ROG Ally X Review: Bridging the Gap Between Xbox and PC Gaming on the Go
The ROG Ally X promised a portable xbox experience. The reality? It’s something even better – a refined handheld gaming PC that finally delivers on the potential of the original ROG Ally. As a long-time gamer who’s navigated the evolving landscape of PC and console gaming, I’ve spent considerable time putting the ally X through its paces.Here’s a deep dive into what works, what doesn’t, and whether this device deserves a place in your gaming arsenal.
The Xbox Ecosystem: A Qualified Yes
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Don’t expect seamless access to every Xbox game you own.The Ally X runs Windows, meaning you’re playing the PC version of your titles.The good news? Roughly 1,000 games participate in the Xbox Play Anywhere program,and these will function as was to be expected - provided you purchased them digitally.
The recent changes to Xbox Game Pass further expand your options. With Game Pass Ultimate, you gain access to PC versions of games from EA Play and Ubisoft+, even if they aren’t Play Anywhere titles. This significantly boosts the library available to you on the go. Though, cross-save functionality isn’t guaranteed outside of Play Anywhere games, as you’re operating within the PC gaming ecosystem.
Performance: Benchmarks vs.Real-World Experience
Initial benchmark results were…underwhelming. Using 3D Mark, the Ally X (running at 35W turbo mode) showed only marginal improvements over typical office laptops.Scores like 590 in Speed Way and 599 in Steel Nomad, while better than the original Ally, fall short of dedicated gaming laptops. The Port Royal (1983) and Time Spy Extreme (1914) tests showed more noticeable gains, but the overall picture suggested limited raw power.
Though, benchmarks don’t tell the whole story. The Ally X shines in actual gameplay. The upgraded processor, despite the benchmark results, delivers a noticeably smoother and more enjoyable experience than the original ROG Ally. Crucially, this improved performance often comes without the need for extensive tweaking of graphics settings or resolution sacrifices.
Games That Pop (and Those That Don’t)
I tested a wide range of titles, and the results were notable. Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5 look absolutely stunning.Forza Horizon games run flawlessly. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 delivers blistering performance.
However, optimization is key. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion (remastered) didn’t fare as well,highlighting the importance of developer support. Fortunately, more and more developers are recognizing the growing handheld PC gaming market and are actively optimizing their titles for these devices. This trend promises even better performance in the future.
Don’t Expect 4K Magic
While you can connect the Ally X to a 4K TV, it’s not the intended use case. The device is optimized for its native screen resolution and frame rates. Trying to push 4K will likely result in a compromised experience. Think of it as a powerful, portable Switch-style handheld - compromises are inherent to the form factor.
Beyond Performance: Sound and feel
The Ally X excels in areas beyond raw power. The directional audio is superb, creating an immersive soundscape. Combined with the responsive haptic feedback, the device delivers a truly engaging sensory experience.
The Verdict: A Step in the Right Direction
The ROG Ally X isn’t the portable Xbox we were initially promised. It’s something more versatile and, ultimately, more satisfying. While not perfect, it represents a important improvement over the original ROG Ally. The slightly lower build quality is a minor trade-off for the enhanced gaming experience.
Who is this for? Gamers heavily invested in both PC and Xbox ecosystems will find the Ally X to be an invaluable companion for gaming on the go.If you’re looking for a dedicated, streamlined Xbox experience, you might be disappointed. But if you embrace its identity as a powerful handheld gaming PC,the ROG Ally X will undoubtedly impress.
Key Takeaways:
* Xbox Game Pass Integration: Excellent, especially with Ultimate tier.
* Performance: Real-world gaming is surprisingly good, despite benchmark limitations.
* Optimization Matters: developer support is crucial for optimal
