Microsoft and ASUS officially introduced two new handheld gaming devices, namely ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. The device was announced at the Xbox Games Showcase event and is scheduled for release on holiday 2025.
Windows-based Handheld Device with an Xbox Touch
ROG Xbox Ally runs a special Windows 11 operating system that has been optimized and customized. When powered on, the device immediately opens the Xbox full screen experience, not the Windows desktop. This interface resembles the look of an Xbox console and supports navigation with a controller.
Users can access games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and other PC gaming clients. Apps like Discord, Twitch, and game modification are also supported since the device runs full Windows.
Exclusive Features and Adapted Xbox Experience
ROG Xbox Ally has some customized features from the Xbox ecosystem:
- Dedicated button to open the Game Bar
- Ergonomic grip that follows the design of the Xbox Wireless Controller
- Integration with Gaming Copilot to aid navigation and community
- Access to Armoury Crate for performance settings and inputs
- Support of accessibility features from Xbox and Windows systems
The Xbox UI has been optimized for handhelds, similar to the approach of Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S.
ROG Xbox Ally Variants and Their Functional Differences
Two configurations ROG Xbox Ally announced:
- ROG Xbox Ally (base model): white color like Xbox Series S, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- ROG Xbox Ally X (premium model): black color, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD
They share the same design and size, different from previous ROG Ally handhelds. The handle design resembles a conventional controller rather than a Nintendo Switch-like shape.
For those of you who want to know the process behind the development of ROG Xbox Ally's design and features, here's the official behind-the-scenes video from the Xbox and ASUS teams:
Developer Partnerships and Game Support
ROG Xbox Ally support Roblox natively. Microsoft is also developing a label program to mark games that have been optimized for handhelds.
Users can download and play the catalog PC Game Pass in full. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can also access cloud gaming and remote play features via Wi-Fi connection. The device supports remote play from Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Two ROG Xbox Ally Variants and Their Specifications
Technical specifications of both variants:
| Specifications | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Convenience & Input | Ergonomic grip inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, comfortable for all-day use. ABXY buttons, D-pad, L & R Hall Effect analog triggers, L & R bumpers, Xbox button, View button, Menu button, Command Center button, Library button, 2x assignable back buttons, 2x full-size analog sticks, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU | Same as Ally, with added impulse triggers for more responsive control. Same inputs as the Ally model with improvements in the triggers. |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (easily upgradeable) | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (easily upgradeable) |
| Display | 7" FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7" FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1, PD 3.0) 1x UHS-II microSD reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x 3.5mm audio jack | 1x USB4 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1, PD 3.0, Thunderbolt 4) 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1, PD 3.0) 1x UHS-II microSD reader (UHS-I DDR200) 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Network & Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions & Weight | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm 670g | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm 715g |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included in Box | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be released on holiday 2025. More information regarding pricing and pre-orders will be announced closer to launch.
In addition, at the time of the official announcement, it was also confirmed that the follow-up game to Hollow Knight, namely Silksong, will be available alongside the launch of ROG Xbox Ally.
For official information and pre-order registration, visit ROG XBOX ALLY X.
Source: Xbox
