The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is finally here, and what makes this handheld gaming PC special is its ability to run multiple game launchers within the Xbox Full Screen Experience. This makes the device much easier to use than other handhelds that force you to deal with the Windows Desktop on a touchscreen. The only real downside here is that most of the third-party launchers that Microsoft is currently allowing within the Xbox app haven’t been optimized for controllers. So, for most of them you will still have to poke at your screen a little bit. But hey, at least you can download and install the apps themselves without having to launch a web browser.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
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Xbox
Because the Xbox Ally X is a Windows 11 device – at least by default – you will have to sign into a Microsoft account to even use the handheld. When you boot up into the Xbox app for the first time, it’ll ask you whether or not your current Microsoft account is the same as your Xbox account. For most people the answer to this will be yes.
If not, under where it says “Use a different account,” scroll down to “Microsoft account” with the D-Pad and hit the A button – or you can just tap it with your finger. Then, hit “Continue” then follow the instructions on-screen to get signed into your Xbox account. Once you’re signed in, a screen showing your Xbox profile picture will appear with a big green button that says “Let’s Go”. Click that and then you’ll be in the Xbox app.
Once you’re all signed into your Xbox account, use the controller to navigate over to the Library tab – it’ll look like a bunch of books on a shelf. Once you’re there, tab over to “My Apps” and you’ll see the other apps you can install.
Steam
Within “My Apps,” find the Steam Logo and then navigate over to it and hit the A button or just tap it with your finger. It should already be installed, and it’ll open in a new window. As soon as you open the program, it’ll start by checking for updates, and then it’ll open into Big Picture Mode, where you’ll have to pick your language and time zone.