
Prepare an external controller, check display settings, and separate dock features from game performance on ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X.
Category
Setup
Difficulty
Beginner
Reading time
3 min
Published
September 22, 2026
HandheldAtlas guide
This checklist covers ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. It does not assume that the original ROG Ally or Ally X has identical automatic docking behavior.
ASUS's May 1, 2026 instructions call for current BIOS and firmware through Armoury Crate's Update Center, plus updated Armoury Crate and Xbox apps. Follow the updater's power and restart instructions.
ASUS recommends pairing the external controller before docking. On the documented software, the first paired external controller becomes Player 1 and the embedded controller is disabled when docked. The internal display turns off as content moves to the external screen.
The Game Bar Display Widget provides resolution, refresh-rate and projection controls. ASUS documents ALLM on supported TVs with its Bulwark Dock or 100W Gaming Charger Dock; the Bulwark also supports VRR. Do not assume every dock and television offers these features.
If controller behavior is wrong, inspect controller selection before changing graphics settings. If the picture is wrong, inspect output and projection settings before changing the game's quality profile. Keeping these checks separate makes it easier to identify which step actually resolved the problem.
This is a setup checklist, not a tested graphics preset. It provides no measured FPS, latency or battery-life claim. Optional upscaling features are outside its scope.
ASUS — The latest ROG Xbox Ally updates provide a more seamless docking experience for living room play (May 1, 2026; checked September 22, 2026) https://rog.asus.com/articles/rog-ally/the-latest-rog-xbox-ally-updates-provide-a-more-seamless-docking-experience-for-living-room-play/
Cover: official ASUS illustration of a ROG Xbox Ally docked beside a television. It is not performance evidence.
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