Summary The ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally feature enhanced specs, a more ergonomic design, and deeper Xbox app integration.

The new Xbox-branded handhelds also feature impulse triggers, customizable buttons, and upgraded batteries.

Microsoft’s handheld partnership with Asus has been rumored for several months.

At Xbox’s 2025 Games Showcase, Microsoft and Asus revealed two Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds that feature more powerful AMD processors and improved integration with the Xbox app. Both ROG Xbox Ally portables are set to release this coming holiday, but it’s unclear how much either will cost. For context, the ROG Ally X is currently priced at $800 and the ROG Ally costs $500, so it’s likely these new handhelds will be priced above their predecessors.

Beyond the internal chip power bump, the ROG Xbox Ally features a slightly different design with Xbox controller-like arms for a better grip. Since I find the ROG Ally X pretty uncomfortable and picked up dbrand’s Killswitch caseto try to solve the issue, I’m interested in seeing if this change makes the ROG Xbox Ally line easier to hold.

Not much is known about either Xbox-branded ROG handheld yet beyond the jump from the ROG Ally X/ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor (the earlier version of the ROG Ally features the AMD Ryzen Z1). Below is a full list of each handheld’s specs:

ROG Xbox Ally X Dimensions 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm Brand Asus Weight 25oz (715g) Chipset AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor RAM 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 Storage 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade Display 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning® Gorilla Glass Victus + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection Ports 1x USB4 with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Battery 80Wh

ROG Xbox Ally Dimensions 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm Brand Asus Weight 23oz (670g) Chipset AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor RAM 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD Display 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning® Gorilla® Glass Vitus + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Battery 60Wh

The new handhelds are the ROG Ally 2 in everything but name

It’s unclear what benefits the deeper Xbox integration offers

The new handhelds feature a native Xbox app that allows users to access their Xbox games and cloud libraries. Since you can already install the Xbox app on the ROG Ally and Ally X, it’s unclear what advantages are offered by the ROG Xbox Ally line beyond the dedicated Xbox app button on the left side.

In an Xbox Wire post, Microsoft says that you can swap between various apps like Discord, Battlenet, and “other leading PC storefronts.” Again, you can already do this on the standard ROG Ally, so it’s unclear what’s different with the Xbox ROG line. Asus says that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds feature impulse triggers, customizable buttons, upgraded battery, and “deep Xbox integration.”

In several ways, this feels like the Xbox handheld I’ve always wanted the company to make.

Rumors surrounding Microsoft’s partnership with Asus have been swirling for months, with the handhelds being officially teased just a few weeks ago. They also nearly entirely leaked in a Federal Communications Commission filing. More recently, reports of Xbox games appearing in the Xbox PC app started to surface, prompting speculation that Microsoft is creating a unified platform to access Xbox games from both consoles and PCs, along with the integration of other platforms like Steam.

While I still have many questions about the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, specifically regarding what the Xbox integration offers beyond the current ROG Ally, the reasonable spec bump and more ergonomic design look promising. In several ways, this feels like the Xbox handheld I’ve always wanted the tech giant to make. If recent rumors are accurate, this is a good thing because Xbox’s long-rumored dedicated handheld is reportedly on hold.

Following the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft published an in-depth look at the creation of the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X, which you can find above.

During the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, Microsoft finally revealed its handheld in partnership with Asus. The ROG Xbox Ally will come later this year and will be available in two variants.

Microsoft/Screenshot by CNET

The new portable console comes in two versions: the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. The ROG Xbox Ally comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. For a little more power, the ROG Xbox Ally X comes with a Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

Not much else was revealed about the ROG Xbox Ally other than how the UI looks and a few specs. AMD did say in a press release that both processors will “take full advantage of Radeon’s software suite for graphics and performance improvements, including AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) frame generation.”

Specifications

ROG Xbox Ally ROG Xbox Ally X Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home Controls and grip Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. 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 Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse 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 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 for easier upgrade 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade 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-C (2 x DP 2.1, PD 3.0), 1 x micro SD, 1 x analog audio 2x USB-C (1 x USB4, 1 x USB 3.2 both w/ DP 2.1, PD 3.0), 1 x micro SD, 1 x analog audio Network and Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Dimensions 29.1×12.2×5.1 cm 29.1×12.2×5.1 cm Weight 670g 715g Battery 60Wh 80Wh Included ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand

A handheld from Microsoft has been rumored for months. Thanks to the success of the Steam Deck, different hardware companies have been releasing their own handheld consoles, such as the Lenovo Legion Go and MSI Claw. It was speculated that the handheld would be a partnership with Asus that would take its ROG Ally and implement the Xbox user interface and branding.

