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ASUS and Xbox announced two handheld gaming PCs on June 8, 2025: the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X. Both run Windows 11, with an Xbox-focused full-screen interface and access to Xbox services alongside PC game stores. They are not portable Xbox consoles running Xbox console hardware or operating systems. The pair launched on October 16, 2025; US launch prices were $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X.
Here is how the hardware differs, what the Xbox collaboration changes, and which model makes sense for different games and budgets.
At a glance
- Announcement: June 8, 2025, at the Xbox Games Showcase.
- Release: October 16, 2025. Xbox said the devices were available across 45 countries, though exact availability and stock vary by market.
- US launch prices: $599.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally and $999.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally X.
- Operating system: Windows 11, presented through an Xbox-focused handheld experience.
- Display: Both have a 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz touchscreen with AMD FreeSync Premium.
Xbox’s announcement initially described a Holiday 2025 launch window. ASUS later confirmed October 16 as the release date. The announcement and launch details are available from ASUS and Xbox.
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The standard Ally is the less expensive, lower-power option. The Ally X costs $400 more at US launch, but upgrades the processor, memory, storage and battery. Those differences matter more than the shared Xbox branding if you are choosing between them.
#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| CPU | 4 Zen 2 cores / 8 threads | 8 Zen 5 cores / 16 threads |
| Graphics | 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores | 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores |
| NPU | Not listed | Integrated NPU |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 SSD | 1TB M.2 SSD |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Display | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium |
| US launch price | $599.99 | $999.99 |
Specifications and launch pricing are listed on the Ally and Ally X product pages. Prices and stock are retailer- and date-dependent. As of August 18, 2026, the Microsoft Store page showed the Ally X at $999.99 but out of stock; check current retailer listings before buying.
What the Xbox partnership changes
The most visible change is software: the devices start in an Xbox full-screen interface designed for handheld use, rather than dropping the player straight into the conventional Windows desktop. An Xbox button opens Game Bar and related controls, and a consolidated library can surface games from major Windows PC storefronts. The handheld-focused interface is intended to make browsing and launching games easier with a controller.
Xbox integration also brings access to Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Remote Play, and account features such as synced saves, achievements, add-ons and progression where supported. Xbox Play Anywhere benefits apply to eligible games, not every Xbox title. Windows remains underneath, so this is an easier front end for a Windows gaming PC—not a replacement Xbox operating system. The devices can also run general Windows software, but setup, launchers and compatibility may still feel like PC use.
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Native play, cloud gaming and Remote Play are different
- Native installation: The game is installed and runs on the handheld. Performance depends on its hardware, settings and power mode.
- Cloud gaming: The handheld streams a game over the internet. It depends on network quality, latency, regional availability and an eligible subscription; it is not the same as installing the game.
- Xbox Remote Play: The handheld streams from an Xbox console you own. The console runs the game, and the network connection affects responsiveness.
Buying either device does not permanently include the Game Pass catalog. Xbox’s product page has advertised three months of Game Pass Premium in select markets, described as almost a $45 value. Confirm the current plan, region, eligibility and redemption terms for the specific offer before treating it as part of the price.
Performance: the Ally X has more headroom, not guaranteed console settings
The Ally X’s newer processor, twice the listed GPU core count, 24GB of memory and larger battery make it the more capable configuration on paper and the more suitable choice for demanding PC games. The standard Ally is aimed at lower cost and efficiency, which can work well for indie games, older titles and less demanding releases. Neither specification sheet guarantees a particular frame rate in every modern AAA game: results depend on the game, resolution, graphics settings, power mode, drivers and whether the device is plugged in.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
ASUS’s pre-release comparisons should be read as scenario-specific manufacturer claims, not universal benchmarks:
- ASUS claimed up to 30% higher performance for the Ally X than the previous-generation ROG Ally X in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and DOOM: The Dark Ages. The comparison used specified resolutions, graphics settings and power conditions; the result does not establish a 30% gain in other games or settings.
- ASUS claimed up to 20% higher performance for the standard Ally over the previous ROG Ally in Forza Horizon 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded, again under the company’s stated test settings and power conditions.
ASUS published these results in its preorder announcement. “Up to” figures from selected tests are not a promise of the same uplift across a game library. Expect to adjust resolution, image quality, frame-rate targets or upscaling in demanding games.
Battery capacity is not a playtime promise
The 60Wh Ally X battery is larger than the standard Ally’s 60Wh battery? No: the standard Ally has a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has an 80Wh battery. That extra capacity can help the X last longer, but real playtime varies substantially. Demanding games, high brightness, 120Hz operation, high-power modes, wireless networking and frame-generation features can draw more power. Lightweight games at lower wattage can run longer. Do not treat battery capacity as a guaranteed number of hours.
