The future of handheld gaming just took a bold step forward. ASUS, in collaboration with Microsoft, officially unveiled not one but two powerful handheld gaming consoles — the ROG Xbox Ally and the more premium ROG Xbox Ally X. Both are designed for Windows 11, fine-tuned for Xbox integration, and built to rival the likes of Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw.
If you’re wondering which one might be right for you — or how exactly they differ — we’ve got the full breakdown right here. From specs and features to pricing and availability, here’s everything you need to know about these two portable powerhouses.
What Is the ROG Xbox Ally?
The ROG Xbox Ally is ASUS’s newest entry into the growing handheld gaming PC space. Built with a familiar Xbox layout, this device is tailored for gamers who want portable PC performance with native Xbox Game Pass integration. It runs on Windows 11, but with a new Xbox Full-Screen Experience, providing a more console-like interface that streamlines your access to games without needing to dive into traditional Windows menus.
You can play everything from Game Pass titles to Steam, Epic, GOG, and emulators — all on the go.
✅ Learn more about Xbox Game Pass and how it integrates with Windows handhelds.
ROG Xbox Ally Specs
Here’s a quick look at the core specs of the base model:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Zen 4 architecture)
- Graphics: RDNA 3 integrated GPU
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD (M.2 2280)
- Display: 7” Full HD IPS, 120Hz, VRR support, Gorilla Glass Victus
- Battery: 60 Wh
- OS: Windows 11 with Xbox UI overlay
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C
- Weight: Approx. 670g
- Controls: Classic Xbox layout with impulse triggers and textured grips
This configuration is no slouch — it’s built to run most AAA games at medium to high settings in 1080p, especially if you make use of AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) for upscaling.
🎮 Want to know more about FSR? Here’s a deep dive from AMD.
Meet the ROG Xbox Ally X — The Beast
Now, if you’re craving even more power and portability, ASUS has you covered with the ROG Xbox Ally X. Think of this as the ultra-premium version, with more RAM, double the storage, a beefier battery, and upgraded internal cooling.
ROG Ally X Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (includes NPU for AI-enhanced tasks)
- RAM: 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD (upgradeable)
- Display: Same 7” 1080p 120Hz panel
- Battery: 80 Wh (33% more than base Ally)
- Weight: Approx. 715g
- Extra Ports: USB-C 4 / DisplayPort 2.1 / Thunderbolt-compatible
- Haptics: Upgraded, advanced feedback tech
The Ally X not only gives you better multitasking capabilities (thanks to the extra RAM), but that new Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip comes with AI acceleration, a first for gaming handhelds. This helps with things like battery optimization, AI upscaling, and even future-proofing for advanced features like voice assistants or background video processing.
Specs Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at how the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X stack up:
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally (Base) | ROG Xbox Ally X (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| GPU | RDNA 3 iGPU | RDNA 3 iGPU + NPU (AI acceleration) |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | 1 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD |
| Display | 7″ Full HD (1080p), IPS, 120Hz | 7″ Full HD (1080p), IPS, 120Hz |
| Battery | 60 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Weight | ~670g | ~715g |
| Ports | USB-C, UHS-II MicroSD, audio jack | USB-C 4, DP 2.1, UHS-II MicroSD |
| OS | Windows 11 + Xbox UI | Windows 11 + Xbox UI |
| Controls | Xbox-layout (ABXY, sticks, triggers) | Xbox-layout w/ enhanced haptics |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
To know the more detailed specs of these two handheld gaming console, read on official Asus product page.
Battery Life and Cooling
One of the major pain points with most handheld PCs is battery life, but ASUS is clearly addressing that here. The Xbox Ally comes with a 60Wh battery, which is already a step above competitors like the Steam Deck (40Wh), but the Ally X pushes that up to 80Wh.
Additionally, improved internal cooling ensures that both devices stay cool during long gaming sessions — something early ROG Ally models had issues with.
Xbox-Focused UI: What’s New?
Both models run Windows 11, but Microsoft and ASUS have developed a new Xbox Full-Screen Mode, which acts like a dedicated Xbox dashboard. You boot into a UI similar to an Xbox console, giving you instant access to:
- Game Pass cloud games
- Installed PC titles
- Xbox Store
- Friends list, chat, and Xbox Achievements
This mode streamlines the user experience, making it feel more like a console than a PC with a touchscreen.
📺 Here’s how Microsoft described the feature in detail via The Verge.
Price and Release Date
Both handhelds are slated for a Holiday 2025 release, just in time for Christmas. Pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed in every region yet, but here are the expected prices based on early reports:
Device Price (Expected)
ROG Xbox Ally – $599 – $699
ROG Xbox Ally X – $899 – $999
These prices put them slightly above the Steam Deck, but still competitive considering the power and Xbox-centric UI.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re already invested in the Xbox ecosystem and want a handheld that just works like an Xbox out of the box, then the ROG Xbox Ally is one of your best options. It combines PC versatility with console ease of use.
However, if you’re a power user who loves multitasking, modding, and future-proof specs, the Ally X is worth the extra investment. Its extra RAM, storage, and battery life make it ideal for more demanding users.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Xbox Ally lineup represents a major shift in the handheld gaming world. It’s not just about SteamOS or emulation anymore — Microsoft and ASUS are making a serious play to bring Xbox and Windows together in your hands.
For those looking to game anywhere without compromises, either of these new handhelds will likely be worth the hype.
Don’t forget to checkout our Electronic Arts Shuts Down Cliffhanger Games, Cancels Black Panther Title in Surprise Move, The Witcher 4’s Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo Raises the Bar for RPGs, Best HDMI Cables for PS5 in 2025: Get the Most Out of Your Console for more fun gaming.
