The handheld gaming PC market is poised for a major shake-up in 2025, thanks to an exciting collaboration between Microsoft and Asus. Enter the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X; two sleek, powerful devices that blend the best of Windows 11 gaming with official Xbox branding and software integration. These handhelds represent a fresh direction for Xbox beyond the traditional console living room setup, targeting gamers who want the freedom to play their favorite PC and Xbox games anywhere.
While Microsoft’s own plans for a first-party Xbox handheld console appear to have been shelved, the partnership with Asus ensures that the Xbox experience will still reach portable devices in a meaningful way. The ROG Xbox Ally series isn’t just a rebrand of existing handheld PCs; it introduces new design choices, high-end AMD Ryzen processors, and a custom Xbox-focused software interface tailored for handheld play.
The standard ROG Xbox Ally aims to strike a balance between price and performance, packing a capable AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 7-inch 1080p display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. For those demanding more power, the ROG Xbox Ally X steps things up with a cutting-edge Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB RAM, and a larger battery, delivering an impressive performance leap in a portable form factor.
Beyond raw specs, what makes these devices truly stand out is their focus on ergonomics and gaming-centric features, including dedicated Xbox controls, hall-effect thumbsticks, HD haptics, and an immersive Xbox GameBar interface built on Windows 11. With rumors pointing to a release around October or November 2025 and competitive pricing strategies, the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X could quickly become the go-to handheld gaming PCs for both Xbox and PC gamers.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything we know so far about the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X, from design and specs to software, pricing, and release details.
The Rise of Xbox in Handheld Gaming PCs
For years, Microsoft has pushed Xbox beyond traditional consoles, leveraging its cloud gaming platform and Xbox Anywhere initiative to deliver Xbox experiences across devices. However, the ROG Xbox Ally series represents a more tangible step into the handheld gaming PC territory, with official Xbox branding embedded in a new form factor.
Unlike rumors of a first-party Xbox handheld console—which have since been shelved—the Ally devices are Windows-powered handhelds made in collaboration with Asus, a recognized leader in gaming hardware. This partnership has given birth to a promising line of devices tailored for portable PC gaming, but with Xbox-inspired software integration.
ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X: Pricing and Release Date
One of the biggest questions on gamers’ minds is: when can we get our hands on these devices, and how much will they cost?
While Microsoft and Asus have not officially confirmed exact release dates or pricing, insiders and community leaks suggest a tentative October 2025 launch window, with a high chance of hitting shelves during the holiday season. This timing would align well with the historic November launches of previous Xbox consoles, such as the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
Regarding pricing, leaked estimates from trusted sources like YouTube leaker Extas1s and Windows Central’s Jez Corden hint at a $499 price point for the base ROG Xbox Ally and a premium $799 price for the ROG Xbox Ally X model. These prices position the handhelds competitively alongside rivals like Valve’s Steam Deck and Lenovo’s Legion Go S.
Microsoft’s pricing strategy likely draws from its familiar console tier system, similar to the Xbox Series X and S, allowing customers to choose between an affordable entry-level model and a more powerful flagship device.
Hardware and Specifications: Power Under the Hood
The ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X news prominently highlight their strong hardware credentials, showcasing impressive AMD Ryzen processors designed specifically for handheld gaming PCs.
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A (20W) | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (35W) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 SSD | 1TB M.2 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz IPS | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz IPS |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
The Processors: Ryzen Z2 A and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
The base ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A, an entry-level RDNA 2 chip variant that offers decent performance but is less powerful than Asus’ previous Z1 Extreme processor found in the original ROG Ally from 2023. This setup is ideal for more budget-conscious gamers who still want solid handheld performance.
Meanwhile, the flagship ROG Xbox Ally X boasts the new Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU. Built on Zen 5 architecture with RDNA 3.5 graphics, this chip offers a significant leap in graphical power and AI capabilities over its predecessor. With a 35W power envelope and 24GB of RAM, the Ally X is designed to deliver high frame rates and smooth gaming performance for demanding PC titles.
