Hands on with the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X: Possibly the best gaming handheld ever still has some big questions to answer

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2025’s Gamescom has already passed, and Microsoft made a strong presence in Cologne to unveil the initial part of their next-generation hardware jigsaw.

The Xbox Ally, previously unveiled based on our exclusive report of a device Microsoft referred to as Kennan, is a portable gaming device developed in collaboration with ASUS. While the hardware has been completed for quite some time, the main cause of delay appears to be related to the software aspect.

Microsoft and its teams at Windows and Xbox have been diligently refining new features to make devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go feel more seamlessly integrated or “native.” Previously, these Windows-based handhelds were occasionally criticized not for their hardware, but because Windows 11 sometimes struggled to function optimally on such devices.

Lenovo addressed the issue of inconsistent inputs by introducing a specialized mouse trackpad, contrasting many other brands’ use of cumbersome touch controls. However, Microsoft has made significant strides with Xbox Ally, allowing users to interact with various Windows features using joysticks and traditional Xbox buttons (ABXY). This enhancement promises a much more user-friendly experience. Yet, the question remains: does it offer sufficient solutions for all needs?

During the past week at Gamescom, we got to try out the Xbox Ally extensively in several sessions. However, as its release date, scheduled for October 16, 2025, approaches, there remain some significant questions yet to be answered.

Sublime hardware, ergonomics, and (seemingly) performance

Having had extensive experience with numerous devices similar to the Steam Deck, I’ve been drawn more towards the Z1E series due to their unmatched power, specifically the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. Although these devices have lower usability efficiency compared to the Steam Deck, the trade-off for raw power and complete compatibility was appealing to me. However, with the emergence of the Xbox Ally/X, it seems that the usability disparity is becoming smaller as well.

Microsoft’s Xbox Alloy marks the initial venture into a broader handheld realm for them, as their future strategies for Xbox remain geared towards the next generation.

Upon first glance, what stood out most about the Xbox Ally was its focus on comfort or ergonomics. Created through a collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS, this device values how it feels in your hands over its aesthetic appeal. The handles may seem peculiar in photos, but they provide an exceptional grip for extended usage, surpassing both the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch in my opinion. In essence, this gadget offers a controller-like experience similar to Xbox, showcasing Microsoft’s unmatched design expertise when it comes to ergonomics.

Using a more conversational tone,

Besides simply gripping the device, the Xbox Ally offers an enhanced user experience. For instance, picking up the device from a desk feels effortless due to its ergonomic design with natural grooves and curves. This design makes it easier to grab the device comfortably. Additionally, the back buttons are strategically placed within the device, reducing unintentional activations – a feature that often gives me headaches with my Lenovo Legion Go.

What struck me right away was the user-friendly design, or ergonomics, of the Xbox Ally. It feels remarkably similar to an Xbox controller, making it virtually indistinguishable.

In an effort to make the gaming experience more familiar, Microsoft and ASUS have adjusted the bumpers, triggers, and joysticks to mimic a typical “Xbox” layout. This modification will undoubtedly enhance the enjoyment for any Xbox controller user, as their existing muscle memory is fully compatible with this new design.

The visual design of the Xbox Ally could use a bit more harmony for a more aesthetically pleasing look. While it’s primarily designed with functionality in mind, which is suitable for this type of device, the uneven bezels and overly thick dimensions might be improved upon. Additionally, the inconsistency between Xbox and ASUS design elements such as logos and fonts seem a bit unusual.

This device is both an Xbox model and a ROG (Republic of Gamers) product, which might seem unconventional but is easy to appreciate given how well they’ve captured the gaming experience. In essence, you’re not focusing on the frame around the screen, but rather enjoying the gameplay itself, and ASUS and Microsoft have certainly succeeded in that aspect.

Even though the release date for this device is nearly here, there’s still much that remains unknown about its pricing due to ongoing negotiations between Microsoft, ASUS, and the U.S government regarding global tariffs.

The screen is slightly tilted away from the handles, making it more comfortable to hold naturally. Additionally, its weight distribution is remarkable, mirroring trends established by previous Xbox Allly ROG models. Despite appearing heavier on paper, it surprisingly feels quite light. The joysticks, triggers, buttons, and bumpers all deliver that premium “Xbox” feel, as demonstrated in these demo versions.

With a sense of satisfaction fully achieved, the focus now lies on the game’s performance to round off the experience, and I’m delighted to share that both the Xbox Alloy X and Xbox Alloy S appear to excel significantly in this aspect.

I’ve enjoyed quite a few top-tier modern games on this device, such as Lies of P, Gears of War: Reloaded, and Hogwarts Legacy. The Xbox Ally X handled Gears of War flawlessly at 60 frames per second, while Lies of P hovered around 40-50 FPS in the “Balanced” AMD FidelityFX settings. The demo unit for Hogwarts Legacy gave about 30 FPS, although I didn’t have much chance to adjust the settings there. In comparison, Forza Horizon 5 ran smoothly at a constant 60 frames on the standard white Xbox Ally “S,” which I found remarkably impressive, given that it’s an incredibly optimized game.

