Today’s niche gamers see handheld gaming not as a compromised mobile gadget, but as a primary gaming device that must balance ergonomic comfort for long sessions with the ‘pick-up-and-play’ simplicity of a traditional console. Interest in playing console and PC-level games on portable devices has increased in recent years. According to Counterpoint’s Smart Devices Tracker, the global gaming console market grew 42% YoY in Q3 2025. Meanwhile, the handheld gaming device market has also expanded in recent years, although at a much slower pace. Some forecasts point to continued growth in the global handheld gaming market over the next decade.

In H1 2025, Counterpoint Research conducted a survey among self-identified hardcore gamers which found that relaxation and enjoyment are the main reasons for playing games. When asked about gaming devices, most respondents identified smartphones as their primary platform, followed by laptops or PCs (74%). Around six in 10 also reported playing on gaming consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox, highlighting strong multi-device gaming behaviour. Many gamers said gaming helps them relax and escape daily stress. Improved graphics and better game design were also seen as key factors, as modern games provide more immersive and enjoyable experiences that allow players to unwind for longer.

 Gaming Platforms That Hardcore Gamers Use Most

While the ROG Ally (2023) was a pioneer in the Windows handheld space, the newly launched ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have addressed key user feedback. The devices run on Windows 11 and support games from Steam, the Xbox app, Epic Games, and other platforms. Developed under ASUS’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand in partnership with Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally series integrates the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass and cloud services for the first three months. The primary differences between the two lies in hardware, with the ROG Xbox Ally X offering a more powerful CPU, higher RAM, increased storage, and a larger battery. The Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X memory, up to 1TB SSD storage, a 7-inch FHD 120Hz display, an 80Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, and is priced at $999.

We performed a sentiment analysis of users’ reviews using a scraping-based approach, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5(on asus.com). Early adopters praise the performance, display quality, and build. Many say games run smoothly on the Ally X and the device feels comfortable to hold. Users also value the ability to play PC and Xbox games anywhere, especially while traveling, and often describe the device as a “minicomputer and console in one” that is easy for Xbox players to use. On the downside, some users have noted occasional software issues, such as the keyboard not appearing, minor lags, or difficulty downloading certain games. Other points mentioned include battery life that may be shorter for some and the device’s weight during extended use.

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X features an Xbox-style layout with dual thumb sticks, hall effect triggers, HD haptics, and assignable grip buttons, along with dedicated Armoury Crate and Command Center controls. It delivers laptop-like graphics performance for everyday use and gaming, reaching around 150 FPS in Valorant, 70 FPS in GTA V, about 40 FPS in Elden Ring, 40-70 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, over 60 FPS in Black Myth: Wukong, and 40-80 FPS in Ghost of Tsushima at 1080p. The device also includes a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to support future AI-driven gaming features. ASUS is shifting its R&D focus away from smartphones toward AI and robotics, positioning itself as an AI-first company with a strong emphasis on Edge AI for low-latency and secure gaming experiences.

The ROG Xbox Ally series represents a bold leap forward, proving that the future of Edge AI and portable power is no longer tethered to a desk. By blending PC-like performance with the simplicity of a console, ASUS has created the ultimate companion for the modern, multi-device gamer. As the handheld market evolves, the ASUS Ally series stands out with the company ensuring epic gaming adventures in the palm of your hand.

Unboxing of ASUS ROG Xbox Ally