This feels like the worst kept secret in gaming, there have been leaks about this for months, but the surprising thing is those leaks haven’t diminished the excitement of this new essentially handheld xbox console.
Xbox has partnered with ASUS to introduce two new handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. These devices aim to redefine how players enjoy gaming on the go, combining Xbox’s gaming ecosystem with ASUS’s expertise in high-performance handheld gaming. This collaboration delivers a seamless and portable gaming experience designed to cater to casual players and hardcore PC gamers alike.
A Breakthrough in Handheld Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are designed to make gaming more accessible, whether at home, traveling, or anywhere in between. These devices provide access to games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts, all from one device. Both handhelds support native play, cloud gaming, and Xbox Remote Play, giving players flexibility in how and where they enjoy their favorite titles.
What Sets the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Apart
The ROG Xbox Ally offers a great value option for gamers, balancing performance and price. Powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, it features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, providing enough power to handle most modern games without sacrificing battery life.
For those seeking a more advanced experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X steps up with the AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. This high-performance device is designed to handle demanding games with better visual settings, faster performance, and features like impulse triggers for enhanced control.
Both devices feature 7-inch Full HD displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for durability, making them perfect for immersive gameplay on the move. This is fine, but also feels a bit like a missed opporunity as handhelds are starting to look more at that 7.9/8 inch screen and some opting for OLED. 7 feels too small now.
Optimized Xbox Experience Meets Windows Versatility
These handhelds run on Windows 11, ensuring seamless integration with the Xbox ecosystem while giving players the full versatility of PC gaming. The new Xbox full screen experience, tailored specifically for handheld devices, optimizes system resources for gameplay, delivering higher frame rates, reduced background activity, and faster loading times.
The devices also include the Game Bar, offering quick access to games, friends, settings, and apps. ASUS’s Armoury Crate integration adds advanced device controls, making navigation easier with a controller. Players can also use popular apps like Discord, Twitch, and mods directly from the device.
A Gaming Library at Your Fingertips
One of the standout features is the aggregated gaming library, which consolidates games from Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC storefronts into one place. This makes locating and accessing games faster and more user-friendly. Additionally, through the Xbox Play Anywhere program, over 1,000 games are supported across Xbox consoles, PCs, and the ROG Xbox Ally devices, with progress and achievements syncing seamlessly.
Specs That Seem to Deliver on Paper
Here’s a quick comparison of the two devices for gamers to consider:
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 7” FHD, 120Hz refresh rate | 7” FHD, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
The devices also include contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, HD haptics, and accessibility features optimized for handheld gaming. It’s what I love about the PlayStation Portal and it’s great that Xbox are putting a stamp on the product in this way.
Expanding Handheld Gaming
Xbox and ASUS are taking handheld gaming to the next level by partnering with developers to optimize games for devices like the ROG Ally and Ally X. At launch, players will also enjoy titles like Roblox, which has been natively optimized for these devices. New players who purchase a device will receive access to Game Pass at no additional cost, unlocking hundreds of games such as Vampire Survivors and Gears Tactics. But I’ll be honest, I just want it to play through Clair Obscure Expedition 33 again, that game is going to rock in handheld.
Availability and Pre-Orders
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will be available in several markets, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Japan, and more, starting this holiday season. Pricing details and pre-order options are expected to be announced soon. Players interested in pre-ordering can sign up for notifications on the official Xbox website.
This announcement comes days after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch so its great to see that more companies are putting resources into handheld gaming, bridging the gap between console, PC, and portable gaming, ensuring players can enjoy their favourite titles anytime, anywhere.
