The fastest route to a good first session is simple: plug in the ROG Xbox Ally X, finish Windows 11 Home setup, install every Windows, Microsoft Store and ASUS update, sign in only to the game libraries you use, then choose a performance profile before launching a game. Armoury Crate SE is the device’s control center for updates, profiles, launcher aggregation, controls and battery care. Add a fast microSD card when your internal library starts filling, and treat a dock or second controller as optional equipment for a desk or TV setup.
Identify the device and prepare the first boot
The product covered here is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, model RC73XA. “X20” is commonly used as a shorthand in searches, but RC73XA is the model identifier you should match on the box, receipt and support pages. ASUS specifies Windows 11 Home and an 80Wh battery for this model. The large battery helps, but it does not remove the need to configure power profiles and charging behavior.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to have ready
- The included charger and a nearby wall outlet. Complete setup on mains power rather than trying to perform downloads on a nearly empty battery.
- A reliable Wi-Fi network and its password. Windows, Microsoft Store and ASUS component updates can be large and may arrive in several rounds.
- Your Microsoft account credentials. Windows activation, Xbox services and Game Pass use Microsoft sign-in.
- Credentials for only the launchers you actually use: Steam, Xbox/Game Pass, Epic Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, EA App or GOG Galaxy.
- A little uninterrupted time. Firmware and driver updates can require restarts, and interrupting an update is more disruptive than postponing a game installation.
First physical checks
- Remove the handheld and charger from the packaging and inspect the USB-C ports, microSD slot and controls for shipping damage.
- Connect the charger before pressing the power button.
- Use the supplied display and buttons during setup; pair Bluetooth devices later, after Windows has finished its first updates.
Finish Windows 11 Home before installing games
The first-run screens are standard Windows navigation, not a separate console-style setup. Choose your region and keyboard, connect to Wi-Fi, accept the required terms, and sign in with a Microsoft account. Let Windows reach the desktop before adding launchers or game files.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesComplete the initial setup
- Power on and follow the Windows 11 Home region, keyboard and network prompts.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account, or create one if you need Xbox and Microsoft Store services.
- Allow Windows to apply any setup-time configuration and restart when requested.
- At the desktop, connect the charger continuously until the update pass is complete.
Run Windows Update repeatedly
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Windows Update in the left sidebar.
- Choose Check for updates, install everything offered, and restart when Windows asks.
- Return to Settings > Windows Update after the restart. Repeat until the page reports that no further updates are available.
Do not interpret the first “up to date” message as the end of the process if a restart has just completed. Windows can expose additional firmware, security or driver packages only after the previous batch is installed.
#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.
Update Microsoft Store components
- Open Microsoft Store from Start.
- Open Library and select Get updates (the label may appear as an update-all control in a revised Store layout).
- Install updates for Xbox, Gaming Services and any other Microsoft components listed.
- Restart if the Store or Windows requests it.
These Store packages matter even if you plan to play primarily through Steam: Xbox sign-in, Game Pass delivery and the handheld-oriented Xbox interface depend on Microsoft components.
Update ASUS firmware, drivers and Armoury Crate SE
Armoury Crate SE is the RC73XA’s ASUS control center. Its Update Center handles ASUS drivers, firmware and software, while the same application exposes performance profiles, input customization and battery-care controls.
Use Armoury Crate SE Update Center
- Open Armoury Crate SE from the Start menu or its taskbar shortcut.
- Open Settings, then select Update Center.
- Allow the app to scan. Install each listed ASUS driver, firmware package and Armoury Crate component.
- Keep the charger connected. If the app requests a reboot, restart rather than postponing it through several update rounds.
- Reopen Update Center after every restart and scan again until no additional ASUS package is offered.
A firmware update may temporarily change startup behavior or show a progress screen. Do not press the power button while firmware is being written. If an update fails, leave the handheld connected to power, restart only when the on-screen process has ended, and run Update Center again; avoid launching a game until the update status is clear.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Confirm that the control center is current
Use Armoury Crate SE’s own version or update screen to confirm that the application has finished updating. The exact labels can change between software revisions, so follow the current on-screen name rather than an older screenshot. The important result is that Update Center reports no pending ASUS firmware, driver or software package.
Choose a performance profile before your first game
Set the profile before launching a title. Armoury Crate SE and its Command Center controls let you change the balance between frame rate, fan noise, power draw and battery runtime. Xbox’s enhanced Game Bar can also be opened with the Xbox button for handheld-focused controls, but it is better to establish the profile in advance than to troubleshoot a performance change during a match.
Start with the balanced profile
Use the balanced/default profile for the first launch. It is the sensible baseline when you do not yet know how demanding a game is or how much fan noise you will tolerate. Observe frame pacing, temperature, fan sound and battery drain for several minutes before changing anything.
