ROG Xbox Ally: Everything We Know

If at all you have wanted to carry your Xbox with you wherever you go –the loo, on the bed, even while waiting for your pasta to boil, we’ve got some good news for you. Anywhere you can’t haul your Xbox console, the new ROG Xbox Ally intends to go with you. It’s essentially a handheld console that comes with a wide range of exciting games – over 350 Xbox games, to be precise. Even thoroughly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong will be a part of the launch.

With Nintendo Switch 2 only recently released, though, and the Steam Deck dominating handheld gaming, you’re probably wondering just how worthwhile an Xbox handheld is. Well, I should hope that everything we know about the ROG Xbox Ally will help clarify any confusion as you make the right decision.

What is ROG Xbox Ally?

ROG Xbox Ally is an upcoming handheld gaming PC developed by Asus in collaboration with Microsoft. It’ll succeed the Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming PC, which runs on Windows 11 and can play games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. 

While the ROG Xbox Ally and Asus ROG Ally are essentially the same device, the former’s primary focus is on emphasizing its integration and compatibility with the Xbox ecosystem. 

The launch of ROG Xbox Ally also includes the ROG Xbox Ally X, a premium version designed for higher performance and fidelity. 

Features

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X’s main feature is to allow you to play your favorite games on the go. Easily put, it’s gaming on your Xbox console, but on a handheld device you can take with you wherever you go. When you boot up ROG Xbox Ally, you’ll be taken to a complete Xbox user interface. This is the standout feature of the new device, integrating the Windows operating system fully with the power of the Xbox console.

Specifications

Let’s take a look at the specifications each device offers.

ROG Xbox Ally

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
• Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SSD
• Network: Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
• Dimensions: 290.8*121.5*50.7mm
• Weight: 670g
• Battery: 60Wh
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Display: 7” FHD (1080P) IPS, 500 nits, 16 : 9

ROG Xbox Ally X

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
• Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
• Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
• Network: Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
• Dimensions: 290.8*121.5*50.7mm
• Weight: 715g
• Battery: 80Wh
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Display: 7” FHD (1080P) IPS, 500 nits, 16 : 9

Cross-Progression

You can seamlessly transition between your PC, Xbox, and ROG Xbox Ally device. And your progress and achievements will carry over. 

Game Bar

For ease of use, a simple button press will take you to the Xbox Game Bar. Here, you can access system settings, performance modes, and more. You can ignite conversations with Xbox friends, screen record game footage, and even switch to another game, all with a few button presses.

Control Inputs

Furthermore, ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally’s control inputs will be much like your Xbox Wireless Controllers. It’ll have similar contoured grips for comfort. Meanwhile, the buttons will have the iconic ABXY and D-pad inputs. All of its external features are designed to resemble an Xbox controller optimized for handheld use.

Haptic Feedback and Impulse Triggers

As for immersion, you can look forward to customizable haptic motors for vibration and feedback. However, the premium ROG Xbox Ally X will add impulse triggers, further responding to your in-game actions, whether recoils or tension.

Display

Above all, ROG Xbox Ally aims to offer a gorgeous display. With a high refresh rate, you can enjoy a smooth, tear-free visual experience. And if any features don’t feel right to you, you can always customize your individual experience. Using a streamlined UI, you can adjust visual settings, performance, joystick sensitivity, fan curves, and more to create a personalized experience. 

Games

You can access your entire library of games from Xbox Game Pass, PC game stores like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store, and even classic titles from PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Nintendo Wii. Moreover, you can stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means that you’ll have access to over 350 games, from indie games to Triple-A titles and more.

Pricing

It’s unclear how much ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will go for. However, the estimated price could align with the Steam Deck costing $400 to $650 for LCD and $550 to $650 for OLED display. We could be looking at around $700, with the premium ROG Xbox Ally X version possibly in the $1,000 range. 

Development

Microsoft and Asus team up to combine the best of both worlds. Imagine the power of your Xbox gaming console, integrated seamlessly with the flexibility of the Windows operating system. While Microsoft will provide the Xbox ecosystem, Asus will proceed to manufacture the handheld gaming device. More specifically, the company’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) division.

ROG is no stranger to manufacturing powerful gaming PCs and devices. They have already launched the Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming device in June 2023. And will be working on ROG Xbox Ally as the successor. With the new device, they plan to elevate performance and provide a longer battery life.

Trailer

Props to whoever put together the reveal trailer for ROG Xbox Ally. Featuring “Genesis” by French electronic duo Justice, and a quick sneak peek into the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong’s gameplay, there’s much to swoon over.

Release Date

Both the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X are set to launch in October 2025. However, the preorders are likely to go live earlier, possibly in August 2025. Xbox promises to reveal more information on the pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders. So, keep an eye out for that on the official social media platforms. Alternatively, you can sign up here to receive a notification when pre-orders go live.