Microsoft and Asus Unveil ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X: Next-Gen Handheld Gaming PCs

I Played With the ROG Xbox Ally, the Upcoming Xbox Handheld

As a Video Producer at CNET, Sean has worked on more videos than he can count. He covers video games and video game hardware along with the occasional electric bike. He covers games both on and off camera, through livestreams, press events, and podcasts. Microsoft revealed its long-rumored Xbox handheld console running Windows 11 during the Xbox Games Showcase -- two models called the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X -- and I spent a short time playing around with one soon after. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take any pictures or videos of the demo, since the hardware we got to test wasn't final. That became evident when our designated guide had HDMI connection issues with the unit. I was able to play around with the Xbox full- screen experience, the various settings menus and played the beginning minutes of Gears of War Reloaded, which comes out this summer. The device is quite comfortable to hold, with slightly textured grips. The face buttons, triggers, and analog sticks all felt familiar, very similar to what I'm used to on an Xbox controller. What's really exciting is that you can download your games, remote play from your Xbox, or stream from the cloud, making this more useful than PlayStation's Portal, which can only stream and play remotely. That's one of the major benefits of being inside Xbox's ecosystem: You can play a game on any of its devices, regardless of where you bought it, whether that be Xbox consoles, PC, cloud or this new handheld. This more open-platform approach makes the Xbox Ally closer in spirit to a Steam Deck compared to a Nintendo Switch, which can only run Nintendo games. When it ships -- expected in time for the winter holidays -- you'll be able to navigate via a full-screen Xbox app, which combines your Xbox game library with installed games from several other marketplaces into a single Xbox experience. The company specifically mentioned Xbox, Game Pass, battle.net (owned by Microsoft), and "other leading PC storefronts," which I'm hoping includes Steam. Much like on an Xbox, each game has icons depicting which platform they're from. In my demo, the only example of a different storefront was Hearthstone, which had a battle.net icon. The Xbox Ally consoles use the Game Bar, and if you've used the Xbox app on PC then you'll find it familiar. In fact, pressing the new Xbox button opens an almost identical version of the guide when playing Xbox games on PC. However, there's also a new Command Center tab on the far left to adjust settings for power consumption and performance, similar to what we've seen on Steam Deck. In Game Bar you can quickly jump to the home screen, your library, launch games, open apps, chat with friends, adjust settings and more. And this Game Bar works alongside Asus's Armoury Crate overlay. This is a little worrisome, as Armoury Crate has usually felt more like unnecessary bloatware, but when we get to test the device later this year we'll see if Asus has stripped it down to the relevant functions rather than just added more on top. Since it's a Windows 11 device, you'll also be able to launch and use apps like Discord and Twitch and access game mods. The Xbox Ally boots directly into the "Xbox full screen experience" similar to how a Steam Deck launches into Big Picture mode. The full-screen experience is optimized specifically for handheld gaming, and Xbox told me the device minimizes background activity and allocates more system resources to gameplay like Game Mode does on Windows. This means more memory and potentially higher framerates for your games. The ROG Ally and Ally X have been out for a bit now, but the Xbox models have some unique features. In addition to the Xbox button, the ROG Xbox Ally also has larger, contoured grips. The previous ROG Ally is more rectangular; the Xbox Ally is closer to the design of the PlayStation Portal, with dedicated, slightly separated hand grips that mimic the look and feel of a standard game controller. They also have upgraded components over the Asus versions. The handheld comes in two options, a white Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X which comes in black. The lower-end Ally is powered by a AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, weighs 23.6 oz/670g, and has a 60Wh battery. The Ally X has a AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, weighs a bit more at 25.2 oz/715g, and has a 80Wh battery. Both models are equipped with a 7-inch,120Hz 1080p screen, the same as on the original Asus versions of the devices. They also have RGB lights surrounding the analog sticks, something I hope I'll be able to turn off when I spend some real time playing on the device. The Ally X did feel on the heavier side, but then again the recently released Switch 2 and my Steam Deck OLED are also pretty heavy so I think that's just what handhelds weigh these days. Xbox hasn't yet revealed the pricing or release date, aside from "this holiday."

Asus partners with Microsoft launch first Xbox gaming handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