Raise power only when the title needs it
If a demanding game has unstable frame pacing or cannot hold your chosen frame-rate target, open Armoury Crate SE or the Command Center and select the higher-power profile available on your software version. Higher power can improve performance, but it also increases heat, fan noise and battery consumption. A lighter game may show no useful benefit from the change.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall| Profile choice | Best first use | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced or default | Unknown games, general play and battery-conscious sessions | Frame pacing, fan noise and runtime provide the baseline for later decisions. |
| Higher-power profile | Graphically demanding games that miss the target in balanced mode | Expect greater power draw and fan noise; return to balanced when the extra performance is unnecessary. |
| Manual or custom controls, if exposed by your Armoury Crate SE version | Fine-tuning after you understand a particular game | Change one control at a time and record whether frame rate improves enough to justify the added draw. |
There is no single profile that is “best” for every title. Compare your result using the four practical measures: sustained frame rate, fan noise, power draw and battery runtime.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 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.
Sign in to your game libraries and import them
The Ally X is a Windows handheld, so each PC launcher remains responsible for its own account, downloads and cloud saves. Armoury Crate SE can aggregate supported launchers and import downloaded games into its library, giving you one place to start them without replacing the underlying launcher.
Install only the launchers you need
- Open Armoury Crate SE’s library or launcher-management area and review the supported services.
- Install and sign in to Xbox/Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, EA App or GOG Galaxy as needed.
- Install one small or familiar game first. This confirms that sign-in, storage and controller input work before you commit to a 100GB download.
- In Armoury Crate SE, scan for installed games or use its add/import option so the title appears in the central library.
Keep multi-factor authentication enabled on each account. If a launcher opens a browser sign-in window, complete it fully before switching back to Armoury Crate SE. A game may appear in the launcher but not in the Armoury Crate library until the library scan is rerun.
Understand Xbox’s handheld interface
Xbox’s handheld software adds a full-screen experience and a dedicated Game Bar overlay. Press the Xbox button to open the enhanced overlay, then use it for quick access to games, captures and handheld controls instead of reaching for a mouse. Xbox also describes advanced shader delivery that can make select games launch up to 10 times faster and use less battery on first play. That is Xbox’s stated capability for supported games, not a guaranteed result for every title.
Check controls, remapping and accessibility
Before testing a game, verify that every physical input works and that the layout suits your hands. Xbox’s getting-started guidance places input accessibility settings and button remapping in Armoury Crate SE.
Run a short control check
- Open Armoury Crate SE’s Settings and find the control or input section.
- Press both sticks, the triggers, bumpers, face buttons, D-pad and View/Menu controls once.
- Open the remapping screen and inspect the default assignments before changing them.
- Create a game-specific mapping only if a title needs it. Keep the global profile unchanged until you know the game’s native layout works.
- Launch a game’s training area or a low-risk save and test movement, camera, menus and the pause command.
Use accessibility features deliberately
Button remapping can move an awkward command to a more comfortable control, while input accessibility options can reduce the need for simultaneous presses or repeated holds where the game supports them. Write down any nonstandard mapping in the game profile so you can restore the default layout later. If a control appears not to work, disable a custom profile temporarily and test the native mapping before assuming the hardware is faulty.
Airplane mode for flights
For air travel, Xbox’s official getting-started guide recommends switching to airplane mode to save battery and avoid interruptions. Open Windows quick settings or the handheld’s Command Center, enable airplane mode before boarding, and re-enable Wi-Fi only when you are permitted to use it. Offline play still requires that the game and its launcher support offline authentication; test that before leaving home.
Set battery-care behavior and charging habits
Find Armoury Crate SE’s battery-care setting if the handheld will spend long periods plugged in. Use the control provided by your current software version rather than relying on a fixed percentage from an older guide. Charging behavior can change with firmware and Armoury Crate revisions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Practical battery rules
- Keep the charger connected for Windows, Store and firmware updates.
- For unplugged play, choose balanced mode first and raise power only when necessary.
- Use airplane mode when you do not need wireless connections, particularly during travel.
- When docked or used at a desk for long sessions, enable the available battery-care option and leave the handheld ventilated.
- Do not cover the vents or place the intake against fabric while charging or gaming.
The RC73XA’s 80Wh battery is a hardware specification, not a promise of a particular number of gaming hours. Runtime changes with the game, display settings, profile, wireless activity, brightness and battery condition.
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.
Expand storage before the library fills
The RC73XA includes a UHS-II microSD reader that supports SD, SDXC and SDHC media. ROG’s official setup tips describe SanDisk microSD expansion for the ROG Xbox Ally family in capacities from 512GB through 2TB. Because no complete RC73XA-validated model table is published in the cited material, verify the exact card listing, UHS rating, warranty and seller before purchase.
