ROG Xbox Ally X Unboxing, Setup, Comparison and Overview

Summary

Aaron from Zolotete presents a detailed unboxing and review of the ROG Xbox Ally X, a collaboration between ROG and Microsoft. Starting at $999, the device features a 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD setup, alongside impressive specs like a 120Hz 7-inch display and AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor. The video covers setup, performance tests (with games like Battlefield 6 and Forza Horizon 5), and a comparison with other gaming handhelds. Aaron also shares insights on battery life, updates, and the integration of Xbox Game Pass. Despite some setup frustrations, the ROG Xbox Ally X impresses with its performance and portability, offering a unique gaming PC experience on the go.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ROG Xbox Alli X is a collaboration between Microsoft and ROG, priced at $999 for the 24GB RAM and 1TB storage version, with a base model priced at $599 featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
• 📦 The unboxing reveals an included stand, charger, and warranty documents. The charger is a 65W USB-C, which is compatible with other devices as well.
• 💻 The ROG Xbox Alli X is a portable gaming device with a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, and supports AMD FreeSync Premium.
• 🔧 It is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB SSD, providing high-performance capabilities for gaming on the go.
• 🎮 The device features impulse triggers similar to Xbox controllers, with an Xbox button, ROG button, D-pad, and USB 4 ports for expanded connectivity.
• 🎮 Comparing it to other devices, the ROG Xbox Alli X is larger than the PlayStation Portal but smaller than the Switch 2, and it offers more robust hardware and performance.
• 🔋 The battery size varies depending on the model. The Alli X has an 80Wh battery, while the base model has a 60Wh battery. The Alli X weighs 715 grams, and the base weighs 670 grams.
• 🖥️ Setup includes Windows, with necessary updates from multiple sources (Xbox, Armory Crate, and Windows), which may be time-consuming for the user.
• 🕹️ Despite being a Windows-based device, the Xbox experience is present, allowing users to play Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and cloud games like Forza Horizon 5 and Battlefield 6.
• 🎧 Audio performance is decent with speakers reaching up to 90 dB at full volume, providing an enjoyable gaming sound experience, although not extraordinary.
• 🔄 The device offers various gaming modes (Turbo, Performance) and is customizable, with users able to install apps like Steam and EA Play for more gaming options.
• 💡 Overall, while the ROG Xbox Alli X is great for portable PC gaming, the multi-layered update and setup process could be streamlined for a more seamless user experience.

Q & A

What is the ROG Xbox Alli X, and how does it compare to its base model?

The ROG Xbox Alli X is a gaming handheld device created through a partnership between ROG and Microsoft. It comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. In comparison, the base model, the ROG Xbox Alli, has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and costs $599 compared to the Alli X's $999 price tag.

What accessories are included in the ROG Xbox Alli X box?

The box includes the ROG Xbox Alli X device, a stand (which is made of cardboard), paperwork with warranty information, and a 65-watt USB-C charger.

What are the main specifications of the ROG Xbox Alli X?

The ROG Xbox Alli X is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X8000 RAM, a 1TB M.2 SSD, and features a 7-inch 1080p HD IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a USB 4 port, a headphone jack, and includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus for durability.

How does the ROG Xbox Alli X compare in size to other devices like the PlayStation Portal and the Switch 2?

The ROG Xbox Alli X is larger and more powerful than both the PlayStation Portal and the Switch 2. It has a bigger screen than the PlayStation Portal, which is mainly a streaming device. The Switch 2 also has a larger screen, but the Alli X is more powerful and boasts superior internal hardware.

What unique features does the ROG Xbox Alli X offer in terms of controls?

The ROG Xbox Alli X offers impulse triggers similar to those found on Xbox controllers. Additionally, it has analog sticks, a D-pad, an Xbox button, an ROG button, volume controls, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and customizable buttons on the back, as well as vents for cooling.

Why is the Windows setup experience on the ROG Xbox Alli X considered unusual?

The ROG Xbox Alli X boots into Windows rather than an Xbox-specific setup, which is unexpected for a gaming handheld. The user is prompted to go through the usual Windows setup process, including setting up a Microsoft account, connecting to Wi-Fi, and installing updates, making it feel more like setting up a new PC than a gaming device.

What are some of the challenges faced during the initial setup of the ROG Xbox Alli X?

During the initial setup, users have to go through multiple updates from Xbox, ROG, and Windows, which can be time-consuming and confusing. The experience feels fragmented due to the need to manage updates from different platforms, which is not ideal for casual gamers.

What is the performance like when running games like Battlefield 6 and Forza Horizon 5?

Performance on the ROG Xbox Alli X is generally good. Battlefield 6 runs smoothly at 720p, though it performs slightly slower at 1080p. Forza Horizon 5 also runs smoothly with most settings on high, providing a decent gaming experience. However, some games like City Skylines may experience minor lag as the complexity of the game world increases.

What is the battery capacity of the ROG Xbox Alli X, and how does it compare to the base model?

The ROG Xbox Alli X comes with an 80Wh battery, whereas the base model has a 60Wh battery. The larger battery in the Alli X contributes to its increased weight (715 grams versus 670 grams for the base model), allowing for longer play sessions.

What are the potential downsides of the ROG Xbox Alli X based on the review?

One major downside is the fragmented update experience. Users need to manage updates across Xbox, Armory Crate, and Windows, which can be cumbersome. Additionally, the device feels more like a PC than a console, which may not be ideal for casual gamers looking for a straightforward, hassle-free setup and usage experience.