ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X gaming handhelds announced


Microsoft and ASUS have launched two new handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, following earlier rumors this year. These devices combine Xbox, Battle.net, and other PC games into one portable platform.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X

The ROG Xbox Ally is built for general users, while the ROG Xbox Ally X offers upgraded hardware for those who need more performance. Both models support local play, cloud gaming, and remote access through an Xbox console.

Features

These handhelds run a custom version of Windows 11 optimized for portable play. When powered on, they boot directly into a full-screen Xbox interface designed for easy controller navigation. Key features include:

  • Integration of Game Bar and Armoury Crate for quick access to game libraries, system controls, and settings.
  • An aggregated library showing games from Xbox, Game Pass (subscription required), Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games, and others.
  • With Xbox Play Anywhere, more than 1,000 games can be played across Xbox consoles, PCs, and handheld devices, keeping your progress and achievements in sync.
  • Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream games from an Xbox console or the cloud.
  • Roblox is optimized to run natively on the handhelds at launch.
  • Gaming Copilot, a built-in assistant accessed via Game Bar, helps with game launching, skill building, and social connections.
  • Enhanced accessibility features adapted for handheld use from Xbox and Windows.

A developer program is also planned to mark games optimized for the Ally devices, similar to Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility tags.

Specifications

The ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory running at 6400MHz, and 512GB of storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, equipped with 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM at 8000MHz and 1TB of storage.

Both models have a 7-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness. The displays feature FreeSync Premium and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with an anti-reflective coating.

Battery capacity differs, with the Ally offering 60Wh and the Ally X 80Wh for longer use. Connectivity includes USB-C ports—two USB 3.2 Gen 2 on the Ally and one USB 4 plus one USB 3.2 Gen 2 on the Ally X—along with a UHS-II microSD slot and a headphone jack. Both support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.

Designed for comfort, both handhelds feature contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers. The control layout includes ABXY buttons, a D-pad, two full-size analog sticks, assignable back buttons, a menu button, a view button, and a dedicated Xbox button. The Ally X has impulse triggers, while the Ally uses Hall Effect analog triggers. Both devices support HD haptics and include a 6-axis motion sensor.

The system and interface are optimized for gaming on Windows, with reduced background tasks to enhance performance.

Quick specifcications

Pricing, Availability, and Launch

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will launch during the upcoming holiday season. They will be available in 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.

The company noted that more markets will become available later, particularly in regions where ROG Ally products are already offered.