{"id":2094,"date":"2026-03-14T14:31:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T14:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/?p=2094"},"modified":"2026-03-14T14:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T14:31:25","slug":"xbox-rog-ally-x","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/owspakistan.com\/?p=2094","title":{"rendered":"REVIEW: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, offers Xbox gaming in your hands"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Handheld gaming has come a long way over the past few years. There are tonnes of handheld consoles available these days, yet every now and then a device comes along that makes you stop and say, \u201cwait\u2026 that\u2019s actually a full PC?\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the reaction I had when I first picked up the ROG Xbox Ally X. At first glance it looks like a handheld console. But once you start using it, you realise this thing is something entirely different: a full Windows gaming PC squeezed into a handheld device. <\/p>\n

And yes, it\u2019s as cool as it sounds. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one to play over the holidays and I absolutely loved it.<\/p>\n

\"Unboxing
In a small package, you get everything you need to get going with your new handheld console. (Photo: TechAU)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First impressions and setup<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re expecting to simply power on the ROG Xbox Ally X and instantly start playing games like a traditional console, you might need a little patience; something I\u2019m not great at.<\/p>\n

The first setup process is very similar to setting up a brand new Windows PC. Let\u2019s face it, that\u2019s essentially what the ROG Xbox Ally X is. You\u2019ll go through signing into your account, installing updates, and getting everything ready before you can jump into gaming.<\/p>\n

\"Setting
It might take a while to get started, so make sure you set aside the time. (Photo: TechAU)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It takes a little while, but once you\u2019re in, everything opens up.<\/p>\n

I knew I\u2019d be travelling and wanted to play offline, so the first thing I did was download a game. I went with Hollow Knight: Silksong. Partly because it\u2019s an incredible game, and partly because it\u2019s always great to support Aussie indie developers.<\/p>\n

\"Screen
There are lots of games to download as you have access to the Xbox ecosystem. (Photo: TechAU)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A screen that looks incredible<\/h2>\n

The first thing that really stands out is the display on the ROG Xbox Ally X.<\/p>\n

The Ally X features a 7-inch Full HD (1920\u00d71080) IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 500 nits of brightness, and honestly it looks fantastic. The screen is liquid-clear and simply beautiful to look at. Colours pop, motion is smooth, and games look fantastic on the small panel.<\/p>\n

Playing something like Hollow Knight on this screen feels perfect. The art style looks crisp and vibrant, and gameplay was smooth. I also tried out Forza Horizon since it pushes the refresh rate with the fast car motion, and it looked great. <\/p>\n

For a handheld device, it\u2019s genuinely impressive.<\/p>\n

A handheld\u2026 that\u2019s actually a full PC<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s where the ROG Xbox Ally X gets interesting.<\/p>\n

Unlike a traditional console, this device runs Windows 11, which means you\u2019re effectively holding a fully functional PC in your hands. You can:<\/p>\n