This $65 ROG Xbox Ally X case is pricey, but it’s the best you can buy

• Putting the Killswitch on the ROG Xbox Ally X can be a bit finicky
• Thankfully, the case feels great

I’ve covered a few of dbrand’s Killswitch cases at this point, including one designed for the original ROG Ally X and another created for the Switch 2. They’re always arguably a bit overpriced, but in some sense, you get what you pay for. They offer all-around protection that includes the front, back, and sides of the console, alongside a travel cover and skins that cover its front.

When it comes to the ROG Xbox Ally X, I was a bit concerned. The handheld features an Xbox controller-inspired design, complete with sizable arms, and I wasn’t sure if dbrand could pull it off again given the portable’s unique shape. Thankfully, the attitude-filled accessory maker has managed to make it happen again. It might be expensive, but if you’re looking for a way to protect your pricey ROG Xbox Ally X, dbrand’s Killswitch can’t be beat.

Putting the Killswitch on the ROG Xbox Ally X can be a bit finicky

Those dreaded pull tabs are back

Like every dbrand Killswitch case I’ve used, there are several different packages available for the ROG Xbox Ally X that all vary in price. There’s the $60 (regularly $75) Essential kit, which only features the Killswitch Case, a kickstand (which is built into the case) and a front skin. Then there’s the $80 (normally $100) Travel option that includes everything from Essential, alongside a travel cover and stick grips. Finally, there’s the Ultra tier, which is on sale for $65 right now (down from $125), which includes everything from other packages, alongside two high-quality glass screen protectors.

Normally, I recommend the travel package since you can always get a decent cheap screen protector on Amazon, but given the discount, the Ultra tier is the best option right now. The application process is pretty simple, but more so than any other dbrand case I’ve used, putting the actual case on the handheld is a bit of a chore.

First off, adding the skins is a simple process that requires you to line them up with the ROG Xbox Ally X’s various buttons. The sides ruffled a bit despite me running my finger down it, but this part of the skin is covered by the case anyway, so it’s not really an issue (my best guess is the little notches at the top of each arm cause this). It’s worth noting that there’s an odd rim around the joystick that the skin doesn’t cover. I don’t know why dbrand left this space unprotected, but it looks a bit odd. That said, it’s really not that big of a deal.

It’s the process of actually putting the enclosure on the ROG Xbox Ally X that’s difficult. You need to push the handheld’s arms deep into the case, then use the pull tabs to lift the top over the shoulder buttons and triggers. While this sounds straightforward, you need to pull incredibly hard on the tabs to get it over the buttons. At times, I was worried doing this would damage the actual handheld, but once I got over that mental hurdle, the Killswitch snapped into place perfectly and everything was fine.

Here’s where I ran into my first application issue. The top of the Killswitch pushed down the stick-on skin, despite me following the instructions and running a cleaning cloth over it several times. I had this happen with the Ally X Killswitch case I have, too, so I somewhat expected it. To solve this issue, you can remove the skin, heat it up, and then reapply. What I needed to do is wait a bit longer for the skin to adhere to the Xbox Ally X before putting it in the case. Luckily, dbrand sent me an additional skin, so I applied it to the handheld, waited slightly longer, and then was more careful when putting on the case enclosure.

Thankfully, the case feels great

Like other Killswitch cases, the ROG Xbox Ally X iteration feels extremely solid. Its rubber is grippy and high-quality, but not overly abrasive (an early version I tested felt a bit too much like sandpaper). The case also fits snug on the handheld and doesn’t flex in odd locations. If you opt for the Travel or Ultra option, you get the Travel Cover that snaps into place and allows you to confidently just toss the Xbox Ally X in a bag without worrying about it getting damaged. Like with the ROG Ally X, snapping it into place takes a bit of force, though.

If you’re looking for a high-quality way to protect your ROG Xbox Ally X when you’re on the go, dbrand’s Killswitch has once again proven to be the best out there.

I would have preffered dbrand used the same elastic band-like clasp mechanism it uses for the Switch 2’s Killswitch case, since it doesn’t take as much force. This time around, I decided to use the stick grips, but they aren’t a must-have. They very easily attach to each joystick and add a bit of additional grip to the handheld.

If you’re looking for a high-quality way to protect your ROG Xbox Ally X when you’re on the go, dbrand’s Killswitch has once again proven to be the best out there, as long as you’re willing to shell out the cash for it.