Display and Battery Life
Both models feature a sharp 7-inch IPS display with a native 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals and responsive gameplay. Asus continues its tradition of robust display protection by using Gorilla Glass on both models, making the handhelds more durable than many competitors.
Battery capacities differ, with the Ally X packing an 80Wh unit to support its more powerful hardware, while the standard Ally contains a 60Wh battery. Both are expected to deliver several hours of gaming on a single charge, with options for docking or charging during play extending session times.
Design and Controls: Ergonomics Meets Xbox Branding
One of the key highlights in the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X news is the device design, which diverges from previous Asus handhelds and other competitors by adopting controller-style grips for better ergonomics. These grips are bulkier but improve comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Controller Features
- Hall-effect thumbsticks: Offering precise input and durability.
- HD haptics: For immersive tactile feedback.
- Six-axis motion sensors: Enabling motion controls in supported games.
- Dedicated Xbox button: Providing quick access to Xbox features and tying the device closer to Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Despite the Xbox branding, the face buttons retain Asus’s style rather than mimicking the exact look of Xbox controllers, offering a blend of the two companies’ design languages.
Software Experience: Windows 11 with Xbox Flair
Unlike a dedicated console, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X run full Windows 11, giving players access to the complete PC gaming ecosystem. However, Microsoft and Asus have worked together to optimize the experience for handheld use.
Xbox Full-Screen Interface
At startup, users are greeted with an immersive, full-screen Xbox GameBar interface designed to feel familiar to console gamers. This dashboard provides easy navigation through:
- Installed PC games from various storefronts like Steam, GOG, Battle.net, and Ubisoft Connect.
- Microsoft’s Game Pass service for access to a vast library of titles.
- Cloud gaming options.
- Xbox Remote Play, to stream games from your console to the handheld.
This Xbox-themed overlay sits atop Windows but can be minimized to access the traditional desktop for productivity or advanced tweaks.
Armoury Crate Integration
Borrowing from Asus’s gaming PC software, Armoury Crate is also integrated, allowing gamers to tweak system performance, monitor thermals, and remap controls with ease. This helps balance power consumption and gaming performance on the go.
How Does the ROG Xbox Ally Compare?
In a crowded handheld market, the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X news positions these devices as serious contenders against popular models like the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go S.
- The Ally X targets enthusiasts seeking peak performance with Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and 24GB RAM.
- The standard Ally offers a budget-friendly option with slightly pared-down specs.
Both devices benefit from Xbox-centric software and cloud gaming integration, setting them apart from general-purpose handheld PCs. The design prioritizes comfort, and the inclusion of premium controller components makes them ideal for long gaming sessions.
Summary: Why You Should Care About ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X News
The collaboration between Microsoft and Asus marks a fresh chapter in handheld PC gaming. With powerful AMD Ryzen processors, Xbox-themed software, and thoughtful design, the ROGXbox Ally & Ally X offer a compelling choice for gamers seeking portable Windows gaming with Xbox ecosystem benefits.
While pricing and release details are not yet officially confirmed, leaked estimates and insider info point towards competitive pricing and an October 2025 launch, potentially making these devices a major highlight for the holiday season.
If you’re a fan of PC gaming on the go or an Xbox enthusiast curious about portable gaming hardware, the ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X news should be on your radar this year.
Read the news recap of the latest trends in video game industry via Gamerative.
FAQs
Can the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X run non-gaming applications smoothly?
Yes, since both devices run full Windows 11, they can handle a wide range of non-gaming applications such as web browsing, productivity software, and media playback, making them versatile for work and entertainment beyond gaming.
Will the ROG Xbox Ally series support accessories like external controllers or docks?
Given their Windows 11 foundation and standard ports, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are expected to support a variety of peripherals, including external controllers, USB-C docks, and monitors, enabling flexible setups for both portable and stationary gaming.
How customizable are the controls and performance settings on these handhelds?
Thanks to Armoury Crate integration and the Xbox GameBar overlay, users can easily remap buttons, adjust performance profiles, monitor system stats, and tweak fan speeds, allowing for personalized gaming experiences and optimized battery life.
