When something groundbreaking comes out, the market is always set to ignite. However, UMPCs haven't quite delivered that comet-like impact despite the expectations. Rather, they've maintained a quiet, enduring success. It seems like everyone who would buy it has already bought it, but every time a new product comes out, it performs well, indicating that there are many people like me. "Oh, it's better than I thought? I should buy it when a new product comes out."

If the design becomes a little sleeker, if the battery or heat management improves just a little more, if it becomes just a little lighter, if it becomes more enjoyable to use in an FHD environment. These are my wishes that I have been looking forward to for years, but as the second-generation products are gradually emerging, I still feel disappointed because I haven't seen any products that satisfy these desires. Maybe if I had bought one of the first-generation UMPCs when they first came out, I could’ve learned to live with their flaws.

A product that stands out with its appearance alone in the somewhat stagnant UMPC market has been released. It is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, affectionately known as the Xally. The product is released in two versions: a regular version and an X version, with the X version offering better physical performance.

Product Information
A portable Xbox + Windows-based UMPC created in collaboration with MS

■ ROG Xbox Ally

ROG Xbox Ally

Processor :
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor 2.8GHz (6 MB Cache , up to 3.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads
GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
Operating power: 5-15W
Display: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS-grade glossy touchscreen
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Other display information: sRGB: 100% / Adobe: 75.35% / Gorilla Glass DXC / Gorilla Glass Victus / Screen brightness 10nits~500nits / AMD FreeSync Premium
Memory: 16GB LPDDR5-6400 Dual Channel memory on board, 4GB VRAM allocated
Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (2280)
I/O Ports: 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack / 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery 3.0 / 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC)
Audio: AI noise cancellation technology / Hi-Res certified (for headphones) / Dolby Atmos / Built-in array microphone / Two speakers with smart amp technology
Wireless technology: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.2
Battery: 60Wh, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Power Supply: Type-C, 65W AC Adapter / Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W / Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal
Weight and size: 670g / 29.0 x 12.1 x 2.75 ~ 5.09 (cm)
Price: 799,000 won (as of October 16, 2025, ASUS official website)

■ ROG Xbox Ally X

ROG Xbox Ally X
Processor :
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor 2.0GHz (24 MB Cache , Up to 5.0GHz, 8 Core, 16 Threads) AMD XDNA NPU Up to 50 TOPS
GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
Operating Power: 7-35W
Display: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS-grade glossy touchscreen
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Other display information: sRGB: 100% / Adobe: 75.35% / Gorilla Glass DXC / Gorilla Glass Victus / Screen brightness 10nits~500nits / AMD FreeSync Premium
Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 Dual Channel memory on board, default 8GB VRAM allocation
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (2280)
I/O Ports: 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack / 1x USB4 with DisplayPort 2.1, Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible / 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery 3.0 / 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC, UHS-I with DDR200 mode)
Audio: AI noise cancellation technology / Hi-Res certified (for headphones) / Dolby Atmos / Built-in array microphone / Two speakers with smart amp technology
Wireless technology: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.2
Battery: 80Wh, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Power Supply: Type-C, 65W AC Adapter / Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W / Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal
Weight and size: 715g / 29.0 x 12.1 x 2.75 ~ 5.09 (cm)
Additional Features: L & R Hall Effect analog Impulse Triggers
Price: 1,299,000 won (as of October 16, 2025, ASUS official website)

※ Content different from the general version is marked in blue

Following the release of ASUS ROG Ally X in 2024, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are UMPCs equipped with AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, respectively. The ROG Xbox Ally focuses on a lifestyle gaming environment, while the ROG Xbox Ally X focuses on a next-generation gaming environment with powerful AI performance. In this review, we tried the ROG Xbox Ally X.

The biggest feature is that the product name includes Xbox, so to the question "Oh, so it's an Xbox-only UMPC?" you can say half right and half wrong. It is optimized for the Xbox platform, but since the base itself is a Windows platform, you can enjoy games through major game stores such as Steam, Battle.net, and Epic Games.

It is true that the latest processors are applied and show good performance among the latest UMPCs, but it is difficult to expect a performance upgrade that can handle all the games that are difficult to play on existing UMPCs. Low-spec games or well-optimized games can be played more stably, and in the case of AAA games, some level of optimization compromise is still necessary to play.

As a high-spec UMPC, it has ample memory and storage space. With 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, it falls into the mid-to-high range even for a regular PC. Cooling performance is another highlight, as it supports proprietary Intelligent Cooling, featuring a zero-gravity heat control system that allows the device to maintain cooling performance even when flipped.

The display was surprisingly praised by my coworkers who touched the product, including me. At first, I was unsure if it was an OLED model due to the excellent screen quality. The audio was also impressive, with a clear and high-quality sound even at low volume levels during testing.

Lastly, only the ROG Xbox Ally X supports impulse triggers. I wouldn't choose a product just for this feature, but there are gamers who are really satisfied with it, so if you want to experience that feature, you have no choice but to choose the X version.

▲ (left) ROG Xbox Ally / (right) ROG Xbox Ally X Product Main Specs Image

Product photo
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X

▲ I've unboxed a variety of products, but the UMPC is the one that gets my heart racing. It's like opening a brand new gaming console

▲ Nicely packaged ROG Xbox Ally X

▲ The product consists of the UMPC main unit, an adapter, a user manual, and a stand that can easily hold the product.

