ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X gaming handhelds launched Globally with 7-inch FHD 120Hz Display, AMD Ryzen Z2 A/Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC
Microsoft and ASUS have officially launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, expanding their presence in the handheld gaming space after months of speculation. These new devices merge Xbox, Battle.net, and other PC gaming ecosystems into a single, portable experience.
ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X -
The ROG Xbox Ally is aimed at mainstream gamers, while the ROG Xbox Ally X features enhanced hardware tailored for power users seeking higher performance. Both support local gameplay, cloud gaming, and remote play from an Xbox console.
Key Features -
These handhelds run a customized version of Windows 11, specifically optimized for portable gaming. On startup, they launch directly into a full-screen Xbox interface designed for intuitive controller use. Notable highlights include:
- Built-in Xbox Game Bar and Armoury Crate, offering quick access to system controls, game libraries, and settings.
- A unified game library that pulls titles from Xbox, Game Pass (with subscription), Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games, and more.
- Support for Xbox Play Anywhere, enabling cross-device gameplay for over 1,000 titles with synced achievements and progress.
- Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream titles from your Xbox console or the cloud.
- Roblox is optimized to run natively on both devices right out of the box.
- Gaming Copilot, an in-game assistant accessible via Game Bar, provides guidance on game launching, skill tips, and social features.
- Enhanced accessibility tools, adapted from Xbox and Windows for handheld usability.
- A developer program is in the works to certify titles optimized for the Ally lineup, similar to Steam Deck compatibility labels.
These devices represent a major step toward unifying the PC and console gaming experience in a handheld format.
Specifications -
The ROG Xbox Ally comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 6400MHz, and 512GB of storage. In contrast, the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM at 8000MHz, and a 1TB storage capacity.
Both devices sport a 7-inch Full HD (1080p) LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and FreeSync Premium support. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and feature an anti-reflective coating for better outdoor visibility.
Battery life varies between the two models: the Ally houses a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X offers a larger 80Wh battery for extended playtime.
Connectivity -
- ROG Xbox Ally: Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports
- ROG Xbox Ally X: One USB 4 and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
- Both include a UHS-II microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 on both models.
Design & Controls -
Both handhelds feature ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers for a comfortable handheld experience. Control options include:
- ABXY buttons, D-pad, two full-sized analog sticks, assignable rear buttons
- Menu, View, and a dedicated Xbox button
- The Ally X comes with impulse triggers, while the Ally features Hall Effect analog triggers
- HD haptics and a 6-axis motion sensor are included in both
The system interface is tuned for gaming performance on Windows, with background processes minimized to ensure smooth gameplay.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X Specifications -
Pricing, Availability, and Launch -
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are set to launch during the upcoming holiday season. At release, they will be available in a wide range of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
ASUS has confirmed that additional markets will be added in the future, especially in regions where ROG Ally devices are already sold.