After nearly two decades of rumors, the long-awaited handheld Xbox has become a reality. The ROG Xbox Ally is officially available worldwide, marking Microsoft’s first true rival to Nintendo and PlayStation’s portable consoles.
Out of the box, the device connects directly to Xbox Game Pass, giving players instant access to hundreds of games. However, its real strength is flexibility — the Ally runs Windows 11, meaning it supports most PC games as long as they’re controller-friendly.
The handheld performs well with modern titles, offering smooth gameplay at solid resolutions. But its price is steep: the base model costs £499, while the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X comes in at £799.
Design-wise, it feels familiar — like holding a compact Xbox controller around a sharp, bright display. While the screen uses LCD instead of OLED, visuals remain impressive, with rich colors and strong contrast, as shown during tests with Persona 5 Royal.
Performance is generally smooth, though some PC-style quirks appear. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 need graphics tweaks for optimal play, and older titles can face compatibility issues. Still, for players willing to tinker, that’s part of the PC gaming charm.
The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t perfect, but it blends console comfort with PC freedom. For gamers seeking portability without losing power, Microsoft’s first handheld finally feels worth the wait.
