Xbox Ally X Pros & Cons: Deep Dive into Microsoft’s Premium Handheld Console

The combination of hardware strength and unfinished software creates a mixed yet promising experience for handheld enthusiasts.

Hardware by Tanisha Aria on Nov 07, 2025

Xbox Ally X is a handheld PC gaming device that looks and works like a console. It is based on AMD's Z2 Extreme processor and is meant to compete with the Legion Go and MSI Claw A8.

After a long time of use, its balance of comfort, performance, and software integration stands out, but it's not perfect. Here are the five things that stood out the most and the five things that Ally X doesn't do well.

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Efficiency that Feels Instantly Familiar

Although it has a large frame, the Ally X offers one of the best handheld ergonomic experiences currently available on the market. The grips are well-balanced, and the angled screen keeps the visuals perfectly lined up during long play sessions.

All the buttons and triggers are easily accessible. It feels more like holding an Xbox controller than a mini-PC, which makes it great for console players who want to switch to handheld gaming.

Premium Rumble and Haptic Feedback

Rumble may not seem like a big deal, but it's a great feature of the Ally X. The improved haptic triggers make both racing and shooting games feel more real.

Small tire vibrations or weapon recoil cues make the game more fun without feeling like a gimmick. It has the best vibration feature of any Windows-based handheld so far.

Great Price-to-Performance Ratio

The Ally X is currently the best in its price range in terms of raw performance. It competes closely with more expensive competitors, such as the Legion Go 2, thanks to the AMD Z2 Extreme chip. It is the best-value Z2E device, especially in the UK. Even games with high requirements run well in the 17–20 W range, showing that the handheld is efficient and well-tuned.

Xbox Full-Screen Experience Looks Good

The Xbox Full-Screen Interface, developed by Microsoft, is still in development. Still, it offers a glimpse into what handheld PCs may be like in the future.

The automatic "handheld optimized" game labels, carousel navigation, and resource management are all big improvements to quality of life. When you add advanced shader pre-downloads to games like Gears of War, it makes you think that gaming sessions will be smoother in the future.

AI-Powered Future Potential

The Ally X is the only handheld device that features next-gen AI capabilities, thanks to its integrated AI NPU, which can achieve 50 TOPS.

It promises AI-based upscaling, frame generation, and multitasking that enhance performance. Most of these tools are not yet functional, but adding them now will protect the device from the next wave of gaming technologies.

Xbox, Ally X Pros, Cons, A Deep Dive into Microsoft’s, Premium Handheld Console, NoobFeed

What Xbox Ally X Doesn't Do Well

Unrealized AI Promises

Currently, the same AI NPU isn't in use. There is still no clear timeline for when the promised "automatic super-resolution" and "AI co-pilot" features will be available. This hardware advantage remains theoretical until AMD or Microsoft releases real AI tools.

Rattling and Inconsistent Face Buttons

The loose, rattly face buttons are a letdown for a high-end device. They work fine, but they don't have the same tactile accuracy as other brands. These buttons don't feel very good for the price of the Ally X, especially since even budget controllers are getting better.

No Hall-Effect Joysticks

The Ally X still uses standard potentiometer sticks, which makes it more likely that the joystick will drift over time, unlike competitors like the MSI Claw A8 or Legion Go 2. ASUS's previous partnership with Gulikit made Hall-effect mods available. Still, they should have included this model with the box.

Xbox Full-Screen Experience Still Feels Unfinished

The full-screen interface appears visually appealing, but it also exhibits bugs and is not always reliable. You still have to leave the environment to manage Windows settings, the Microsoft Store, and Armoury Crate separately for system updates. The software is not yet ready for most people, as it occasionally freezes when typing, and the resolution isn't always accurate.

Software Maintenance That Is Hard to Understand

The overall maintenance process seems disjointed, even outside of the interface. There are too many update portals and not enough automation, which makes it feel less like a console. For casual gamers who want things to be easy to set up and play, it's very complicated.

Xbox, Ally X Pros, Cons, A Deep Dive into Microsoft’s, Premium Handheld Console, NoobFeed

Final Decision

The Xbox Series X is very comfortable, very affordable, and a serious option for the future of handheld gaming. However, it also reveals that Microsoft's ecosystem is not yet complete and that ASUS still has hardware issues.

This is a great choice if you prioritize comfort and value for your money. However, early adopters should be prepared for software bugs and AI features that are not yet fully developed.

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