Xbox has introduced its new handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus. During Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to try the Xbox Ally X and play Gears of War: Reloaded.
The Xbox Ally X felt similar in weight to a Steam Deck but featured ergonomic hand grips designed like an Xbox controller, making it notably comfortable to hold. Unlike the Steam Deck, which can cause hand stiffness after extended use, the Ally X offered a more natural grip that felt good from the start.
Playing Gears of War: Reloaded on the Ally X was smooth and responsive. While the visual quality between the standard Xbox Ally and the Ally X was similar, my gameplay improved slightly on the Ally X, likely aided by its comfort and form factor.
Due to restrictions, I was unable to explore the device’s interface, app integration, or game libraries beyond the demonstration. However, the comfort and design of the Ally X make it a compelling option for portable Xbox gaming. It joins other handhelds like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and PS Portal as a preferred choice for on-the-go play, though more testing will be needed to evaluate its long-term performance and UI experience.