During the latest Xbox Games Showcase 2025, the spotlight was primarily on video games, as expected. However, amidst the deluge of trailers, there was a significant surprise: the unveiling of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally portable gaming devices.
Being a fan of the ASUS ROG Ally, particularly the ASUS ROG Ally X, I found myself intrigued by this distinctive collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS, given my occasional struggles with Windows 11 making gaming less enjoyable.
Even though there’s much more to learn about the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, and many conversations can be had regarding these devices, I must admit that one aspect of the hardware has already left me underwhelmed.
While it’s a minor gripe that may not affect the overall success of the Xbox Ally, I can’t help but feel disappointed that ASUS didn’t seize this chance to enhance the screen, particularly on the high-end Xbox Ally X model.
The same good (but not great) 7-inch display
Should you contrast the upgraded ASUS ROG Xbox Ally with its original counterpart, or match the top-tier Xbox Ally X against the reigning portable king, the ROG Ally X, you’ll notice a multitude of improvements, refinements, and modifications.
Regarding the display, you won’t notice any variations since ASUS has opted to use the very same 7-inch screen from the initial ASUS ROG Ally, which was released two years back, throughout the whole lineup of Xbox Ally devices.
This display isn’t subpar; it boasts a spacious 16:9 aspect ratio and a variable refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring both performance and visual quality are robust. However, compared to other top-tier gaming handhelds, it falls short, and I can’t help but feel that ASUS could have seized the opportunity to enhance its features.
While an OLED display would undeniably be impressive, I’m primarily looking for an upgrade to a larger, taller, and more vivid IPS LCD screen, reminiscent of those found on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S. This would significantly enhance my viewing experience.
It would have made me completely content if the pricier ASUS ROG Xbox Alloy X were the one to receive the display enhancement, given that affordability plays a crucial role in the Xbox Alloy’s success at its lower price range.
It seems that ASUS’ portable devices are consistently becoming pricier, and unfortunately, their 7-inch screen doesn’t hold up against competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, or even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in terms of performance and display quality.
I’m still very excited for the future of gaming handhelds
While I might have hoped that ASUS and Microsoft would have pushed the boundaries with the Xbox Ally’s hardware, it seems the hardware may not be the key focus in this device. This move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to enhance Windows 11 for a broader audience, and it could potentially revolutionize the market.
Microsoft is now focusing on streamlining Windows specifically for gaming hardware with Xbox Ally, eliminating unnecessary software and processes to boost performance, efficiency, and user-friendliness.
Initial impressions suggest that this project shows great potential, and the Xbox Allie might pave the way for portable PC games to become significantly more enjoyable than they currently are.
As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but express my eagerness to acquire an Xbox Alloy, mainly for its appeal. Yet, even after writing the review for my Lenovo Legion Go S, I still pine for that stunning 8-inch screen when gaming on my ROG Ally X. Given the high expected price of the Xbox Alloy X, that single upgrade could have made it a flawless experience for me.
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2025-06-10 19:09