Asus launched the ROG Xbox Ally line in October, a gaming laptop that has an advanced version, the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both arrived in Brazil in early December, promising great graphics capability in a device that’s easy to take anywhere.
The two products succeed the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X versions, from a time when there was no partnership with Microsoft yet. The new laptop seeks to integrate the power that characterizes the products of Republic of Gamers, a manufacturer of computers for gamers, and the services of the Windows owner.
The mix between technical capacity and wide range of services is a positive point of the console, ergonomic and easy to use. On the other hand, the prices in Brazil, which are around R$5,000 for the initial version and R$10,000 for the advanced variant, make the experience quite expensive compared to competitors like the Switch 2.
THE Leaf tested the ROG Xbox Ally X, the high-end version of the laptop. Here’s what you need to know about ROG Xbox Ally:
RESOURCES
According to Asus, the standard model has essential features for users, while the X version is aimed at the most demanding, who are looking for high performance.
Microsoft specifies that the console already has a series of branded services, such as Play Anywhere, which allows you to play titles purchased on different platforms. For those who already own an Xbox console, there is an advantage to having the catalog of tabletop video games immediately available on the laptop.
Another feature is Gaming Copilot, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence configured to provide gaming recommendations, both in-game and in settings. Brazilian gamers receive three free months of Xbox Game Pass Premium with the purchase of any device in the range.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
It is undeniable that both laptops are very powerful and rival, in terms of technical capacity, current generation desktop consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X|S. The ROG Xbox Ally, whether in standard or X version, outperforms the Nintendo Switch 2.
The screens are of good quality and very bright, making them easy to use even in very bright environments. It is rare to see crashes, either in games or in the operating system. The speakers are also of good quality and the sound is reproduced without interference.
The ROG Xbox Ally X, tested by Leafit also has two customizable back buttons for each game. The player can include any function they want and change them as they wish. It is an ergonomic device, which does not tire the hands although it is heavier, for example, than the Switch 2.
GAME PLAY
Having a large part of the Xbox catalog available on the laptop is a positive, but there are reservations about the installability. Some games are not yet compatible for installation on ROG Xbox Ally, requiring the player to use a network to run it through Cloud Gaming, a Microsoft service that functions as a streaming service for games.
Running titles through the cloud works well when there’s a good Internet connection, but it limits the portability of the console: many games can only be played in places with a good connection, not in airports or buses, for example.
With an average network, games start to hang, disrupting the user experience. The games that can be installed work well and, especially in version X, can be played at maximum settings without any problems.
USE AS A COMPUTER
The ROG Xbox Ally are portable gaming computers, so they are equipped with Windows 11. This could be a positive point, since it is possible to install other gaming platforms, like Steam or Epic Games. The devices have the native Xbox interface.
It has USB-C and Bluetooth inputs, so you can connect it to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and use it normally as a computer for everyday tasks, such as editing documents, accessing the Internet and working.
PRICE
The ROG Xbox Ally has a suggested price of R$5,998, with stores selling the product for around R$5,000. The ROG Xbox ally
The value is high compared to the main competitors and is the main choice for many gamers: the PlayStation 5 costs between R$3,500 and R$4,000, while the Switch 2 is sold between R$3,500 and R$4,500 and the Xbox Series is sold between R$3,500 for the simpler S version and R$5,000 for the more advanced X variant. All of these consoles offer exclusive games and more compatible titles.
IS IT WORTH IT?
The final impression is that even with a lot of technology and power, the ROG Xbox Ally still struggles due to poor game compatibility. However, the cost/benefit ratio depends mainly on income, then on the type of player who will buy the device.
If the gamer can access desktop consoles and has less budget, it is better to invest in other options. If the consumer is always on the go, has spare cash, and opts for electric, the ROG Xbox Ally is an attractive option.
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