In a major leap into the handheld gaming market, Microsoft in collaboration with ASUS on Sunday officially announced two new handhelds—the “ROG Xbox Ally” and “ROG Xbox Ally X”.
Designed to blend the performance of an Xbox console with the portability of a gaming handheld, both devices aim to deliver console-level gaming performance capable of competing with high-end handhelds and lightweight laptops alike.
“When you power on your Xbox Ally, you’ll boot directly into the Xbox full-screen experience, a new feature optimized specifically for handheld gaming,” Microsoft said in a release.
Inspired by the success of portable gaming PCs such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft brings the Xbox brand directly to portable gaming with its custom-built hardware.
Xbox Ally: Sleek Design, Powerful Internals, and Built for Game Pass
The base or standard model, ROG Xbox Ally features a 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering fluid visuals whether you are battling through AAA titles or diving into indie gems. It runs a custom version of Windows 11 that’s tailored for handheld use, allowing gamers to access Xbox Cloud Gaming, their Game Pass library, and even third-party PC game launchers like Steam and Epic Games.
Under the hood, it runs on an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, ensuring solid performance for most current-gen games. It includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of onboard SSD storage, which can be expanded through a microSD card slot.
Additionally, the standard Xbox Ally comes with a 60Wh battery and up to 6 hours of battery life depending on usage. It also supports USB-C ports, a headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.4, and even Wi-Fi 6E for fast, low-latency connectivity.
With dimensions of 290.8*121.5*50.7mm?and a weight of around 670 grams, the device features ergonomic grips and responsive controls for a comfortable, portable gaming experience.
Xbox Ally X: Powerhouse for the Hardcore
On the other hand, there is the real powerhouse – the ROG Xbox Ally X – aimed at serious gamers who want top-tier performance in a portable format. This upgraded model features the same 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, but with enhanced color accuracy.
It brings in next-level gaming performance with the AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, the same chip found in top-tier handheld PCs. It also includes the upgraded 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and offers 1TB of fast NVMe storage (expandable), making it ideal for multitaskers and those with larger game libraries.
One of the biggest selling points of the Xbox Ally X is the 80Wh battery that offers up to 8 hours of gaming on a single charge for extended playtime. This is ideal for gamers who plan to use it on long trips or away from a power outlet.
Despite its extra power, the Xbox Ally X remains surprisingly portable, weighing 715 grams and measuring 290.8*121.5*50.7mm, making it easy to carry and use on the go. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2), Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C ports, and a headphone jack.
Built for Xbox, Powered by Windows
Both models are tightly integrated with the Xbox ecosystem and are designed with Xbox Game Pass in mind. Players can access their full Xbox library, play games via the cloud, or download titles directly.
Since both devices run Windows 11, users can also install platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and even launch productivity apps if needed.
Further, Microsoft has added a customized Xbox launcher that allows quick access to Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, and remote play from your home console.
The devices also support full Xbox controller integration that enables users to switch between handheld mode and docked mode, just like a Nintendo Switch.
Pricing and Availability
The standard Xbox Ally is priced competitively at $599, while the high-performance Xbox Ally X will retail for $799. Pre-orders begin next month, with shipments expected to roll out by late summer 2025. Microsoft is also planning to release official accessories, including docks, carrying cases, and custom skins to personalize and expand your handheld gaming experience.
For more information on the new Xbox devices, you can read the news release here.
