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ROG Xbox Companion
When it comes to unboxing the handheld device, you’re greeted with three things: the console, a charging plug, and a small stand. Given that this is a handheld console designed for use on the go, I was surprised to see that it didn’t include a travel case, especially when you consider the price.
In terms of design, it looks almost identical to the original ROG Ellie For example, key differences include dedicated Xbox buttons and contoured grips, which make it feel more ergonomic. It feels like you’re using a controller with a screen in the middle.
The layout is familiar – two sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, bumpers, triggers, and the usual view and menu keys. There’s also a Command Center button at the top left that opens Asus’ Armory Crate software (more on that later), as well as a Library button that pulls up all your installed games and storefronts into one place.
ROG Xbox Companion
The ROG Xbox Alley This is no surprise, given that this is first and foremost an Xbox handheld, although Steam apps are already on the console. Additional storefronts such as Epic Games, GOG, and EA apps will need to be downloaded separately. I liked that all my libraries could be removed with the press of a button.
Downloads can also be managed just like a Windows PC. But instead of mouse and keyboard, you use a touchscreen and controller. This allowed me to organize the console the way I wanted, like moving games into folders and customizing the taskbar and Start menu. Having said that, the 7-inch screen is small, so moving things around can be difficult, and I often found myself doing things I didn’t intend to, like opening apps and moving things to places I didn’t want to.
The Armory Crate serves as the console’s main control center. This is where you change display modes, adjust resolution and refresh rate, and fine-tune system settings all in one place.
Having not used a handheld PC before, it took me a while to set everything up. But once I got the hang of it and switched to Xbox full-screen mode, downloading and jumping between apps felt seamless.
ROG Xbox One X Games: Games, performance and battery life
As mentioned earlier, the Xbox app comes pre-installed on the machine along with the Microsoft Store and Steam, but you can also download Battle.net, EA apps, Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, and Ubisoft Connect.
The console has three power modes to choose from. Silent mode prioritizes battery life; Performance mode has the best blend of power and efficiency; And Turbo mode pushes the hardware to its limits. Throughout my playthrough, I ran the ROG Xbox One X on Turbo mode with Full HD resolution and no limits on the refresh rate. I played many games from the Xbox app, Microsoft Store, Steam, EA app, and Epic Games Store.
i started final fantasy thirteenth From the Microsoft Store – A very divisive entry in the series and not exactly known for being a great PC port. I was curious to see how it would play out here, so I checked out Xbox Ally.
After this, I streamed forza horizon 5 Via the Xbox app over a 350Mbps WiFi connection. Apart from a slight stutter at the beginning, it ran beautifully at 1080p and 60fps without any major issues.
I also streamed the fast-paced, first-person shooter Doom: Dark AgeThe game ran smoothly, but the resolution looked poor. Even with every setting maxed out, it couldn’t get past 720p. Visually, it looked a lot worse than playing on the Xbox Series S
During this time, Chiaroscuro: Campaign 33 – the indie RPG currently in the running for many game-of-the-year lists – looks far better at 1080p. That said, performance remained around 30fps, even with the refresh rate uncapped in both console and game settings. However, it still looks sharper and more detailed than my Xbox Series S.
Next, I tried border zone 4 through steam. Using the same settings, the frame rate fluctuated significantly in open-world areas compared to my gaming laptop. Then, border zone 4 Not known for its adaptability. Lowering the resolution helped smooth things out a bit, and mods can improve stability even more.
However, the real highlight was when I played destiny 2 Via epic games. This game pushed the ROG Xbox Ally The game was played at 1080p and 120fps. It looked and played great. Neither resolution nor frame rate dropped. I was just amazed at how well it performed.
Next was recently released skate, Which I played through the EA app. Unfortunately, I noticed some texture pop-ins whenever I entered new areas, something I never experienced when playing on my PS5 or gaming laptop.
Finally, I started the first-person parkour classic mirror’s Edge, Even through the EA app. I’ve always loved this game and it’s amazing how well a 17 year old title still plays today. ROG Xbox Ally This game without mods is the best game ever.
One thing deserves attention. When I played such highly demanding games, my battery lasted an average of more than two hours on a single charge. Less intensive titles can push this further, but pushing Ellie X to its limits really drained the battery.