentially just an Xbox controller I can plug my phone into. Screen is still a bit on the small side with this method, but it eliminates the weight and cramped controls issue at least.

Really glad this exists but I have a backbone for travel, which is far more convenient.

I don’t have a handheld PC, but I’m more interested in one with Linux.

So I’m genuinely tempted and intrigued by this device, as I’m pretty much tethered to exclusively gaming via handheld devices due to work travel.

I have a couple of questions but can’t seem to get straight answers…

1) Gamepass:
My son has a Series S, and I pay monthly for his Gamepass Ultimate subscription. The subscription is under my name, with my details etc…. Could I use this same subscription on the new handheld device also? And if “yes” would this be possible at no extra cost?

2) Games via Gamepass:
Assuming I can utilise my existing GP Ultimate subscription, is it so that I could then download GP games on to the device hard drive to play on-the-go offline? (Thinking planes etc) And I accept that some AAA games may not be feasible if the handheld specs lack the needed ‘oomph’

3) Steam:
Reports suggest that you can access your Steam games also… so technically I could also download my steam games to play offline?

Basically if this device can access/play my Steam library, whilst also allowing me to use my GP ultimate subscription … I think I could be ‘in’!

No. Zero interest.

I love the idea of these and have looked into them a few times but never pulled the trigger. As it is I don’t have enough time to game and prefer to play on a TV, plus I have a switch 2.

Maybe when I retire I’ll look into it again with the Rog 5!

I’m not buying it. As disappointed as I am with current Switch 2 third party support, I just can’t justify owning two handheld gaming systems - I simply don’t travel often enough. I’ll reassess this when Steam Deck 2 comes out (and whatever Xbox handheld is available at the time), it may be enough of a generational performance leap over Switch 2 to get me to reconsider this stance.

I have an OLED Deck, an original Deck and a Legion Go, so no. Zero interest in the overpriced Switch 2. I may pick up one of these, but I'll need to see reviews and performance first.

@CJD87
1) If the subscription is on YOUR account and you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate then yes. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you PC game pass in addition to the console titles. PC Game Pass is similar to what you can expect on console but there are some differences in the library (some games only available on PC and some only on console). The ROG Xbox Ally is a PC, so you'll have access to PC Game Pass, EA Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, you WILL NOT be able to play on both your Xbox and your PC handheld at the same time if it's on the same account. This should be the same as if you bought two Xboxes, put them both under the same account, and tried playing a game in your library on both devices simultaneously. I think any work around would require a different profile. Just a quick disclaimer that if you're looking to play the same time as your son, you might have to make a different profile or use a different PC launcher like steam.

2) Yes. Exactly as you said. I wouldn't worry too much about power too. That is if you're looking at the premium X device. I have a lenovo Legion go which is a Z1Extreme (the Xbox ROG ALLY X will be Z2E) and I can play pretty much anything as long as I tweak the settings. If you're curious about how games might play on this handheld I'd check out any of the currently available Z1Extreme PC Handhelds. This Xbox handheld for the X version will be that + a bump (the current Asus ROG Ally X would probably be best to look at). The base Z2A version we know less about until it's out and people are testing it in the wild. Otherwise say you can download and play offline. Same rules as Xbox though where you'll need to set it as your home PC on the Xbox App to use game pass offline.

3) Yes. This is literally just a gaming PC in handheld form with an Xbox logo slapped on and an Xbox App full screen mode update preloaded. It's even by ASUS an OEM hardware manufacture. You can do anything you can do on a PC. You can find posts online of people who buy a dock and turn their handheld PC into a desktop PC and then do work on it. You can download Steam, Epic, Amazon's weird one, GOG, and whatever your heart desires. The Xbox full screen mode is even meant to combine your entire PC gaming library and make it a seamless experience to use across launchers (though we're waiting for it release to see how that is in practice).

@WildConcept6 Mate thanks for that, genuinely appreciate you taking the time out of your day to throw back such a comprehensive response - cheers.

So my existing Gamepass Ultimate subscription is definitely linked to my own Microsoft/XB account. On my son's series S, I therefore have my own profile + he has his own individual profile that he always plays on.

TBH, I doubt we would ever play the same games at the same time (differing tastes)..... so likely I would play on the handheld under my own profile, whilst he continues on the Series S under his profile. So based on your feedback, all should be well here.

I also checked what GP Ultimate games are covered under the PC label, and all the ones I am interested in seem available (new Doom, E33, Blue Prince etc)

I think I'll definitely be looking at the more expensive of the 2 handhelds, and cerebrally justify that by essentially looking at it as purely a 'hardware cost' - considering I am already paying for a GP sub, and have an extensive Steam library backlog to also eat into.

The rumours of 900 Euro don't sound appetising though..!

cheers again

@CJD87 Glad to hear! Yeah it sounds like you won't have any issues. The only other thing I'd recommend is making sure those games you want to play are Xbox Play Anywhere or have some cross save feature (if you care about having your progress). Every new first party game is and most new games that join game pass these days are, but the vast majority of the total library still isn't. That said the New Doom, Expedition 33, and Blue Prince all are XPA. But if you wanted to go back and play Doom Eternal for example that's on PC Game Pass but it's a separate version from console version so progress isn't linked.

Yeah it will be expensive. This is a windows gaming OEM at its core, an ASUS device, with Xbox software optimization. The only hope people have is that Microsoft subsidizes it, but I'd be surprised. The current ROG Ally X goes for $800 and I'd expect that as a minimum. But unfortunately it wouldn't be surprising to see it reach $1000 or more (for the premium version) in the US due to the tarrifs and current market problems.

Nope I'll go the Pocket PC or PDA route before i get a gaming PC handheld.

It has appeal but eh, I'm not fussed.

@WildConcept6 Ah thanks for the clarity

I probably should have mentioned that the Series S is essentially exclusively played my my son only, I’ve played it like once in 3-ish years! So cross-save between ALLY and Series S won’t be a problem (basically the Xbox will be ‘his’ and the ALLY would be mine)

Yeah the price point is going to be interesting. I know Switch2 had some backlash for pricing (both the console and software) but I genuinely think the admission price was pretty fair for the actual unit… especially when you consider the Dock is included + HDMI cable etc. I do think the premium software, such as MK World is a tad expensive, but the console price point was pretty established

Watch this space I guess…!

@CJD87 backlash for the Switch 2 also comes from what we're used to in the console market. Hardware is "supposed" to be cheaper and until recently subsidized. That's been changing. For the power and price of the Switch 2 the price is an insane leap over the OG model.

Gaming PCs have never had that so this ROG Ally has two things going against it price wise 😅 (between the tarrifs and PC hardware costs). So far the handheld PC market for the most part has skewed between $400 and $800. My fingers are crossed for $800 for the Xbox Ally X.