Another bit of news during the reveal is the confirmation that the Hollow Knight follow-up, Silksong, will be available when the ROG Xbox Ally is released.

Details about pricing and release date weren’t revealed during the show, but if it’s priced similarly to the ROG Ally when it launched, you can expect a price around $600 and a release date around the holidays later this year.

Microsoft on Sunday revealed its first Xbox-branded handheld video game devices, presenting them as a way to play its extensive library of titles anywhere. Xbox has optimised Windows 11 to enable its easy use on both Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X models.(xbox.com)

The two models of “ROG Xbox Ally”, created in partnership with Taiwan-based ASUS will be available in the market by the holiday season at the end of the year, said Xbox president Sarah Bond during an online event.

“The Xbox Ally is an Xbox you can hold in your hands, bringing together the power of Xbox and the freedom of Windows,” Bond added.

She also said that on this version of Xbox, users will be able to pick any game across their entire library, including all of the Windows PC game stores from Xbox and Battle.net to Steam, GOG (Good Old Games platform) and Ubisoft Connect.

All about Xbox handheld models

The ROG Xbox Ally model is described as the essential handheld at a great value for everyone, from casual players to avid gamers. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X model is the ultimate high-performance handheld gaming device, built for the most demanding players.

The Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, with 16 GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Meanwhile, Xbox Ally X features AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, with 24GB of high-speed RAM and 1TB in storage.

Features of Xbox Ally

This gaming experience allows users to be free of any stagnant fixture and travel with the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X wherever they go.

Xbox has optimised Windows 11 to enable its easy use on both the Xbox Ally models.

The ‘game bar’ on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X allows user to return home easy, browse library, launch or quit games, chat with friends, open other apps, adjust settings, and much more.

With the added integration of ASUS’s ‘Armoury Crate’, the game bar also gives users streamlines access to advanced device and input controls.

Since these new handheld Xbox models can run Windows, users will be able to access games they cannot get elsewhere. The entire circumference of gaming can be enjoyed, download games from user’s favourite storefront, run apps like Discord, watch streamers on Twitch, and play with favourite mods.

One of the new features, specifically designed for the handheld gaming device, is that when a user will power on their Xbox Ally, they will boot directly into the ‘Xbox full screen experience’.

Xbox Ally also has ‘Xbox button’, which lets players have access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay.

‘Contoured grips’ features, Xbox said, was created with the comfort of the players in mind, using the same design principles as Xbox Wireless Controllers. The Xbox Ally models feature contoured handgrips to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes.

Additionally, Xbox also made exciting offers to players who purchase the new model and are new to Game Pass. It said that these players will be get started with no extra cost and will also access hundreds of games such as Balatro, Gears Tactics, Vampire Survivors and more, straight from their device.

Xbox is partnering with Asus on a Windows-based handheld with support for your Game Pass library, Steam, GOG, and other PC gaming clients. The long-rumored handheld was officially revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase. The ROG Xbox Ally is slated to launch Holiday 2025. No pricing details were provided, but two configurations were revealed.

Like the regular Asus ROG Ally handhelds, the “X” version is the premium model. The ROG Xbox Ally X has a black color scheme and is fitted with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, 24GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

The base model ROG Xbox Ally is white like the Xbox Series S and has an AMD Ryzen Z2A chipset, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

The difference in RAM is actually greater than the 8GB between them, as the Xbox Ally X uses LPDDR5X-8000, which is faster than the base model’s LPDDR5X-6400.

Both models have 7-inch 1080p displays with 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync. Asus built the screens with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus coated with DXC Anti-Reflection to combat screen glare and improve visibility in different lighting settings.

Both models share the same design and form factor, which is a departure from the lineup of ROG Ally handhelds made solely by Asus. Current ROG Ally handhelds have rounded handhelds and generally look more Switch-like, whereas the ROG Xbox Ally has traditional controller grips like the PlayStation Portal. Xbox says the contoured grips are based on the Xbox Wireless Controller.

ROG Xbox Ally

The inputs also appear to be inspired by the first-party controller; it features a dedicated Xbox button, face buttons with the same color scheme and labeling as the Xbox Wireless Controller, and a similar eight-way D-pad. The base model has Hall Effect analog triggers (RT and LT), whereas the Xbox Ally X is fitted with Xbox’s impulse triggers. Both handhelds have customizable lighting rings around the full-sized analog sticks. Along with the Xbox button, there are four additional option buttons, two on each side: View, Menu, Library, and Commander Center. Both models have HD haptics, 6-axis motion controls, and a pair of remappable back buttons.

