The Xbox Ally X offers powerful handheld gaming, yet early setup issues, software problems, and what I call "jank" show it needs serious refinement before it can shine.A closeup of the ROG Xbox Ally X's D-Pad, Xbox button, and joystick.

AYANEO makes some pretty wild portable gaming devices, and in 2026 it's going to be making its first phone. 15 years on, we're finally getting a spiritual successor to the Sony Xperia Play.AYANEO Pocket Play gaming smartphone

There's no denying that the Xbox Ally X is expensive. If you still want a solid gaming handheld but don't want to pay that much for one, the original ROG Ally is the device to consider, not the Xbox Ally.An ROG Ally with a winking face and a finger pointing to it and a Legion Go with a winking face and a finger pointing to it. Behind them is a wooden table with pine needles, pine cones, holly berries, and holiday lights.

JerryRigEverything's teardown of the ROG Xbox Ally X highlights its plastic construction, making a protective case like dbrand's discounted Killswitch a must-have.dBrand ROG Ally Killswitch Thmbgrip