The ROG Xbox Ally is a new handheld gaming PC developed in partnership between Xbox (Microsoft) and Asus. It’s designed to offer a console-like gaming experience in a portable form factor, deeply integrating the Xbox ecosystem with the flexibility of Windows 11. Unlike traditional consoles, it runs a revamped version of Windows 11 Home, booting directly into an Xbox full-screen UI that aggregates games from various PC storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, and Steam.
What are the key differences between the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X?
There are two versions of the device: the base ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. The Ally X comes in black and features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB of faster LPDDR5X-8000 memory, 1 TB of M.2 2280 SSD storage, and a larger 80Wh battery. It also includes impulse triggers and a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB 4 Type-C port for external GPU support. The base Ally (white) has an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5X-6400 memory, 512 GB of storage, and a 60Wh battery. Both models share the same 7-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz IPS display. The Ally X is slightly heavier at 715g compared to the base Ally’s 670g.
How does the ROG Xbox Ally improve the Windows 11 gaming experience on a handheld?
Microsoft has significantly optimised Windows 11 for the ROG Xbox Ally. Instead of booting into the standard Windows desktop, the device boots directly into a streamlined Xbox full-screen UI. The Xbox team has worked to minimise background activity and defer non-essential tasks, freeing up substantial system resources (reportedly up to 2 GB of RAM savings). This aims to make the handheld experience more “console-like” by reducing Windows bloat, improving system responsiveness, and dedicating more resources to gameplay. Users can still access the full Windows desktop experience if desired.
What is “Xbox Play Anywhere” and how does it benefit users on the ROG Xbox Ally?
“Xbox Play Anywhere” is a feature that allows users to buy a game once and access it across multiple Xbox platforms, including Xbox console, PC, and now the ROG Xbox Ally, with progress and achievements automatically syncing. This means a single purchase grants access to the game on all compatible devices at no additional cost. It supports over 1,000 games and is touted as a key incentive to buy games within the Xbox ecosystem.
How does the ROG Xbox Ally compare to other handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2?
Compared to the Steam Deck, the ROG Xbox Ally (especially the X version) offers more powerful internal hardware, including a newer AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and faster RAM. It also provides native Windows compatibility, allowing access to a wider range of PC game launchers (Steam, Epic Games, Game Pass, Ubisoft Plus, etc.) and titles that might require anti-cheat. While thicker and heavier than the Steam Deck OLED (715g vs 640g), it features larger face buttons and aims for a more ergonomic feel inspired by Xbox controllers.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is considered a different class of device. The ROG Xbox Ally is significantly heavier (715g vs 534g) and thicker, positioning it as a powerful handheld PC rather than a slim, sleek console. The target audience for each device is seen as distinct.
What are the ergonomics and design like?
The ROG Xbox Ally is designed to feel like an Xbox controller, with large, contoured grips and full-sized analog sticks. The screen is subtly angled to improve neck ergonomics. While the Ally X is a heavy device, the weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It features impulse triggers (on the X version) to enhance the tactile feel. A key design goal was ease of use, with features like holding the Xbox button to quickly switch applications and a fingerprint reader for quick login.
What kind of performance and battery life can users expect?
The ROG Xbox Ally X, with its AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip and 80Wh battery, aims for 900p to 1080p high-fidelity graphics. While official battery life numbers were not provided, some estimates suggest the Ally X could offer around 8 hours, with the standard Ally (60W battery) closer to 5-6 hours. Performance tests on the Ally X playing Gears of War Reloaded showed 70-90 FPS at max settings, indicating strong performance for a handheld. Microsoft is also working on a “verified program” similar to Steam Deck’s to indicate which games are optimised for the handheld.
What is Microsoft’s broader vision for Xbox based on this device?
The ROG Xbox Ally is seen as a glimpse into the future of Xbox hardware and Microsoft’s broader gaming strategy. Phil Spencer and the Xbox team are focused on “Play Anywhere” and a device-agnostic future, where “every screen is an Xbox.” This handheld is the “first salvo” in this new phase, laying the groundwork for future Xbox hardware (including potentially the next generation console) to be Windows 11-powered devices that boot into the Xbox dashboard, offering seamless access to a unified game library regardless of where games were purchased. This strategy emphasizes player choice and flexibility, potentially challenging traditional console models reliant on exclusives.
From the official Xbox blog which you can read here – https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/06/08/xbox-handheld-rog-ally-x-games-showcase/
Here’s how the specs compare between the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X:
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | 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 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| 670g | 715g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
Twice the bits 
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