The ROG Xbox Ally brings Xbox games, PC libraries, and cloud play into a single handheld experience.
By Jon Scarr
Picking up a new ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X can feel a little overwhelming at first. It looks like a handheld console, but underneath it is a full Windows PC with Xbox layered on top. That combination is what makes the device so flexible, but it also means there are a few things worth setting up before you dive too deep into your game library.
This guide walks through the essentials. Nothing advanced, nothing experimental. Just the things that help you get comfortable with the Xbox Ally quickly and avoid frustration later.
First-Time Setup Tips
If you are setting up your Xbox Ally for the first time, take your time during the initial setup. One step that is easy to skip but worth doing is setting up the fingerprint reader. Unlocking the device with a quick touch is faster than typing a password and feels especially useful on a handheld.
Once setup is complete, the Xbox Ally boots into a full screen Xbox experience designed for handheld play. It keeps things simple at first, while still giving you access to Windows underneath when you need it.
If you ever want a step-by-step walkthrough, Xbox Support has a detailed setup guide, but most people will be up and running within minutes.
Getting Comfortable With the Interface
The Xbox Ally gives you several ways to navigate. You can use the d-pad, thumbsticks, face buttons, or the touchscreen, depending on what feels most natural.
Pressing the Xbox button opens Game Bar, which is the hub for settings, shortcuts, and system tools. From here, you can adjust performance settings, check notifications, or switch between apps.
Swiping from the edge of the screen or long-pressing certain buttons brings up the Task Switcher, making it easy to move between games, launchers, and apps without feeling like you are fighting the interface.
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| The Xbox Ally’s library makes it easy to browse installed games, Game Pass titles, and cloud-playable options in one place. |
Command Center and Armoury Crate SE
Command Center is built directly into the Xbox Ally experience and gives you quick access to performance controls, power profiles, and system toggles while you are in a game.
For deeper customization, Armoury Crate SE is where most advanced settings live. From here, you can adjust button mapping, lighting, and performance profiles. You do not need to change everything right away. It is often better to start with the defaults and tweak things gradually as you learn what you prefer.
Finding and Playing Games
Pressing the dedicated Library button brings up your game collection. This includes games you own, titles available through Game Pass, and games playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is especially useful on the Ally when you want to save storage space or jump into something quickly without installing it first. It is not a replacement for local installs, but it works well as an option alongside them.
You can also add games from other PC storefronts like Steam or Epic Games. Once installed, those launchers and games can appear alongside your Xbox titles, keeping everything in one place.
Playing Offline and On the Go
One of the advantages of a handheld is playing away from Wi-Fi. Most single-player games work well offline, but it is a good idea to test them before you travel.
Make sure games are fully updated, any required sign-ins are completed, and cloud saves have synced. If you are flying, switching to airplane mode can help conserve battery and avoid interruptions.
Making the Xbox Ally Your Own
The Xbox Ally supports a wide range of accessibility features carried over from Xbox consoles and Windows. These include visual options, input adjustments, and button remapping. Many of these settings can be found in system settings or within Armoury Crate SE.
You can also pair external controllers just like you would on a PC. This works well if you want to prop the Ally up on a stand and play from a distance.
Docking the Xbox Ally to a TV or monitor is another option. Connecting via USB-C lets you switch from handheld play to a larger screen when you are at home, without changing how your games are managed.
The joystick ring lights are a small detail, but worth mentioning. You can adjust or turn them off entirely if you prefer a darker setup, especially when playing in low light.
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| ASUS Command Center lets you adjust performance modes, controls, and profiles to match how and where you play. |
Keeping Everything Up to Date
The Xbox Ally continues to improve through updates from both Windows and ASUS. Checking for updates occasionally helps keep performance smooth and avoids issues later.
Windows updates can be found through system settings, while Armoury Crate SE has its own update center. You do not need to check constantly, but it is worth looking once in a while.
Settling In
The ROG Xbox Ally is at its best once it fades into the background and lets you focus on playing. Whether you are streaming a game through the cloud, installing something locally, or jumping between screens, the flexibility is the point.
Give yourself some time to get comfortable with it. Small adjustments go a long way, and once things are set up the way you like, the Xbox Ally becomes an easy device to pick up and play.