The Xbox Ally boasts a 7-inch IPS screen running at 1080p resolution and a swift refresh rate of 120 Hz, enhanced by AMD FreeSync technology. This Variable Refresh Rate feature is significant in this device, as minor performance fluctuations might cause frame drops, although such instances weren’t noticeable during my gaming sessions. A comprehensive evaluation of its performance won’t be possible until we have the device for rigorous testing, but early opinions are overwhelmingly optimistic. I’m eager to explore its limits further, considering my experience with the Z1E and its potential capabilities.

Will that performance come at a cost, though?

The elephant(s) in the room

One way to rephrase that, using simpler language:

The main attraction of Xbox Ally is undoubtedly the updated features for Windows 11. By utilizing the Xbox app as a full-screen experience with Xbox Ally, you can optimize your Windows system for gaming purposes. This mode disables other desktop and non-essential features, thereby improving the system’s performance by allocating more resources to the game.

Pressing and holding the Xbox button will not only open the task switcher (as shown above), but it also lets you navigate between apps such as Discord, your Xbox library, and games themselves without leaving the console environment. Additionally, you can select the Desktop option from this menu if desired, granting access to the full Windows version for activities like installing Steam, managing mods, or making system adjustments in greater detail.

With everything feeling well-established, the game’s performance plays a crucial role in sealing the deal, and I’m pleased to say that both the Xbox Alloy X and the Xbox Alloy S excel impressively in this area.

Despite my attempts to navigate through it during testing, the experience crashed quite effortlessly on multiple occasions. Occasionally, task switching would freeze and encounter various issues as well. Microsoft acknowledges that these features are still being developed, and since this could have been an earlier version, one can only speculate about its final state for the launch date scheduled on October 16, 2025.

Although we’re almost at the launch date for this device, there are still many aspects about it that remain unknown. For instance, Microsoft hasn’t disclosed its price yet due to the ongoing near-weekly changes in U.S. global tariffs and adjustments by ASUS and Xbox. Additionally, Microsoft is keeping quiet about battery life estimations, attributing their silence to software readiness.

By holding down the Xbox button for an extended period, you can access the latest task switcher as well. However, I found it relatively simple to cause this functionality to fail during my test runs.

The AMD Z2E chips are rumored to offer better efficiency compared to their previous versions. However, the ASUS ROG Ally’s predecessor struggled to last an hour during high-definition 3D AAA gameplay, consuming 30 watts of power. Yet, this is one of the device’s charms as it allows for significant adjustments in power consumption, making it possible to play less demanding 2D games even without a power source. My Lenovo Legion Go, for instance, manages three hours of playtime while being mindful of power usage, but it would be interesting to see what performance Microsoft plans to deliver with the Xbox Ally.

The prices for the Xbox Ally have been revealed through ASUS, with the X model costing approximately $899 and the “S” priced at $599, subject to tariffs. Witnessing Forza Horizon 5 running smoothly on the Xbox Ally “S” leaves me impressed, as it seems this device will offer exceptional value for money at $599, potentially outmatching the older Steam Deck and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 in terms of power and versatility. However, the question remains whether the enhanced performance and battery life will warrant the higher-end price tag of $899. A multitude of unanswered questions persist ahead of October 16.

An incredibly promising piece of kit

Despite my hesitations regarding cost and functionality, I find myself continually pondering the delightful user experience of the Xbox Ally. Admittedly, it had some issues, but the task switcher and other Windows 11 improvements offered a sneak peek into potential game-changing usability upgrades that these devices truly require.

The tactile experience of using the Xbox Ally stands out as superior compared to any other PC gaming device from OEMs that I’ve handled thus far, with the exception of perhaps the Steam Deck. Its dual USB-C ports, Windows Hello fingerprint reader, and powerful Z2E chipset even make the Xbox Ally a viable option for replacing a travel laptop for individuals like myself who are a bit unconventional.

It seems quite likely that the structure in question is an older construction. One can’t help but ponder about its level of refinement as we approach its official unveiling – scheduled for October 16, 2025, a date fast approaching.

It’s essential to understand that the Xbox Alloy functions more like a PC than a traditional Xbox console. Consequently, standard Xbox console games will not be compatible with this device. However, games labeled as Xbox Play Anywhere can run on both Xbox and PC, including devices such as the Xbox Alloy. The upside is that there are currently over a thousand Xbox Play Anywhere titles available, and highly anticipated games like Silent Hill F and Final Fantasy 7 Intergrade carry the Xbox Play Anywhere certification.

Nevertheless, it’s accurate that a significant number of individuals may not, and probably won’t, have access to these games as publishers prefer not to grant two licenses (console and PC) for game access. As Microsoft continues to promote devices such as this, it will increasingly limit the visibility of games that do not support Xbox Play Anywhere.

Microsoft faces a challenge in persuading more developers to adopt Xbox Play Anywhere due to a general apathy among them at present. The appeal of publishers’ dual-purchase strategy, where games are bought for both console and PC, contradicts the ecosystem that Microsoft aims to establish.

If Xbox games aren’t playable on the Xbox Alloy (a hypothetical handheld device), Microsoft will instead offer these games through Xbox console remote play and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Xbox Alloy is seen as a preliminary step towards a broader handheld gaming future for Microsoft, but currently, having all Xbox games accessible on a portable device remains the ultimate goal. However, it seems that Microsoft is not actively pursuing its own first-party Xbox handheld at the moment.

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2025-08-25 22:11