Microsoft has officially entered the handheld gaming market with the launch of two new Xbox-branded handheld consoles developed in partnership with Asus: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, these devices aim to bring the full Xbox gaming experience into a portable form factor, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles anywhere.
Design and Display
Both handhelds feature a 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support, ensuring smooth and fluid gameplay visuals. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and feature DXC anti-reflection coatings for enhanced durability and visibility outdoors. The consoles sport contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, designed for all-day comfort.
Performance and Hardware
The key difference between the two models lies in their hardware specifications:
– ROG Xbox Ally (Standard) 
– Processor: AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A (Zen2 architecture)
– RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
– Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (user-upgradable)
– Battery: 60Wh
– I/O: Dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack
– Weight: 670g
– ROG Xbox Ally X (Premium)
– Processor: AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme (with AI acceleration)
– RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
– Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (user-upgradable)
– Battery: 80Wh
– I/O: USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack
– Weight: 715g
– Additional features: Impulse triggers for enhanced haptic feedback and immersive gameplay, advanced cooling system with dual fans and heat pipes
Both devices run Windows 11 Home with a custom Xbox full-screen UI optimized for handheld gaming. This interface limits background tasks to maximize performance and battery life, offering features like Quick Resume, Smart Performance Mode, and seamless access to multiple storefronts including Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and more.
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally X (Premium) | ROG Xbox Ally (Standard) |
| Tagline | Next-gen power in your hands | Handheld freedom for everyone |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & Input | Contoured grips with impulse triggers. Full controls: ABXY buttons, D-pad, L & R impulse triggers, bumpers, Xbox/View/Menu buttons, Command Center, Library, 2x back buttons, 2x full-size analog sticks, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU | Contoured grips with Hall Effect triggers. Full controls: ABXY buttons, D-pad, L & R analog triggers, bumpers, Xbox/View/Menu buttons, Command Center, Library, 2x back buttons, 2x full-size analog sticks, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (user-upgradable) | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (user-upgradable) |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | Same as Ally X |
| I/O Ports | – 1x USB4 Type-C (DP 2.1 / PD 3.0 / Thunderbolt 4)- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DP 2.1 / PD 3.0)- UHS-II microSD card reader- 3.5mm combo audio jack | – 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DP 1.4 / PD 3.0)- UHS-II microSD card reader- 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Network & Comms | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm |
| Weight | 715g | 670g |
| Battery | 80Wh | 60Wh |
| Included in Box | ROG Xbox Ally X, 65W charger, stand | ROG Xbox Ally, 65W charger, stand |
Connectivity and Controls
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless peripherals. The consoles feature a familiar Xbox-style button layout, including ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, bumpers, triggers, and assignable back buttons. The Ally X’s impulse triggers provide additional tactile feedback, enhancing the gaming experience.
Gaming Experience and Features
The handhelds support Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play from Xbox consoles, and local game downloads, enabling players to access a vast library of games on the go. The devices also support multiple storefronts, allowing gamers to play titles from Xbox, Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Battle.net. The 120Hz display with VRR ensures smooth gameplay, while the ergonomic design and HD haptics aim to provide comfort and immersion during extended play sessions.
Price and Release Date
Microsoft has announced that both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will launch during the holiday season of 2025, likely before the end of the year. Official pricing details are yet to be confirmed, but industry speculation suggests the standard ROG Xbox Ally could be priced around $599 or higher, while the premium ROG Xbox Ally X may range between $799 and $999.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X mark Microsoft’s ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market, combining powerful AMD processors, high-refresh-rate displays, and a rich Xbox ecosystem in a portable package. With support for cloud gaming, multiple game libraries, and advanced features like impulse triggers and AI-enhanced processing on the Ally X, these devices promise to offer a versatile and immersive gaming experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
As the handheld gaming landscape heats up with competitors like Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Valve’s Steam Deck, Microsoft’s Xbox handhelds stand out by leveraging the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem and Windows 11’s flexibility, potentially redefining portable gaming for Xbox fans.
