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The fastest route to a good first day with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is to finish Windows 11 Home, update Windows, the Microsoft Store and Armoury Crate SE, then sign in only to the game launchers you use. Set a performance profile before each demanding game, test controls and accessibility, enable battery care when plugged in, and add a fast microSD card before your internal storage fills.
This guide treats “X20” as the ROG Xbox Ally X hardware identified in ASUS documentation by model RC73XA. Labels and behavior can change with firmware and software updates, so follow the current on-screen wording where it differs.
What you need before turning it on
Prepare the handheld and your account details before the first boot. The RC73XA ships with Windows 11 Home, so it follows the same account, update and security setup pattern as a Windows PC rather than a closed game console.
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- Power: connect the supplied charger and keep the Ally X on external power during setup and updates. Large Windows, driver and game downloads can take time.
- Wi-Fi: use a reliable, uncapped network. A weak connection can interrupt Windows updates, Microsoft Store downloads and launcher sign-ins.
- Microsoft account: have the account used for Windows, Microsoft Store and Xbox services ready. Game Pass access is tied to the account that owns the subscription.
- Launcher credentials: gather only the accounts you actually use, such as Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, EA App or GOG Galaxy. You can add others later.
- Optional storage: if you expect a large library, have a high-performance microSD card available. The built-in reader is UHS-II and accepts SD, SDXC and SDHC cards.
- Optional docked-play equipment: a USB-C or USB4 dock, display cable, keyboard, mouse or controller can wait until the handheld itself is updated and tested.
Do not start installing games while the first Windows update cycle is still running. Finishing the operating-system and firmware work first reduces the chance of a restart interrupting a download or leaving a game on an outdated driver.
#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
Complete Windows 11 Home setup
- Power on and choose your region and keyboard. Follow the Windows first-run screens. The initial setup can take longer than a normal desktop because the device is also preparing its handheld software.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Select your network, enter its password and allow Windows to establish an internet connection before continuing.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. Use the account that should own your Microsoft Store purchases and Xbox profile. If you use Game Pass, this is the account whose subscription should be visible in the Xbox app.
- Complete privacy, security and personalization prompts. Choose the settings that fit your use. A PIN is useful on a handheld because it is quicker to enter than a long password.
- Let the desktop and ASUS launcher finish loading. Avoid forcing a shutdown even if the screen appears busy. The first launch can install components in the background.
After you reach the Windows desktop, connect the charger and leave the Ally X idle for a few minutes. This gives initial services time to register before you begin the update sequence.
Run every update path before installing games
There are three update locations to check: Windows, the Microsoft Store and Armoury Crate SE. Complete all three, restart when requested, then check again. One layer can expose an update needed by another.
1. Windows Update
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Windows Update.
- Choose Check for updates and install everything offered.
- Restart when Windows requests it.
- Return to Settings > Windows Update and check again until no additional essential updates are offered.
Keep the charger connected during this process. Windows may restart more than once, and a major update can temporarily reduce available storage while it stages installation files.
2. Microsoft Store updates
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Select Library (the label may appear as an updates or library icon in the current Store layout).
- Use Get updates or the equivalent update command.
- Allow Xbox, Gaming Services and other Microsoft components to finish updating before opening the Xbox app.
If the Store reports that an app is waiting, close the app, run the update again and restart Windows. Do not remove Gaming Services simply because a game has not appeared yet; verify that Store updates have completed first.
3. ASUS updates in Armoury Crate SE
- Open Armoury Crate SE from the Start menu or its taskbar shortcut.
- Open Settings, then Update Center.
- Install the listed ASUS drivers, firmware and software updates.
- Accept every restart request, then return to Update Center and check once more.
Armoury Crate SE is the control center for the RC73XA: it aggregates launchers, exposes performance controls, provides input customization and includes battery-care settings. Firmware updates can change available controls or their wording, so read the restart and power instructions shown by the current version.
Sign in to the game libraries you use
The Ally X can combine several PC libraries instead of forcing you to launch every game from the Windows desktop. Supported launchers include Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, EA App and GOG Galaxy.
Xbox and Game Pass
- Open the Xbox app after Microsoft Store and Gaming Services updates have finished.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that holds your Game Pass subscription or purchased games.
- Install a small title first to confirm that downloads, permissions and controller input work before starting a very large download.
Xbox’s handheld software provides a full-screen experience and a dedicated Game Bar overlay. Press the physical Xbox button to open the enhanced Game Bar while you are in Windows or a game. Use it for quick access to handheld controls rather than reaching for the desktop.
Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, EA and GOG
- Install the launcher from its official source or from a link presented by Armoury Crate SE.
- Sign in and complete any two-factor authentication prompts.
- Install or locate one game in that launcher.
- Open Armoury Crate SE’s game library and use its import or scan function to add downloaded games.
Importing a game creates a convenient launch entry; it does not transfer ownership between accounts. If a title launches a second launcher, keep both accounts signed in and allow the secondary launcher to update.
