ROG Xbox Companion Handheld gaming has come a long way, from the simple Game Boy to pocket-sized devices that can rival full-sized consoles. ASUS is taking it up a notch with its recently launched ROG Xbox Ally series in India. Ally The idea is simple: make familiar controls feel comfortable, even during hours of gameplay.
At first glance, the Ellie X impresses with its attractive design, vibrant display, and promise of speed and accuracy. But beyond the specifications, the real question is how does it perform in real-world gaming? I’ve spent the last two weeks celebrating the launch of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, which is priced at Rs. 1,14,990, at your own pace. Here’s what stood out and what didn’t while gaming on the go.
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ROG Xbox Ally
At first glance, the ROG Ellie Spend a few minutes with it, however, and something will click. The device doesn’t just adopt the Xbox name for branding purposes – it clearly borrows the experience, too. In hand, it looks like a familiar Xbox controller with a screen growing in the middle, and that familiarity works strongly in its favor.
The shape, bend and grip feel immediately comfortable. ASUS nailed the ergonomics here. The handles are thick but well-sized, and the textured back surface keeps the device stable even during long gaming sessions. On paper, the Ellie X looks heavy, but in use, the weight is so well balanced that it never feels awkward or fatiguing. It’s the kind of comfort you stop paying attention to because nothing ever feels “unpleasant.”
ASUS also made some smart usability changes. You get two USB-C ports on the top, one of which supports high-speed connection for external storage or accessories. This flexibility matters more than you might think on a handheld PC. The triggers now have their own vibration motors, making the effects feel more localized. It’s subtle, but once you notice it in racing or action games, it adds a nice layer of immersion.
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However, the button layout isn’t entirely intuitive. The extra buttons are awkwardly rearranged around the screen, and muscle memory takes a hit early on. During the first few days, I constantly opened menus instead of pausing the game. You adjust over time, but switching between different handhelds can bring that confusion back.
The dedicated Xbox button is a welcome addition. A tap opens the game overlay, while a long press brings up multitasking options. It’s responsive, well placed and quickly becomes second nature.
The thumbsticks are excellent. They are smooth, strong and provide just the right amount of resistance for precise control. Even without the advanced stick technology, they feel premium and reliable. The bumpers are equally satisfying, big, attractive and reassuring under the fingers, although it can feel a little awkward to reach them when your fingers are resting on the triggers.
As for the triggers, they are wide and comfortable but a little too light. Racing games still play well, but could benefit from better throttle control and more resistance. Vibration in the triggers is present, although mild, and the main rattle feels weak for a device of this size.
The rear buttons remain the weakest point. They are stiff and hard to reach because your hands are wrapped around the grip. A new design here would go a long way.
Despite a few missteps, the ROG Xbox Ally It’s not perfect, but when it gets things right, especially the comfort and thumbstick feel, it’s really a pleasure to use.
ROG Xbox Companion
Setting up the ROG Xbox Ally Turn it on, and you’ll have to wait a bit before you can get inside the familiar Windows setup, language selection, system updates, and Xbox’s new full-screen mode. The interface aims to feel console-like, but closely mirrors the Xbox app you’ll find on a regular PC. I couldn’t help but wish that ASUS had put more emphasis on doing something more in line with the Ele X, the way the Steam Deck made its mark.
Navigation is mostly straightforward, although the experience isn’t always intuitive. During my time with the device, the interface would occasionally slow down or freeze, especially when opening the Microsoft Store or Game Pass. This didn’t happen constantly, but often enough to be noticeable.
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The main menu highlights three ways to play: Game Pass, your owned library, and cloud gaming. Game Pass remains the main attraction, although access to better titles now requires a higher tier subscription. Downloads are limited to Game Pass Game and Play Anywhere titles, which let you buy once and play on Xbox and Windows. It’s a smart system, but it still doesn’t match the freedom of carrying your entire library everywhere.
Where Elle X really shines is flexibility. A dedicated Xbox button lets you jump between Xbox, Steam, and the Epic launcher. As someone who enjoys jumping between platforms, that freedom really adds value and makes the Ally
ROG Xbox One X review: Hardware, specs, and real-world gaming experience
Hardware is often the deciding factor when buying a gaming handheld, and the ROG Xbox Ally At the heart of the device is AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which builds on the features of the earlier Z1 Extreme. The improvement isn’t dramatic on paper, but in daily use, it feels more efficient and a bit more capable, especially during long gaming sessions. Paired with Radeon 890M graphics, Ally
The hardware support around the chip is equally impressive. ASUS Ally Storage also gets a worthwhile upgrade. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD is not only fast but also uses the standard 2280 form factor. That small change makes a big difference, because unlike the previous model’s awkward 2230 drive, upgrading storage later is now simple and affordable.
However, actual gaming performance is a mixed bag. Fast-paced titles like Doom: The Dark Ages run exceptionally well, providing fluid action that feels very gratifying when handheld. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was another standout, maintaining a steady frame rate that pulled me into its world more than I expected from a portable device. P’s Lie also impressed, overcoming brief loading issues to prove that Ellie X can handle demanding, combat-focused games with aplomb.
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That said, not every title shines. Expedition 33 and Avod suffered from stuttering and frame drops, which directly affected the timing and responsiveness of gameplay. These moments can be frustrating, especially in games where accuracy matters.
On the other hand, cloud gaming also adds flexibility. With a stable internet connection, streaming games like Borderlands 4 work well and help bypass library limitations, provided the title supports cloud play. In short, the ROG Xbox Alley
ROG Xbox One X review: Battery life
The battery life of the ROG Xbox Ally Demanding, high-end games drain power quickly, while lighter titles are far more forgiving. The handheld has an 80Wh battery, which is ample for its size. In regular use, it provides about two hours of stable gaming, which seems reasonable for this class. Switch to indie games, emulators or 2D titles in silent mode and this figure can rise to around three and a half hours. Based on my experience, I would say it is quite reliable for travelling, especially considering the easy access to charging.
final call:
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Its Xbox-inspired design, well-balanced ergonomics and precise thumbsticks make long gaming sessions truly enjoyable. The powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, Radeon 890M graphics and 24GB of RAM ensure that most modern titles run smoothly, while Game Pass and cloud gaming expand access to an impressive library. Customizable controls and dual USB-C ports add practical versatility.
That said, it’s not flawless. The buttons on the back feel awkward, the triggers are a little light, and occasional interface lag reminds you that this is a handheld PC first. Battery life, while good, won’t last a whole day during heavy gaming.
But Rs 1,14,990, it’s expensive but reasonable for those who want console-level performance in a portable form. If you prioritize comfort, strength, and flexibility when traveling, the Ellie X is worth it. Casual gamers or those looking for a fully polished handheld will want to weigh its price against its minor features.
