Microsoft and ASUS are officially entering the handheld gaming space with the upcoming release of the Xbox ROG Ally and its more powerful sibling, the Ally X. Set to launch globally on October 16, these Windows-powered handheld PCs aim to deliver console-quality gaming on the go, with features tailored for Xbox fans and PC players alike. While pricing remains unconfirmed, leaks suggest a premium tiered approach that reflects the performance gap between the two models.
The base model, Xbox ROG Ally, is designed for accessibility and portability. It features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The device sports a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, ensuring smooth gameplay even in fast-paced titles. A 60Wh battery powers the unit, and the ergonomic design includes contoured grips and a familiar Xbox controller layout. It’s built for casual and core gamers alike, with support for Xbox Game Pass, cloud streaming, and Remote Play from your console.
The Ally X, on the other hand, is built for performance. It packs an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a neural processing unit (NPU) that unlocks future AI-powered features like Automatic Super Resolution and highlight reel generation. The Ally X also includes 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery for extended play sessions. It comes in a sleek black finish and offers deeper customization through ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE software. The device is expected to support higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, making it ideal for AAA gaming on the go.
Both handhelds will launch with Xbox’s new Handheld Compatibility Program, which labels games as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible,” similar to Valve’s Steam Deck Verified system. A “Windows Performance Fit” badge will also indicate how well a game is expected to run on each device. Additionally, advanced shader delivery will preload shaders during game downloads, reducing battery drain and improving first-launch performance.
While Microsoft has yet to confirm pricing, leaks suggest the base Ally could retail around $550, with the Ally X landing closer to $900. Accessories like the ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller and a dedicated charging dock are also expected to be available at launch.
With the Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X, Microsoft is positioning itself to compete directly with the Steam Deck and other handheld PCs. These devices represent a major step in Xbox’s broader ecosystem strategy, offering players a seamless experience across console, PC, and handheld platforms.