The base model features two USB-C 3.2 ports with Power Delivery 3.0 support for charging and DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity for connecting an external display. The Xbox Ally X also has two USB-C ports, but one of them is USB-C 4 with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. You can expand the storage capacity of either device with a microSD card. The reader in both is for UHS-II cards, but the Xbox Ally X will also be able to read UHS-I cards via DDR200. You can also expand your storage by swapping out the internal SSD for a larger M.2 2280. You can connect wired headsets to the 3.5mm audio jack or via Bluetooth 5.4. Each device has a Wi-Fi 6E network card.

The Xbox Ally X weighs slightly more than the base model–715g compared to 670g–though the devices have the same dimensions. The weight difference likely stems from battery size, as the base model has a 60Wh battery, while the X has an 80Wh battery. A ROG Xbox Ally 65W Charger Stand is included with both models.

Unlike other Windows handhelds, powering on the device opens the Xbox app, providing users with a console-like experience like the Steam Deck or the recently released Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS. The UI, which was retooled for the handheld experience, looks more like the console version of the Xbox app than the Windows version.

ROG Xbox Ally X

Xbox said both editions can natively play the full Game Pass library, which means you can download any of the hundreds of titles in the PC Game Pass catalog. The ROG Xbox Ally also supports cloud streaming and remote play, so Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream all of the games in the Xbox Cloud Gaming service over Wi-Fi. You can also play your full Xbox Series X|S library via remote play with a Wi-Fi connection.

Since the ROG Xbox Ally is, in practice, a Windows PC with additional Xbox integration, you won’t be limited to the Xbox ecosystem. All PC game clients for Windows will work on both devices, so that means you’ll be able to download games from Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and more. And since Windows supports PS Remote Play and cloud streaming, you should be able to stream your PS5 game library, too.

Summary Xbox partners with Asus to develop an Xbox handheld system.

The ROG Xbox Ally will come in two versions with different specs.

Xbox aims to expand its gaming reach with the handheld console, expected to release at the end of 2025.

Xbox has finally revealed a handheld system, which is being developed in collaboration with computer powerhouse Asus. There have been whispers of Microsoft producing a standalone Xbox handheld system to compete with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck for the past few years, with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer eventually confirming its existence in late 2024.

Since then, fans have been speculating about this Xbox handheld gaming system, and how it would factor into Xbox’s continuing efforts to branch out beyond the confines of a single designated home console. A report from back in March claimed that this Xbox handheld would be similar to a PC in hardware and sport a Windows-inspired user interface, and it was believed that Microsoft was partnering with another tech company. One of the names mentioned was Asus, which had already produced a similar PC gaming handheld in the ROG Ally.

Related Hollow Knight: Silksong Was at the Xbox Games Showcase But Not How You’d Expect One of the most anticipated games for the Xbox Games Showcase was Hollow Knight: Silksong, and while it was there, it wasn’t the news fans wanted.

These claims have been officially confirmed during July 8’s Xbox Games Showcase, which finally gave gamers their first official look at Xbox’s new gaming handheld, which will be available in two versions. Named the ROG Xbox Ally, this system is indeed being developed in collaboration with Asus, and is very similar to the existing ROG Ally in terms of design and functionality. It sports a large screen in the middle with buttons and joysticks directly inspired by the Xbox Series controller, along with a special Xbox logo button that was part of the previous rumors.

Xbox Ally Handheld Console Versions

ROG Xbox Ally X

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor

24 GB memory

1TB of storage

ROG Xbox Ally

AMD Ryzen X2A processor

16 GB memory

512 GB of storage

Xbox President Sarah Bond then appeared to shed further light on the ROG Xbox Ally systems, which will continue the company’s aim toward providing gaming to customers across any platform wherever they see fit. She described the Xbox Ally as “an Xbox console you can hold in your hands,” and revealed that it will allow players to run games not only in their Xbox libraries or through Xbox Game Pass, but also on Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. She also stated that the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available at launch and in Game Pass when the Xbox Ally comes out later this year.

Close

The new Xbox console will come in two different versions. The black ROG Xbox Ally X will be powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 24 GB memory and 1TB of storage, while the white ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen X2A processor with 16 GB memory and 512 GB of storage. So far, both systems are set to launch sometime during the 2025 holiday season.