The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has excellent ergonomics thanks to controller-style grips, and Microsoft's handheld-focused Xbox experience is far better than using the Windows 11 desktop.

These are high-power, high-performance handhelds—but steep pricing and a cluttered UI hold Xbox’s first portables back from greatness.

Hardware, Performance, and Ergonomics The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and its AI Z2 Extreme chip didn't impress us as much as the Z1 Extreme did when it came out, because the gains at 18 W and above aren't enough to call the Z2E a generational upgrade over its predecessor, if you ask us.

While Microsoft’s first real foray into PC gaming handhelds isn’t upending the status quo and it’s way too early to say if this gadget will save Xbox as a whole, it is bringing some notable advancements.

The first-ever Xbox handheld is here, and it vastly improves Windows 11 gaming

The best version of Windows on a handheld, let down by bugs and iffy hardware

The way forward for PC gaming on Windows

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is the definitive Windows handheld to buy right now. It's fast, comfortable and provides a great gaming experience thanks to its Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, a slick 7-inch 120Hz screen and lovely ergonomics with a contoured finish.

This is the gaming PC to buy if you want one. It’s also a brilliant way to get into PC gaming if you’ve never played PC games before. If you don’t know that you need an Xbox Ally X immediately after seeing it then I would suggest you spend some time digging into your other options.

Excellent hardware with impressive game performance, even if the Xbox software still needs a little work