ROG Xbox Ally X review: how it compares with the original Ally X

The ROG Xbox Ally X looks like a game-dependent upgrade over the original ROG Ally X: one owner recorded higher 1080p frame rates in five of six comparisons, with a tie in the sixth. In his year-later assessment, Jez Corden recommends it for people who expect to use it often, while flagging the friction of Windows on a handheld.

What one owner’s 1080p comparison found

A single owner compared both handhelds on battery, at native 1080p resolution, with the same settings and no frame generation or other enhancements. The Reddit comparison reports these results:

The Xbox Ally X posted higher readings in all three Final Fantasy VII Rebirth comparisons and in Final Fantasy XV at 25W and 22W. At 17W in Final Fantasy XV, the two models tied. The result varies by game and power setting, so this single owner test is a useful comparison, not a universal performance verdict.

Game performance and battery life depend on settings

Jez Corden reported 40 to 60 FPS at 1080p in many games using Performance or Turbo modes. In the heaviest AAA games, he described roughly 30 FPS at 35W Turbo, with frame rates reaching up to 60 FPS when he lowered graphics settings. These are his observations from particular games and settings.

Battery life also changed sharply with workload. Corden reported 4 to 5 hours for 2D games at 13W Silent, 2 to 3 hours for a more intensive game at 17W Performance, and about one hour in Turbo. If you prioritize longer sessions, his results favor lighter games and lower-power modes; demanding play at Turbo calls for frequent access to a charger.

Windows 11 and FSR 4.1 bring flexibility with friction

Windows 11 gives the handheld access to PC launchers and compatible peripherals, but Corden says some basic Windows tasks still require a mouse. When docked, he reports that controller focus can drop, and that recovering it may require tapping the touchscreen. He has also used the Ally X as an emergency work machine, though those navigation issues make it less convenient for some desktop tasks.

Corden says FSR 4.1 was in beta testing on the Ally X at the time of his review. He reports improved image quality and more usable performance-focused upscaling, citing Darktide and Control Resonant as beneficiaries. Ray-tracing-heavy Silent Hill 2 still struggled in his account.

The five-month review by 128KB discusses ergonomics, the Xbox Full Screen Experience, Windows desktop use, battery, and game performance.

Corden says his unit remained solid after frequent use, although paint had begun to wear on some buttons. He also mentions online thumbstick complaints. Owner accounts vary, with some reporting trouble-free use and others describing stick replacements in a Reddit discussion.

Price and who should upgrade

Xbox Wire announced a US estimated retail price of $999.99 on September 25, 2025. Corden’s recommendation depends on frequent use: the performance flexibility and lower-power options make a stronger case for someone who will play regularly than for an occasional user. The launch price is a historical US figure, not a current retailer quote.

If you already own the original ROG Ally X, the comparison offers no across-the-board performance gain: the difference changes with the game and power setting. The ROG Xbox Ally X is a more plausible choice for frequent players who value its reported performance options and can live with Windows navigation that sometimes calls for touch or a mouse.