Microsoft and ASUS have partnered to launch the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, two new gaming handhelds that combine Xbox’s gaming ecosystem with Windows PC flexibility.
Two Models for Different Users
- ROG Xbox Ally: The entry-level model targeting casual to enthusiast players, offering solid performance at a competitive price point.
- ROG Xbox Ally X: The premium model designed for demanding gamers requiring maximum performance capabilities.
Both devices support native gaming, cloud gaming, and remote play from Xbox consoles.
Key Features
Both handhelds boot directly into a new Xbox full-screen experience optimized for portable gaming. This interface minimizes background processes to dedicate more system resources to gameplay, resulting in better memory allocation and higher frame rates.
Key design elements include:
- Dedicated Xbox button for quick access to Game Bar overlay
- Contoured grips based on Xbox Wireless Controller design principles
- Integrated accessibility features from Xbox consoles and Windows PCs
Unified Game Library
The devices support over 1,000 games, and aggregate games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts into a single library interface.
Xbox Play Anywhere support also enables cross-platform play across Xbox consoles, PC, and the Ally devices with synchronized progress and achievements. Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play provide access to complete Xbox console libraries remotely.
Technical Specifications
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 SSD | 1TB M.2 SSD |
| Display | 7″ FHD IPS display, 120Hz, 500 nits | 7″ FHD IPS display, 120Hz, 500 nits |
| Battery | 60Wh battery | 80Wh battery |
| I/O | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| Weight | 670g | 715g |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W Charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W Charger Stand |
Roblox will be available natively and optimized for handhelds at launch. Microsoft is developing a program with game developers to identify handheld-optimized games. New Game Pass users receive complimentary access with device purchase.
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Xbox Ally series is set to launch this holiday season in 27 markets including the US, Canada, major European countries, Japan, Korea, Australia, and others. Pricing and pre-order details will be announced in the coming months.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
