After years of speculation, Xbox's long-rumoured handheld has finally arrived — the ROG Xbox Ally, a sleek console that feels like holding an Xbox in your hands. Unlike most portables, it's a full-fledged Windows machine that happens to play brilliantly on the go.

The first thing you notice is how right it feels — the controller grips are solid, the triggers have a smooth pull, and the thumb sticks give just enough resistance. So, you can be sure you can play more hardcore titles like Call of Duty or Cyberpunk 2077 without having to worry about it being an uncomfortable experience.

Visually, the LCD screen may not boast OLED-level brilliance, but it's no slouch. Games like Persona 5 Royal burst with colour, proving the display more than capable of drawing players into its vibrant worlds. Even newer titles like Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong run very smoothly

But the real test came with Baldur's Gate 3. The sprawling RPG — infamous for testing even high-end PCs — runs surprisingly well here once you dial down a few settings. Long play sessions feel comfortable, and the cinematic conversations and turn-based battles translate naturally to handheld controls. Yes, the third act can still bring frame-rate dips, and Windows updates occasionally intrude, but when the action flows, it's magical.

With Xbox Game Pass built in, hundreds of titles are instantly playable, from Halo to Yakuza. The ROG Xbox Ally isn't just a portable console — it's a genuine gaming PC that fits in your backpack, delivering console comfort with PC freedom.