ROG Xbox Ally Vs ROG Xbox Ally X

Asus previously launched two handheld gaming PCs: Asus ROG Ally (June 2023) and ROG Ally X (July 2024). Both devices run on the Windows 11 operating system and an AMD Zen 4 processor. While the former is decently powerful on its own, the latter offers a higher performance for demanding playthroughs. Furthermore, these devices enable you to access games from various platforms, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more, on the go. Or you can connect them to a TV or PC monitor and use them like a home video game console. 

Recently, though, Microsoft announced a partnership with Asus to develop new handheld gaming consoles fully integrating with the Xbox ecosystem. These are the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and the enhanced version, ROG Xbox Ally X, slated to launch in late 2025. While we don’t know the price tags yet, we do know the two devices offer different features. And these could potentially inform your decision on which device to buy. So come along, as we take a look at the differences in our ROG Xbox Ally vs ROG Ally Xbox X article below. 

What is ROG Xbox Ally?

ROG Xbox Ally is an upcoming handheld gaming console. Asus, specifically their Republic of Gamers (ROG) division, is currently manufacturing it. However, they also partner with Microsoft to fully integrate the Xbox ecosystem into the device. This means that you’ll be able to play your favorite Xbox games on the device, using the Xbox user interface to download and switch between games.

However, ROG Xbox Ally isn’t only restricted to the Xbox ecosystem. Since it runs on Windows 11 Home, it can essentially run the SteamOS or access PC games via Steam. You can play games from Epic Games Store, Battle.net, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. Put simply, if you can play a game on your Windows PC, you should be able to access it through ROG Xbox Ally as well.

What is ROG Xbox Ally X?

Launching alongside the ROG Xbox Ally is the ROG Xbox Ally X. These are essentially the same device, providing the same services and access to the same game stores. However, you can think of ROG Xbox Ally X as the premium version. This means that it’s designed to provide a higher performance for gamers with more demanding gaming needs.

To substantiate the higher performance of the ROG Xbox Ally X, its specifications feature a more powerful processor, increased storage and memory, additional ports, and a longer battery life. Let’s break down the similarities and differences further below.

Similarities

Both devices are handheld gaming consoles, taking you straight to the Xbox user interface. They are both powered by Windows 11, giving you access to your library of PC games, from indies to Triple-A and classic titles. While a streamlined Xbox experience is the focus of the console, you can still use the Windows 11 Home operating system to access games from other stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more.

Furthermore, both consoles have the Xbox Game Bar for easy navigation. You can easily switch between games, trigger screen recording, or head to the system settings. All you’ll need is a few button presses, using the Xbox controller ABXY inputs and the joystick you’re used to. Indeed, the devices are designed to feel as comfortable and tight as the Xbox controller. You have the same contoured and textured grips for ease and comfort when gaming.

Like the Xbox controllers, you’ll also enjoy deep immersion, with both handheld consoles having haptic feedback.

As for visual quality, both consoles offer the same display features. They have the same 16:9 ratio, 1080p resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and bright 500 nit backlight.

Meanwhile, you can always seamlessly transition between your Xbox, PC, and the handheld consoles, and your progress will carry over accordingly.

Differences

The ROG Xbox Ally is only the standard version that should serve everyday gamers just fine. However, you might be looking for a more powerful option that can handle the most demanding games. Asus and Microsoft remedy this by launching the ROG Xbox Ally X premium version on the same launch day. With the premium version, you’ll enjoy more efficiency while gaming, but also a higher performance and longer battery life. 

Taking a deeper dive into the differences, while both handheld devices provide haptic feedback for immersion, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes it a step further, adding impulse triggers, which are highly responsive to the tension in-game and recoils.

The ROG Xbox Ally uses an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor. However, ROG Xbox Ally X uses a more powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor. 

Meanwhile, ROG Xbox Ally features 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 memory and 512GB M.2 2280 SSD storage space. However, ROG Xbox Ally X dials it up to 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 memory and 1TB M.2 2280 SSD storage space.

The ROG Xbox Ally X may weigh slightly more, although its dimensions are the same as those of the ROG Xbox Ally. 

Lastly, the ROG Xbox Ally X’s battery life is longer, providing 80Wh, while the ROG Xbox Ally offers 60Wh.

Verdict: ROG Xbox Ally Vs ROG Xbox Ally X

For the most part, ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are the same. They run on the same Windows 11 operating system, providing access to the same multitude of games across the different PC game libraries out there. You play these games on a seamless user interface, with Xbox bringing its own user-friendly browsing catalog. 

Similarly, the outside design appears similar, making the most of the Xbox controller’s easy-to-use button inputs and joystick. The grip is contoured and textured for long hours of playthrough. And the display provides fast load times, smooth motion, and zero screen tearing. 

But the ROG Xbox Ally X is definitely superior in its higher-performing processor, increased memory and storage space, and longer battery life, among other benefits. These will definitely come at a higher price tag. So, definitely take a moment to decide whether your gaming needs are more demanding. Otherwise, ROG Xbox Ally should do the job just fine.