Keep the first library test small
For a clean first-day check, install one Game Pass or Xbox title and one game from your main PC store. Launch each once, verify the controls and suspend/resume behavior, then begin the rest of your library. This isolates account or launcher problems before many downloads make troubleshooting harder.
Set a performance profile before launching a game
Armoury Crate SE and its Command Center controls let you select a performance profile. Start with the balanced profile for the first launch of a game. It is the sensible baseline when you do not yet know how much power, fan noise or battery drain the title needs.
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- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
| Profile choice | When to use it | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced | First launch, older games, indie titles and general Windows use | Frame-rate consistency, fan noise, power draw and battery runtime |
| Higher-power profile | A demanding game that is not maintaining the performance you want | Higher heat and fan noise, faster battery use and whether the extra power produces a visible improvement |
| Lower-power profile | Travel, menu work, video or games that already run comfortably | Longer runtime versus any reduction in frame rate or responsiveness |
Use the Armoury Crate or Command Center shortcut to change the profile before launching the game. If performance is poor, exit to the launcher, change the profile, and relaunch rather than repeatedly changing settings in the middle of a session. The correct choice depends on the title, display settings, frame-rate target and whether the charger is connected; the official material does not specify a universal wattage, frame-rate limit or battery runtime for each profile.
Use the Xbox Game Bar overlay for quick adjustments
Press the Xbox button to open the enhanced Game Bar overlay described by Xbox. It is designed for handheld access to controls and status information. Check the overlay once after setup so you know how to reach it without leaving a game unexpectedly.
Xbox also describes advanced shader delivery that can make select games launch up to 10x faster and use less battery on first play. That is Xbox’s description of the feature, not an independently measured result for every title; actual behavior depends on the game and delivered software.
Check controls, remapping and accessibility
Do this before starting a long campaign. Xbox’s getting-started guidance places input accessibility settings and button remapping in Armoury Crate SE.
- Open Armoury Crate SE.
- Open the controller or input customization area.
- Confirm that both analog sticks, triggers, bumpers, face buttons, D-pad and rear controls respond in the test or configuration view.
- Remap buttons only after noting the default layout. Save a per-game or profile-specific mapping when the interface offers that option.
- Review accessibility options such as alternate button assignments or reduced-input arrangements that make the device easier to use.
Open a game’s control menu afterward and check that it recognizes the Ally X as a gamepad. A game that defaults to keyboard prompts may need its controller setting enabled or a restart after the profile is changed.
Choose battery settings that match how you play
When you are plugged in most of the time
Open Armoury Crate SE’s battery-care setting and enable the option intended for frequent plugged-in use. Battery-care behavior can change with software revisions, so follow the current percentage or charging-limit description instead of assuming a fixed threshold.
The ROG Xbox Ally X has an 80Wh battery according to ASUS’s 2025 product announcement. Capacity is not the same as guaranteed play time: the selected performance profile, screen brightness, frame rate, wireless activity and game workload all affect runtime.
When you are traveling
Lower brightness when practical, close launchers that are not downloading and select a lower-power profile for light games. Xbox’s official getting-started guidance says: “And if you’re flying, don’t forget to switch to airplane mode to save battery and avoid interruptions.” Turn airplane mode on from Windows quick settings before takeoff, then restore Wi-Fi when you are allowed to reconnect.
Do not begin a firmware update immediately before boarding or while relying on a limited battery charge. Update on stable mains power first, then use airplane mode for offline play.
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The RC73XA includes a UHS-II microSD reader supporting SD, SDXC and SDHC. ROG’s official tips recommend a SanDisk microSD card for the ROG Xbox Ally family in capacities from 512GB to 2TB. That makes a 512GB microSD card for the ROG Xbox Ally X a practical starting search term, while larger capacities suit a library with several large games.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
| Capacity choice | Best fit | What is established |
|---|---|---|
| 512GB | Adding a useful first expansion without committing to the largest card | Included in ROG’s documented 512GB–2TB recommendation range |
| 1TB | A larger mixed library when you want fewer uninstall cycles | Within the documented range; exact RC73XA-validated model list is not stated |
| 2TB | Keeping many large installs available | Top of ROG’s documented range; exact card model validation is not stated |
How to select the card
- UHS rating: choose a card appropriate for the reader and gaming workload; the device’s reader is UHS-II.
- Sustained performance: compare sustained read and write specifications, not only a burst-speed headline.
- Warranty and seller: buy from a reliable seller and retain the receipt. Counterfeit or mislabeled cards can corrupt installations.
- Capacity: select 512GB, 1TB or 2TB according to the number and size of games you expect to keep installed.
Official pages do not publish a complete RC73XA-validated microSD model table. Verify the exact listing, capacity and return policy at purchase time rather than assuming every card with the right capacity will perform identically.
Install and format it
- Power down the Ally X before inserting the card.
- Insert the microSD card in the UHS-II reader and start Windows.