How to choose a card
| Criterion | Why it matters | What to verify at purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Determines how many large PC games fit beside the internal drive. | 512GB, 1TB and 2TB options are the documented range; usable space is lower after formatting. |
| UHS rating | Indicates the card’s bus and performance class. | Confirm the card is appropriate for the UHS-II reader and that the listing states sustained, not merely peak, speeds. |
| Sustained read/write speed | Affects installs, updates and file transfers more than a short peak-speed claim. | Read the manufacturer’s sustained figures and independent retailer specifications. |
| Warranty and seller reliability | Flash-media counterfeits and failures can cost a whole library reinstall. | Buy from an authorized or otherwise reputable seller and keep the receipt. |
Install and format the card
- Power down the Ally X completely before inserting the microSD card.
- Insert the card in the reader with the contacts oriented according to the slot markings; do not force it.
- Boot Windows and open Settings > System > Storage to confirm that the card appears.
- If Windows asks to format a new card, copy off anything important first, then format it using the file system recommended by Windows for the intended game-library use.
- In each launcher, set the card as an install location or add a library folder on the card.
Keep the internal drive for Windows, launchers and games that stream assets heavily if those games perform better there. Use the microSD card for additional capacity, older titles and games whose loading behavior you have tested.
Build a reliable first-game test
Do not use your most demanding new release as the first diagnostic. A short, familiar game reveals whether updates, controls, audio and sleep/wake behavior are working without combining every possible failure mode.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Install a small title from the launcher you use most.
- Open it once while connected to power and online so sign-in, shader compilation and cloud-save checks can finish.
- At the title screen, verify the built-in controls, volume buttons, Xbox button overlay and suspend/resume behavior.
- Play for 10 to 15 minutes in balanced mode. Note frame pacing, fan noise, temperature and battery percentage.
- If performance is insufficient, close the game, select the higher-power profile, relaunch and compare. Do not change several graphics and power settings simultaneously.
- Once the baseline works, install the larger games in batches. Leave enough free storage for Windows updates and launcher caches.
Optional gear for docked or shared play
You can play entirely handheld with the included hardware. Accessories become useful when you want a monitor, television, wired network, extra USB devices or a second player.
Dock requirements
USB4 and USB-C DisplayPort/Power Delivery ports support external-display and peripheral setups. Compare a dock by the following specifications rather than by the number of sockets alone:
- USB-C Power Delivery wattage that can supply the Ally X while gaming.
- DisplayPort or HDMI output matching your monitor or television.
- Number and speed of USB ports for storage, keyboard, mouse and controllers.
- Ethernet, if you want a wired connection for large downloads or online play.
- Physical stability: a wide base, strain relief and a connector that does not pull the handheld sideways.
Xbox Wire announced the ROG Bulwark Dock 2025 as “Coming Soon.” Its current regional price and stock status are not established here, so check availability at the time you buy rather than treating the announcement as a shipping guarantee.
Controller requirements
A second controller is optional for docked multiplayer or for players who prefer a traditional gamepad. Compare wireless mode, wired fallback, button-remapping support and comfort when the handheld is several feet away on a stand. Xbox Wire also identifies the ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller and a wider Designed for Xbox accessory line; compatibility, regional stock and pricing should be checked at purchase.
Quick Recap
Fix the common first-day problems
A game will not appear in Armoury Crate SE
- Confirm that the game is installed, not merely owned in a launcher.
- Open the launcher once and complete its sign-in or first-run setup.
- Return to Armoury Crate SE and run its library scan or add/import command.
- If the title is on the microSD card, confirm that Windows still assigns the card the same drive letter.
Performance is poor or inconsistent
- Finish Windows, Store and Armoury Crate updates before changing graphics settings.
- Start in balanced mode, then test the higher-power profile with the game closed and relaunched.
- Check that the charger is connected and that vents are unobstructed.
- Use the game’s own frame-rate and resolution controls before applying several driver or overlay changes.
The controls feel wrong
- Test the default Armoury Crate SE mapping first.
- Check whether the game is reading the built-in controller or switching to a connected Bluetooth device.
- Remove a game-specific remap temporarily and verify the native layout.
- Reopen the accessibility and remapping screens after an Armoury Crate update, since software revisions can alter labels or profile behavior.
Downloads stop or sign-in loops
- Return to a stable Wi-Fi network and confirm Windows date and time are automatic.
- Update the Microsoft Store and Gaming Services if Xbox or Game Pass content fails.
- Sign out and back into the affected launcher rather than repeatedly starting the download.
- Leave the handheld on power during large installs and allow the launcher to complete verification.
First-day checklist
- Power connected and reliable Wi-Fi available.
- Windows 11 Home setup completed with a Microsoft account.
- Windows Update installed and rechecked after restart.
- Microsoft Store Library updates installed.
- Armoury Crate SE Update Center clear of ASUS firmware, driver and software updates.
- Balanced profile selected and tested before trying a higher-power mode.
- Only the required launchers installed and signed in.
- Games imported into Armoury Crate SE’s library.
- Xbox button and Game Bar overlay tested.
- Controls, remapping and accessibility settings reviewed.
- Battery-care behavior configured for long plugged-in sessions.
- MicroSD capacity and installation location planned before the library grows.
- Dock and controller purchases deferred until you know your display, network and multiplayer needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
