Picture Credit: ASUS
Microsoft has officially joined the handheld race, without building its own hardware. In a bold collaboration with ASUS, the tech giant revealed two gaming handhelds at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Combining the raw flexibility of Windows 11 with a new console-like Xbox interface, these devices aim to redefine how and where you play.
In this guide, we’ll break down specs, performance, design, and real-world impressions—everything you need to know before launch.
ROG Xbox Ally vs Ally X: Specs Comparison
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 (upgradeable) | 1TB M.2 (upgradeable) |
| Display | 7″ 1080p 120Hz VRR (Gorilla Glass Victus) | Same |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Ergonomics | Standard grips | Improved grips + Impulse triggers |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Launch | Holiday 2025 | Holiday 2025 |
Xbox Experience Reimagined for Handhelds
Unlike traditional Windows handhelds, both Allies boot into a full-screen Xbox UI designed for gamepad navigation. You get:
- One-click access to Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play.
- A curated, unified library pulling titles from Xbox, Steam, Epic, GOG, and more.
- Optimized RAM management—background Windows processes are trimmed to save ~2GB of memory.
ROG Ally and ROG Ally X price and release date
The ROG Ally and Ally X will be released on 16 October 2025. While the price of these devices has not been confirmed yet, rumours suggest that the ROG Ally might cost USD 549.99 and the ROG Ally X might cost USD 899.99, which is hefty for a portable console. However, given the tech they are packing, they might prove worth it.
It just comes down to how much you are willing to pay to take your triple-A games on the go.
Can this device spell trouble for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Will ROG Xbox Ally cause an issue for Nintendo’s recently released console? The chances are slim, but its power and better display mean Nintendo might have to make some meaningful changes to the Switch 2 to ensure its console stands out.
Not everyone buys their console for Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda; some buy a hybrid console to play heavy console titles on the go. ROG Xbox Ally can do it better, then maybe people will choose it over Nintendo’s latest generation console?
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FAQ
Q: What is the release date of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?
A: Both devices are scheduled for a 16 October 2025 launch.
Q: Can you use the Xbox Cloud app on the Ally X?
A: Yes. Both devices natively support Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Ally X?
A: Expect up to 3 hours for demanding 3D games and longer for lighter tasks or cloud streaming.
Q: Can I play Steam or Epic Store games?
A: Yes. Both are full Windows devices with access to all major storefronts.
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