ASUS also claimed up to twice the battery life for the Ally X versus the previous Ally X in a specified Hollow Knight: Silksong test, and up to 110% more battery life for the new standard Ally versus the original ROG Ally in a separate specified test. Those figures describe particular games and test conditions, not typical playtime for every title. The company’s test announcement should be consulted for the setup behind its comparisons.
Controls, display, storage and docking
Both models have a redesigned chassis with contoured grips inspired by Xbox controllers, familiar Xbox-style controls, analog sticks, a D-pad, bumpers and triggers, plus a touchscreen. The 7-inch 1080p/120Hz FreeSync Premium display is the same size and resolution on both, so the Ally X’s premium is not a larger-screen upgrade. Windows functionality means the touchscreen and desktop remain available when a game needs them, though that flexibility also brings the occasional small text field or launcher that is less comfortable to navigate by controller.
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Both use M.2 SSD storage, with 512GB in the Ally and 1TB in the Ally X. Windows, updates, shader caches and a few large games can consume a meaningful share of either drive; 1TB is more comfortable, but not unlimited. A microSD card can add capacity, while replacing the internal SSD may suit a larger installed library. ASUS lists USB-C connectivity and expandable storage; buyers planning to use an external display or peripherals should verify the dock’s ports and power delivery requirements. A dock is optional, not necessary for handheld play.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Compatibility labels and software features
The Xbox Handheld Compatibility Program labels titles Handheld Optimized or Mostly Compatible. Optimized games are intended to work immediately with suitable controller inputs, readable text and iconography, and full-screen resolution. Mostly Compatible games may need minor in-game setting changes. These labels are useful signals, not guarantees against launcher trouble, anti-cheat blocks, performance issues or title-specific control problems.
Xbox and ASUS have also promoted handheld-oriented Game Bar controls, Default Game Profiles intended to balance performance and power use, and advanced shader delivery for supported games. ASUS says shader delivery can make some first launches up to 10 times faster; that claim applies only to supported titles, not every game. Features and updates may arrive in stages and can depend on firmware, Windows or Xbox app versions, region, or preview status.
Automatic Super Resolution and highlight reels are among AI-related features announced or promoted for the Ally X. Availability may depend on later updates or rollout status, so buyers should check current software notes rather than assume every feature was active at launch. Xbox says the software will continue to receive updates affecting performance, compatibility, battery use and the handheld experience.
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Choose the ROG Xbox Ally if…
- $599.99 is a meaningful ceiling and you want the Xbox-oriented interface without paying flagship pricing.
- You mainly play indie games, older PC games, esports titles or less demanding Game Pass games.
- You value lower power use more than maximum performance, and 512GB is enough—or you are comfortable adding or replacing storage.
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally X if…
- You play demanding AAA PC games and want more processor and memory headroom.
- The 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD and 80Wh battery are worth the extra $400 at US launch pricing to you.
- You want the stronger configuration and are interested in Ally X-specific NPU features, while understanding that software availability can depend on updates.
Consider keeping your current handheld—or choosing something else—if…
- You already own a recent high-end handheld and do not need the Xbox interface. Compare game-specific performance before upgrading; the benefits may be ergonomics and software as much as raw frame rates.
- You want a simple console experience with minimal Windows maintenance. A Steam Deck OLED may suit someone who prefers SteamOS and the Steam ecosystem; Windows handhelds such as Lenovo’s Legion Go line offer a different screen and control approach.
- You mainly play games unavailable on Windows, or expect every Xbox console game to install and run locally without compatibility limits.
- Your budget leaves no room for storage expansion, a case or dock if you want one, or an ongoing Game Pass subscription.
Accessories are a personal choice, not mandatory extras. A microSD card is a convenient way to add capacity; an SSD upgrade may be preferable for a large local library. A compatible dock can connect a monitor and peripherals, but check its power and port requirements. The Ally X also supports ASUS’s ROG XG Mobile external GPU accessory, a premium desktop-style expansion that is unlikely to make sense for someone focused chiefly on portable play.
Price and availability
The US launch prices were $599.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X. ASUS product pages and retailers may show different prices, promotions or stock over time; the Microsoft Store showed the Ally X out of stock when checked for this article on August 18, 2026. Xbox described launch availability across 45 countries, but that does not mean every configuration is in stock everywhere now. Check local ASUS and retailer listings for current pricing, warranty terms and availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
