ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Review: The New Steam Deck?

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Review: The New Steam Deck?

https://retrohandhelds.gg/asus-rog-xbox-ally-review/

Let’s be real: if you’re spending $600 on a handheld, you better feel like you’re holding the future—or at least a really comfy Xbox controller with a screen.

Enter the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. It’s chunky, it’s pricey, and it doesn’t outgun the Steam Deck OLED or AYN Loki. But here’s the twist: it feels amazing in your hands. Big, meaty grips? Textured triggers? A design that actually mimics an Xbox controller? Yes. For gamers who hate squinting at tiny sticks or wrist-cramping ergonomics, this is the handheld equivalent of a warm blanket after a long day.

Performance? Solid for indie gems and older AAA titles—Forza Horizon 4 at 900p? Smooth. Forza Horizon 5? Gotta drop to 720p. It’s not a beast, but it doesn’t need to be. The real win is Windows + Xbox Full-Screen Experience (still a bit buggy, but improving) and the fact that you can swap out the SSD like it’s a snack.

Competition? The Steam Deck OLED is sharper and more powerful. The Lenovo Legion Go S gives you the same chip for less. But if comfort is king? The Ally wears the crown.

Bottom line: Buy it if you love Xbox vibes and want a plush handheld. Not if you’re chasing raw power. Your AYN Loki is still the smarter buy… unless you just really, really like big buttons.