SteamOS 3.8 Tested on ROG Xbox Ally X: Real Performance vs Steam Deck OLED

SteamOS 3.8 delivers stable performance and smooth functionality on the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld.

Hardware by Katmin on Nov 01, 2025

The new ROG Xbox Ally X runs the official SteamOS 3.8 seamlessly. It has better stability, compatibility, and performance across a wide range of games. Initially, the OS had trouble starting up on AMD's Z2 Extreme APU and other chipsets, such as Strix Point and Strix Halo. However, with the most recent mainline 3.8 update, it now runs smoothly.

Even with third-party plugins, RGB control is still not enabled. However, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the screen, and variable refresh rate all function properly, which creates a good user experience.

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Setup and Functionality

It's vital to remember that Valve doesn't officially support the ROG Xbox Ally X when you install SteamOS 3.8 on it. However, after setup, we get a fully working screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth functionality. One limitation is the absence of built-in TDP control, which can be resolved by using third-party tools.

Through Decky Loader and the Simple Decky TDP plugin, we can adjust the TDP from 4W up to 40W. The plugin also allows preference adjustments between the GPU and CPU for balanced performance.

For customization, the CSS Loader gives complete control over the Steam Deck interface. We can switch between profiles to modify the interface's appearance and layout for a fresh, personalized setup. Additional settings, such as frame limiter disabling, overlay controls, scaling mode, and scaling filter adjustments, are accessible for fine-tuning performance.

System Specifications

The ROG Xbox Ally X features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Max, a powerful 8-core, 16-thread APU clocked up to 5GHz. It comes with 24GB RAM, with 10GB allocated as VRAM and 13.24GB reserved for system memory.

The integrated GPU is the Radeon 890M, featuring 16 compute units, which delivers a responsive and fluid experience across most workloads.

Performance Comparison with Steam Deck OLED

When comparing the ROG Xbox Ally X with the Steam Deck OLED at a 15W TDP, the performance difference is notable. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 720p low settings, the Steam Deck OLED achieved an average of 72fps, while the ROG Xbox Ally X pushed up to 80fps. In Cyberpunk 2077, using the Steam Deck preset at 720p, the Steam Deck OLED managed 44fps, while the Ally X reached 58fps under identical conditions.

The ROG Xbox Ally X also supports higher sustained wattage, allowing up to 35W TDP for demanding workloads. At the same time, the Steam Deck remains capped at 15W. For most gaming scenarios, running between 17W and 25W provides the best balance of performance and efficiency.

SteamOS, 3.8 Tested ROG Xbox Ally X, Real Performance, Steam Deck OLED, NoobFeed

Game Testing and Optimization

In Borderlands 4 at 900p with low settings and FSR and frame generation enabled at 35W TDP, the game occasionally dips below 60fps, a typical occurrence for Linux-based iGPU performance. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p high with a 25W TDP, the system averages around 52 FPS. At 900p medium with a 20W TDP, it consistently exceeds 60 FPS.

Spider-Man 2 runs at 1080p medium settings with FSR frame generation, achieving over 60fps. Without frame generation, performance can vary depending on system state and reboots. In Elden Ring at 1080p medium settings with a 21W TDP, performance remains consistent with 900p, averaging close to 60fps. Even increasing the TDP to 40W yields around 58fps, showing the game's optimization limits rather than hardware constraints.

In Doom: The Dark Ages at 900p medium settings with FSR balanced and no frame generation, the system delivers around 63fps at a 30W TDP. Enabling frame generation and switching to 1080p allows much higher frame rates, highlighting the GPU's efficiency.

Battery Life and Power Draw

Battery efficiency on the ROG Xbox Ally X running SteamOS 3.8 is impressive. Comparing the total power draw of the ROG Xbox Ally X to the Steam Deck OLED while running Silk Song at 720p 60Hz, the ROG Xbox Ally X draws slightly less power, despite having active RGB lighting that cannot be completely disabled.

With an 80Wh battery, screen brightness at 50%, and refresh rate locked at 60Hz, the Ally X averages 8W total draw for 2D indie games, resulting in approximately 10 hours of runtime. The overall power drain for AAA titles at a 17W TDP is approximately 26W, which provides 3 hours of gaming.

At a 25W TDP, the power draw increases to 31W, which provides the battery with approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of life. These numbers are very similar to the performance statistics for Windows, and SteamOS may become even more efficient in the future.

SteamOS, 3.8 Tested ROG Xbox Ally X, Real Performance, Steam Deck OLED, NoobFeed

Final Thoughts

Although SteamOS 3.8 isn't officially supported on the ROG Xbox Ally X, it works remarkably well. Although there is still no way to change the RGB settings, all key functions work perfectly, and the performance improvements over the Steam Deck OLED are noticeable.

With smooth gameplay, stable power management, and long-lasting battery life, the combination of the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU and SteamOS 3.8 delivers an excellent experience for handheld gaming.

Windows still has a bigger ecosystem and better driver support. Still, anyone who wants a Linux-based setup can safely install SteamOS 3.8 on the ROG Xbox Ally X or even set up a dual-boot system to have the best of both worlds.

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