▲ Its appearance was a mixed bag, but it wasn't bad by my standards

▲ Bottom side on user’s point of view

▲ There is a lot of space because the grip is attached

▲ It looks like this from the side

▲ The grip itself isn't bad when you hold it. It doesn't feel full, so it's not satisfying

▲ Top side of the product looks like this

▲ (from left) Power button, 3.5mm audio combo jack, micro SD Card Slot, volume buttons, and USB port

▲ On the back side, there are huge vent and two additional buttons

▲ Size comparison with a smartphone. The comparison product is the iPhone 13 Pro

▲ When you turn on the product, the ASUS ROG logo and the MS logo will appear together

▲ It's also pretty to have LEDs on the left and right thumbsticks

▲ Let's take a closer look at the product

▲ It was convenient to access the product performance control tab with just one button

▲ The Xbox platform's full-screen UI

▲ I can easily access major gaming platforms, including Xbox

▲ Through the integrated gaming library, you can easily access the games that you’re playing

▲ You can switch to the game you're playing with the left button

▲ It was more comfortable to handle and play since the platform page counts as a separate app

▲ UI of the Steam platform

▲ Even though this wouldn’t be a common way to play...

Experience Review

The latest UMPC proposed by ASUS

The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X have a separate Xbox UI, supporting the Xbox platform's full-screen experience. Key features optimized for Xbox include the ability to link saved information, games, and Achievements across Xbox consoles, PCs, and this UMPC without additional costs through 'Xbox Play Anywhere.'

ASUS, which is at the forefront of the UMPC market, has a solid internal software system, especially the UI. I downloaded various games from Battle.net, Steam, and the MS Store for gameplay, and it supports a convenient UI through an integrated gaming library that allows you to view them in one place. Though it was somewhat inconvenient for me to test and explain, but from the perspective of a general Player, I think it is a really convenient feature that improves the UMPC's user experience.

The Windows Performance Fit Indicator was also interesting. You can check if the game can be played sufficiently on the device, and you can see the label on the UI. If there is a ‘excellently playable’ mark, that means you can enjoy the game with an average of 60 FPS in-game, and if it says ‘well playable,'you can expect to enjoy the game with an average of 30 FPS.

As mentioned earlier, the gaming experience did not offer the remarkable performance improvement over the previous generation to be considered a next-generation device. While it is true that the performance has improved, it is not to the extent that games previously unplayable on UMPCs are now running smoothly.

However, the satisfying part was that the heat while using it was relatively low due to the upgrade of the cooling system. Additionally, since it is inevitable that it will vary depending on usage habits, settings, and play style, it is a bit cautious, but the battery life is also expected to record a significant amount of time compared to the existing product.

▲ The grip itself wasn't too bad

The product feels heavy because the first digit is 7.Especially all the female gamers who were asked to experience the product expressed that it is heavy. However, if you set aside the weight, it feels comfortable in your hands as it is a grip-type UMPC that has not been seen before. The physical grip itself is not bad, but it is a bit difficult to express the satisfaction of holding it because the inside feels hollow.

This is a review related to the grip of a colleague who mainly plays console games, and he expressed that the position of the trigger is not good. Although it may vary depending on the person's physical condition and play style, it is not common anyway.

▲ Comparison Image with the Steam Deck

▲ It's definitely more three-dimensional than the Steam Deck. That's why the grip itself was much better on the ROG Xbox Ally X

▲ As soon as I saw the product, I thought I should definitely play this game. 'Hollow Knight'

▲ The game's unique smoothness and atmosphere enhance the sense of immersion

▲ The First Berserker: Khazan' was a bit of a strain. I tried playing it low graphics setting.

▲ The specifications are already impressive, but I turned on 'DAVE THE DIVER' to see what the graphics would be like.

▲ The details on the screen are different

▲ In the case of 'Monster Hunter Wilds', it felt heavier than Khazan

▲ I was also looking forward to playing on FHD.

▲ I raised the HD + graphics options a bit because I thought it was a bit too much for Raid.

In conclusion
Highly recommended for first-time buyers! If you're upgrading, maybe not so much...

If the design is a little prettier, if the battery or heat is a little better, if it's a little lighter, if it performs a little better in an FHD environment. These were the conditions I mentioned in the introduction that would make me buy an UMPC. Honestly, the ROG Xbox Ally X doesn't meet all the criteria I mentioned, but the unexpected payoff is that it "really feels like a gaming device."

Most of the UMPC-specific UIs I've seen so far weren't my taste. It might be because the competition is the Steam Deck, but I've often felt that something is too sloppy. Even though I haven't had direct experience with it, but I've indirectly encountered unpleasant experiences through highly involved users. This ROG Xbox Ally X seems to be a product that emphasizes a user-friendly UI that says, "You just play games. We'll take care of the rest," over improved physical performance.

However, since the performance, weight, and price are all high, I'm slightly more curious about the regular ROG Xbox Ally rather than the X version. That comes with white too. Of course, it might be a bit disappointing in terms of performance.

The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X are highly recommended products for gamers who have been waiting for the latest UMPC release. However, if you currently own an UMPC and are expecting a physical upgrade, you might need to wait a bit longer. The overwhelmingly abundant memory and SSD align with the physical specifications, but to play high-end games comfortably on the UMPC, it seems you'll need to wait for another generation.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.