Xbox Ally X | Xbox Handheld

The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X promise to reshape portable gaming with Windows 11 freedom and Xbox integration

After months of speculation and leaked codenames, Microsoft has finally lifted the curtain on its handheld gaming strategy, and the results are genuinely exciting. The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X aren’t just another pair of Windows handhelds with Xbox branding slapped on – they represent a fundamental reimagining of how portable PC gaming should work.

Two Flavours of Freedom

Microsoft’s partnership with ASUS has produced two distinct devices, each targeting different segments of the handheld market. The standard ROG Xbox Ally, powered by AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 A processor, offers 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage whilst prioritising battery efficiency. Meanwhile, the premium Xbox Ally X steps up with the beefy Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of high-speed RAM, and a full terabyte of storage.

Both devices sport identical 7-inch 1080p displays running at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium support, ensuring smooth visuals whether you’re diving into Game Pass titles or exploring your Steam library. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus with anti-reflection coating shows Microsoft isn’t cutting corners on build quality.

Windows 11 Reimagined

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of these handhelds isn’t the hardware – it’s the software experience Microsoft has crafted. Rather than wrestling with desktop Windows on a handheld screen, users will boot directly into a full-screen Xbox experience optimised specifically for portable gaming.

This isn’t just a cosmetic change. Microsoft claims this streamlined approach reduces idle power consumption by two-thirds compared to standard Windows, whilst freeing up to 2GB of RAM for improved gaming performance. Background processes are minimised, non-essential tasks are deferred, and every system resource is dedicated to delivering the best possible gaming experience.

The Best of All Worlds

What sets the ROG Xbox Ally apart from competitors is its versatility. Whilst the Steam Deck locks you into Valve’s ecosystem and other Windows handhelds force you to navigate desktop interfaces, Microsoft’s approach offers genuine choice. Access your Xbox Game Pass library, stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming, launch Steam titles, or dive into Epic Games Store exclusives – all from a unified, handheld-optimised interface.

The integration with Xbox Game Bar and ASUS’s Armoury Crate suite promises additional functionality, creating what Microsoft describes as “several new and first-of-their-kind features” specifically designed for this hardware.

Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X specs

Category	Xbox Ally	Xbox Ally X
Operating System	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home
Processor	AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor	AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Architecture / Graphics	4x Zen2 architecture, 12x RDNA2 CU	8x core, 16x threads w/ XNDA2 NPU, 16x RDNA3.5 CU
Memory	16GB LPDDR5X-6400	24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage	512GB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)	1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)
Display	7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection	7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
Battery	60Wh	80Wh
I/O Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack	1x USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader (DDR200), 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network	Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Audio	Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone	Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone
Dimensions & Weight	290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 670g	290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 715g
Launch Date	Holiday 2025	Holiday 2025
Price	Unknown	Unknown

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Premium Touch Points

Both models feature redesigned ergonomics with longer, contoured grips that mirror the beloved Xbox controller design. More importantly, they include Xbox’s signature impulse triggers – those custom rumble motors that deliver precise haptic feedback during gameplay. It’s these thoughtful touches that separate a rebranded PC handheld from a purpose-built Xbox experience.

The port selection is equally impressive, with the Xbox Ally X featuring Thunderbolt 4 support alongside standard USB-C connections, microSD expansion, and 3.5mm audio. Both models support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring robust connectivity for online gaming and peripheral support.

December 2025 Can’t Come Soon Enough

Microsoft hasn’t revealed pricing yet, though industry observers expect the standard model to compete with existing mid-range handhelds whilst the X variant will likely command premium pricing. Given the enhanced specifications and Microsoft’s software optimisations, that premium could well be justified.

The handheld gaming market has exploded in recent years, with devices like the Steam Deck proving there’s genuine appetite for portable PC gaming. Microsoft’s entry feels perfectly timed – offering the Xbox ecosystem integration that existing handhelds lack whilst maintaining the Windows flexibility that makes PC gaming so appealing.

With both models launching this holiday season, 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for portable gaming. The ROG Xbox Ally represents Microsoft’s boldest hardware move in years, and if the execution matches the ambition, it could redefine what we expect from handheld gaming devices.