- When Windows recognizes it, format it only if prompted or if the card is new and empty. Formatting erases existing data.
- In each launcher, choose the microSD location as a library or install destination when you want new games stored there.
- Keep Windows, Armoury Crate SE and essential launchers on the internal drive when practical; reserve the card for games and other large files.
Prepare a docked gaming setup
The Ally X has USB4 and USB-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support, enabling an external display and peripherals. A dock is optional; the handheld is fully usable without one.
| Dock feature | Why it matters | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C Power Delivery | Supplies power while the handheld is connected | Supported PD wattage and whether the included or chosen charger meets it |
| DisplayPort or HDMI output | Connects a monitor or television | Output type, resolution and refresh support for your display |
| USB ports | Adds a keyboard, mouse, storage or controller | Port count and whether any ports share bandwidth |
| Ethernet | Provides a wired network for large downloads or lower-latency play | Ethernet availability and required adapter |
| Physical stability | Keeps the handheld secure and cables out of the way | Fit, weight, cable clearance and heat ventilation |
Xbox Wire announced the ROG Bulwark Dock 2025 as “Coming Soon.” Its current regional price and stock status are not established in the announcement, so check availability at the time you shop rather than treating it as guaranteed. A compatible USB-C or USB4 dock that meets your display and power requirements can serve the same practical role.
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The built-in controls are suitable for handheld use, but a separate controller can be more comfortable in front of a television. Xbox Wire names the ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller and a broader Designed for Xbox accessory line in connection with the Ally family.
| Controller criterion | Why to check it |
|---|---|
| Wireless mode | Determines whether you can play without a cable when the Ally is docked |
| Wired fallback | Provides a reliable connection if wireless pairing or battery power becomes a problem |
| Button remapping | Lets you match your preferred layout or accessibility needs |
| Docked ergonomics | Grip, trigger feel and cable or wireless range matter more when the handheld is being used as a console |
Pair one controller first, then test it in a game before adding other Bluetooth devices. If several peripherals are connected, isolate them one at a time when diagnosing input delay or pairing failures.
A first-day test sequence
Use this order to confirm that the important systems work before you commit to a large download or a long session:
- Confirm Windows 11 Home setup, Microsoft account sign-in and Wi-Fi.
- Complete Windows Update, Microsoft Store updates and Armoury Crate SE Update Center updates, restarting as required.
- Open Armoury Crate SE and check that the Update Center reports no remaining essential updates.
- Open the Xbox app and install one small game or application.
- Sign in to your main PC launcher and install or detect one game.
- Import the downloaded games into Armoury Crate SE’s library.
- Open input customization, test every control and save any accessibility or remapping changes.
- Select the balanced profile, launch a game and observe frame-rate consistency, fan noise, heat and battery drain.
- If the title needs more performance, exit, choose a higher-power profile and relaunch.
- Press the Xbox button to verify the enhanced Game Bar overlay appears as expected.
- Enable battery care if the device will remain plugged in.
- Insert and configure a microSD card before moving the rest of your library.
- If you use an external display, connect the dock, charger, display and controller one at a time and test each connection.
Troubleshooting common first-day problems
A game does not appear in Armoury Crate SE
Confirm that the game is installed, the relevant launcher is signed in and Armoury Crate SE has completed its library scan or import. Launch the game once from its original launcher, close it, then run the library import again.
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Check the selected profile before changing in-game settings. Start with balanced, close background downloads and relaunch. If the game remains demanding, try the higher-power profile while connected to the charger. Compare frame-rate stability, fan noise, power draw and battery runtime rather than judging by a single moment.
The Xbox button or Game Bar does not respond as expected
Finish Microsoft Store and Armoury Crate SE updates, restart Windows and test again from the desktop. If you remapped controls, review the saved mapping and restore the default temporarily to determine whether the change caused the issue.
The microSD card is missing or slow
Power down, reseat the card and check whether Windows detects it. Confirm that it is genuine, correctly formatted and bought from a reliable seller. A card’s advertised burst speed does not guarantee sustained game-install performance; compare sustained specifications and replace a suspect card before moving a large library.
A docked display or peripheral is not detected
Reconnect in this order: charger to the dock, dock to the Ally X, then display and USB accessories. Confirm that the dock supports the required USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort or HDMI output. Test the display directly from the Ally X if possible to identify whether the dock or cable is the failing link.
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What “ready” looks like at the end of day one
- Windows 11 Home, Microsoft Store and ASUS updates are complete.
- Your Microsoft, Xbox and chosen PC-launcher accounts are signed in.
- Games appear in Armoury Crate SE’s library and launch from the expected controller profile.
- You know how to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay and change a performance profile.
- Controls, accessibility options and any remaps have been tested.
- Battery care is enabled for your plugged-in routine, and airplane mode is available for travel.
- Storage expansion is installed or planned with a card in the documented 512GB–2TB range.
- Any dock, display or controller has been checked for power, video output, input and physical stability.
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