Handheld gaming is having a moment, but the base ROG Xbox Ally feels a step behind where it matters most: performance for the price. On paper, its Ryzen Z2 chip sounds fresh. In practice, it’s built on older Zen 2 architecture—the same generation that’s been powering the Steam Deck for years. That shows up in real-world play: modern PC titles are a struggle, and at a $599 asking price, the value proposition just doesn’t add up.
If you’re weighing options, there’s a clear comparison point. The Lenovo Legion Go S pairs a Ryzen 2 Go processor based on at least Zen 3+, delivering noticeably faster performance, and it’s already available in Germany for €449. When a competing handheld is both quicker and cheaper, the base Ally becomes a tough sell for anyone who wants to play current games smoothly.
So who is the base model for? It can make sense for handheld fans who prioritize comfort and plan to stick with retro games or emulation. For that use case, its capabilities are sufficient, and the premium feel of a dedicated handheld PC still shines. But for players chasing demanding modern releases, it’s hard to recommend.
By contrast, the ROG Xbox Ally X is far easier to endorse for mainstream buyers who care about performance. If your goal is to run newer titles with fewer compromises, that’s the safer path.
The bottom line is simple: at $599, the base ROG Xbox Ally needs a price cut to be competitive. If you’re interested, wait for a sale—or consider alternatives that offer newer architecture and better performance-per-dollar. For a deeper dive into the new base handheld, check out our full review of the ROG Xbox Ally.
