What’s happened? Handheld gaming just got its most ambitious upgrade in a while. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are now available globally, promising to put PC- and console-grade gaming at your fingertips.
- The handheld gaming consoles, developed by Microsoft in partnership with ASUS and AMD, are available via Xbox.com, the ASUS eShop, and other retail partners.
- While the ROG Xbox Ally costs $599.99, the ROG Xbox Ally X will set you back $999.99.
- In the United States and select other markets, buyers will get receive months of complementary Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass with the handhelds.
- The ROG Xbox Ally features the AMD Ryzen Z2 A CPU paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Xbox Ally X features a more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme CPU with 24GB of higher-frequency RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Why is this important? The launch marks Microsoft’s formal entry into the handheld gaming PC market, currently dominated by devices from Steam and Lenovo.
- Alongside the handheld consoles, Xbox has released a wide range of accessories, including ultra-fast microSD cards, PCIe NVMe SSDs, pro-grade controllers, rugged protective cases, advanced charging/docking solutions, and wireless audio buds.
- Both the handheld consoles offer an Xbox Full Screen Experience based on the Windows 11 Home operating system, along with AI-driven features such as Gaming Copilot (beta). The AI assistant can recognize what’s on screen and offer real-time gameplay assistance via text or voice prompts.
- The assistance learns from a player’s library, achievements, and past play sessions to track progress and provide personalized recommendations, such as those for new titles. Moreover, Gaming Copilot helps users optimize their gaming time and discover new experiences tailored to their preferences.
Why should I care? If you’re a gaming enthusiast, the Ally handhelds let you carry your entire game library, account progression, and friends with you wherever you go—eliminating the need to choose between consoles, PCs, or different streaming platforms. You’ll get a consistent experience across both consoles, though the Xbox Ally X offers some additional perks.
- Both consoles share the same 7-inch IPS screen, which supports a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of peak brightness, and can handle up to 1080p gameplay.
- The $599.99 model features two USB 3.2 Type-C ports (DP 2.1 / PD 3.0), one microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. In contrast, the $999.99 version includes a USB 4 Type-C port (DP 2.1 / PD 3.0) in addition to the same ports and a larger 80Wh battery (vs. 60Wh on the standard model).
OK, what’s next? The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X signal a new era of multi-platform, portable gaming backed by a full ecosystem of accessories. In the coming weeks, the consoles will receive Default Game Profiles—a feature that optimizes frame rate and energy use. Early next year, developers plan to roll out docking enhancements, along with AI-powered features like Automatic Super Resolution and highlight reels.
