ROG Xbox Ally X review unit provided by Microsoft.

I grew up playing handhelds. I have fond memories of playing Chrono Trigger for the first time on the Nintendo DS, going into a GameStop with money I saved throughout the year to purchase Pokémon Pearl, and even bringing my GameBoy Advance SP during extensive ICU stays in my local hospital. And now, as Nintendo continues to embrace handhelds through its Switch systems, I find myself frequently returning to one of my favorite childhood forms of gaming.

With the release of the ROG Xbox Ally X, I was excited to see how Xbox’s commitment to accessibility would translate to the handheld market. While there are a variety of settings, the overall shape and design left me fatigued, frustrated, and disillusioned with the thought of Xbox entering the handheld market.

What the ROG Xbox Ally Does Right

Before I list my critiques, I want to praise the overall system accessibility of the Ally X. At its core, the device is a Windows computer. It includes all the standard accessibility features found in Windows 11, including screen reader support, speech to text, and even mouse scroll sensitivity. It was refreshing and surprising to find the same Windows accessibility tools I use daily. However, these settings only work when using the PC functionality. Disabled players still need to rely on games to feature their own robust accessibility offerings.

The Ally X also provides its own device settings through the Armoury Crate SE menus. Disabled individuals can customize the tablet controls for both gaming and PC usage, which is fantastic for those who need separate profiles depending on the activity. Further, the Ally X offers Copilot support, as well as the use of four additional controllers. For disabled players like me that lack the ability to use traditional controllers, offering choice is something I consistently praise. Further, because the Ally X is a Windows device, the Xbox Adaptive Controller runs seamlessly. Yet, despite the capability to use different controllers, the overall layout of the Ally X presents its most egregious barrier.

An Inaccessible Device

I’ll be frank – I can’t use the Ally X. I can’t benefit from its Windows operating system, nor can I access my library of Xbox games. Yes, I can use other controllers, but the handheld itself is entirely inaccessible. With my limited reach and atrophied hands, I am unable to even enter menus. This entire review is comprised of notes I took while asking my mother to operate the system because I can’t reach or press most of the buttons. And that’s all because of the inaccessible layout.

The Ally X’s shape and size is perplexing to me. Compared to the Switch 2 with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, it’s relatively the same size. The Ally X is heavier, at 1.5 lbs to the Switch 2’s 1.18 (again, with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached), but the weight wasn’t bothersome, especially since I held the device on my lap. The biggest difference is the fixed control layout compared to the removable Joy-Con 2s. As my disease progressed, I lost the ability to fully flex my hands. If control layouts aren’t close together or customizable like Joy-Cons, I need to switch to adaptive equipment. And not being able to fully utilize a handheld without accessible controllers is, in my opinion, a significant inaccessible barrier.

The Price of Accessibility

My second critique, something I wish more would consider when exploring accessible reviews, is the overall cost. The estimated retail price (ERP) for the Ally X is $999.99. For the Ally model, players can expect to spend $599.99. As a standalone device, the price somewhat makes sense. After all, it’s essentially a computer packed into a handheld. However, physically disabled players who need an accessible setup like mine can expect to pay upwards of $1400 for the Ally X. That number will undoubtably increase as the economic situation in America continues to unfold. And with a total price nearing 2 Xbox Series Xs, I cannot comfortably suggest this handheld. For disabled players on fixed incomes, this device is wildly inaccessible for the price alone. If you’re looking strictly to game, an Xbox Series X with accessibility gear roughly equates to the ERP of the Ally X. And for several hundred dollars more, I just recommend building a custom gaming PC, with Windows as the operating system.

The Ally X has glimmers of accessibility genius. Yet, those innovations and tools are grossly overshadowed by the overall layout of the handheld, coupled by its price. And therein lies my conundrum with this device – it’s good, just not for me. For disabled individuals like my partner, this handheld will undoubtably be a lifesaver during fatigue and pain flares. When people are bedridden, having a portable computer in the palm of your hands affords indescribable independence. Conversely, physically disabled individuals with limited reach, strength, and atrophied hands will not find solace gaming with the Ally X.

Final Score: 6/10