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Microsoft and ASUS have teamed up to launch something new: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Both were revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025. These are the first handhelds actually to carry the Xbox name. They run Windows 11, so you’re getting a proper PC in your hands—with direct access to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and even third-party launchers like Steam and Epic.
What’s the ROG Xbox Ally Like?
ASUS didn’t start from scratch. They’ve taken what worked in their original ROG Ally and mixed in design elements from the Xbox controller. Both versions have grips that feel like the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the button layout has been tweaked to feel more familiar for Xbox users. The Ally X gets impulse triggers for better feedback.
When you boot it up, you land straight into a full-screen Xbox-style interface. It’s designed for games first—no distractions, fewer background tasks, and better performance. The built-in Game Bar is hooked into ASUS Armoury Crate SE, so you can tweak performance settings, open your game library, chat, or access apps, all tuned for use on the go.
And yes, it’s still Windows 11 underneath. So, Discord, mods, non-Microsoft stores—everything still works.
ROG Xbox Ally vs ROG Xbox Ally X
Here’s the key difference: the Ally is for the average user who wants power without killing the battery, and the Ally X is for those who want more of everything—performance, RAM, storage, and battery life.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X‑6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5X‑8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Battery | 60 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Triggers | Hall‑effect analog triggers | Impulse triggers |
| Weight | ~670 g | ~715 g |
The standard model hits a balance of performance and efficiency. The X model targets demanding users, offering enhancements in power, memory, and battery life.
ROG Xbox Ally Display and Controls
Both devices feature a 7-inch, 1080p IPS touchscreen that supports VRR, FreeSync Premium, a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus, and an anti-reflective coating. Controls include dual analog sticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, bumpers, triggers, view/menu, two assignable back buttons, and HD haptics. The X adds impulse triggers for tactile feedback.
Windows 11 on ROG Xbox Ally
These handhelds run Windows 11 Home with a custom, user-friendly Xbox-focused shell. Game Bar integrates Armoury Crate SE, offering thermal, display, and framerate controls. In gaming mode, background processes only use essential resources. Users get full PC access: install Steam, Epic, Discord, and game mods. The Xbox launchpad aggregates games from Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC storefronts to ease library management.
ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Ecosystem
Players can launch games locally, stream via Cloud Gaming (Beta), or use Remote Play to stream from an Xbox console. The device supports Xbox Play Anywhere for over 1,000 PC and Xbox titles, allowing for seamless syncing of progress across platforms. A new optimization label highlights games that have been fine-tuned for handheld play.
At launch, these handhelds offer a 3‑month Game Pass subscription and native support for Roblox, optimized for handheld mode. The devices also support major storefronts like Battle.net, Steam, and Epic.
PlayStation Game Compatibility on ROG Xbox Ally
Since the devices are full Windows PCs, users can install PC ports of PlayStation exclusives such as God of War and Marvel’s Spider‑Man. Microsoft clarified this isn’t native emulation of console games, but flexibility via Windows and store access.
Market Purpose and Positioning
The ROG Xbox Ally family represents Microsoft’s “platform-agnostic” Xbox Anywhere initiative—consolidating console, PC, cloud, and now handheld gaming under one umbrella. This marks a shift from developing Xbox console hardware toward leveraging gaming-ready Windows handheld PCs.
Release Window and Price Expectations
Microsoft plans to launch both devices during the 2025 holiday season in over 25 countries, including the US, UK, European Union markets, Japan, Korea, and others. Pricing has not been finalized. Estimates range from $599 to $999, depending on the model. The base ASUS ROG Ally currently sells for around $800, so Microsoft may subsidize the pricing.
ROG Xbox Ally Feature Summary
- Native Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play integration
- Xbox-branded controller layout with contoured grips
- Xbox UI shell atop full Windows 11
- Access to major PC storefronts and PlayStation PC ports
- Handheld-optimized Game Bar and Armoury Crate SE
- Impulse triggers (X model), VRR, freeSync, haptics
- Game library aggregation
Why It Matters
The ROG Xbox Ally breaks traditional handheld boundaries. It’s a powerful, flexible device—a mini Windows PC shaped for gaming. Players can carry Xbox, PC, and selected PlayStation games in one portable package. It targets gamers who want access to their entire game library without having to switch devices. Compared to Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, it offers broader compatibility and deeper Xbox integration.
Its success hinges on delivering smooth performance, decent battery life, competitive price, and a polished handheld UI. Microsoft and ASUS aim for something more than just a portable Xbox—they seek to define a new category of gaming device. For more game reviews and news, stay tuned to our website. Looking for more? Visit our YouTube channel for in-depth guides, exciting gameplay, and the latest updates!