After numerous reports and speculation, Microsoft has finally come up with its very first Xbox handheld. Well, sort of. The company has paired up with Asus to launch the new ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X at its ongoing Xbox Games Showcase. Both models feature an updated design that includes large, contoured grips similar to those found on an Xbox controller. In fact, that's the route both companies are taking. According to Asus, they have worked on the feedback received for the original ROG Ally and Ally X, and went ahead to create this fusion that is part ROG Ally and part Xbox controller. It also includes an updated textured pattern as well as impulse triggers that add haptic feedback to the trigger buttons. Asus also claims that the new ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are the most 'comfortable and immersive' handhelds that they've ever built, even though they are thicker and slightly heavier compared to the previous ROG Ally models, as well as the Steam Deck. The joysticks are similar to the original ROG Ally X, and even the button layout seems similar, apart from the addition of a new dedicated Xbox button near the left joystick. This can be used to bring up the Game Bar, which has been updated to be more useful on a handheld device. Notably, the launch coincides with AMD's latest announcement, where it added two new models to its Ryzen Z2 series of processors. The new ROG Xbox Ally X will be powered by the latest Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, which features an 8-core/16-thread CPU, 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, and an NPU capable of offering up to 50 TOPS of AI compute power. It will also feature 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4. The I/O port layout is pretty much the same as last year's model, although one of the two USB Type-C ports on the ROG Xbox Ally X is now upgraded to USB 4. As for the battery, there's an 80Wh unit, which should last longer than most handheld devices on the market. On the other hand, the ROG Xbox Ally appears to be a budget-friendly option, as it is powered by the entry-level Ryzen 2 A processor. The chip features a 4-core/8-thread CPU based on AMD's aging Zen 2 architecture, 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores, and a configurable TDP ranging from 6 to 20W. It also comes with slower 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 memory, a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, and a smaller 60Wh battery. Asus hasn't made any changes to the display, hence you get the same 7-inch display as the ROG Ally X, offering a 1080 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and support for VRR and FreeSync Premium. As for the software, the ROG Xbox Ally devices will power directly into an Xbox view. However, you continue to get Windows 11 underneath with minor refinements. This means that one should be able to install other game launchers, such as Steam and Epic Games, among others. There is an updated ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition software, while quick access to settings and customizable widgets will also be available within Game Bar. Pricing has not been confirmed, but both models be available during the holiday season in 28 countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Eventually, it will be launched in other regions where the original ROG Ally models are currently sold.

Microsoft reveals new handheld Xbox Ally gaming PC in partnership with Asus

After months of rumors, Microsoft officially debuted its ROG Xbox Ally gaming PC on Sunday, made in collaboration with Taiwanese computer company Asus. The ROG Xbox Ally is planned to ship this holiday season with two separate SKUs, with the same scheme and coloration as the Xbox Series X|S console. The white Ally is a lower-powered model aimed at casual players, while the more expensive black Xbox Ally X is billed as the "ultimate high-performance handheld." No prices have been announced. Both models of Xbox Ally are custom-made versions of Asus' ROG Ally handheld unit, with exclusive features such as a dedicated Xbox guide button. They're designed to support local native downloads, remote play by connecting to a local Xbox console, or streaming gameplay through the newly-rebranded Xbox Cloud. According to Microsoft, the Xbox Ally runs an optimized version of Windows 11 Home that integrates features from both Microsoft's Game Bar and Asus' Armoury Crate app. The Windows OS also lets you install games from multiple digital storefronts such as Battle.net and Steam, or use apps such as Discord. The Xbox Ally is also stated to feature a "Xbox full screen experience" that aggregates all your games from every available library connected to the device, eliminating the need to hunt through all your various apps to find what you're looking for. Both versions of the Ally are planned to ship with the recently-announced Copilot for Gaming integrated into the Game Bar, billed by Xbox as an AI-powered "personalized gaming companion." The Xbox Ally X is also powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, which is designed to "power the latest AI features as they are introduced." The Xbox Ally was revealed as part of this year's Xbox Showcase, a 90-minute presentation held as part of the annual Summer Games Fest in Los Angeles. While past Showcases have been broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater, this year's was pre-recorded, with segments hosted by Microsoft's Sarah Bond, Matt Booty, and Phil Spencer. Bond made a point of noting during the Showcase that every game that was shown this year will ship day-and-date on both Xbox Game Pass and will be compatible at launch with the Xbox Ally. One big surprise about the Xbox Ally, mentioned almost in passing during the Showcase, is that the long-awaited indie platformer Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently scheduled as a "launch title" for the Ally. This is the first mention of Silksong anywhere during Summer Games Fest, which is a shock, as "where's Silksong?" has been a running joke during every major gaming show for the last couple of years. In a slightly lower-key detail, this was the first Xbox Showcase held after Microsoft's recent move into cross-platform publishing. While no specific announcements were made on the topic, every game that's also headed to competing storefronts like the PlayStation 5 or Steam was labeled as such during the 2025 Showcase. That was not the case in previous years' shows. Other announcements at this year's Xbox Showcase included:

Xbox Ally X handheld using new AI tech in 'ways that haven't even been imagined'

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. TweakTown may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners at no extra cost to you. Xbox's new handheld will use AMD's AI chip technology to help supercharge the user experience, but exact details remain unclear. Today, Microsoft made history by announcing the first-ever Xbox handheld. ASUS is manufacturing a duo of Xbox handhelds--the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X--for release in 2025. The higher-end Ally X has AMD's AI Z2 Extreme chip, which leverages an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for integrated AI capabilities. We're not exactly sure how Microsoft is using the AI features for the Xbox Ally X, but the company has made strides in its AI gaming efforts with its MUSE generative AI platform, which can render gameplay in real time, as well as Copilot for Gaming, a digital assistant for gamers. In a recent video published on the Xbox YouTube channel, key people from AMD, Xbox, and ASUS all discuss the Xbox Ally. Head of Xbox devices Roanne Sones had something interesting to say about AI on the new handhelds: "We have integrated in the power of AI experiences in ways that haven't even been imagined." What could this refer to? A better Copilot for Gaming? Some sort of new tool for better user customization? Or is AI being used for most things, including the new optimized Xbox experience--which is a conjunction of content, services, UI and UX adjustments befit of an actual Xbox console. Below we have a string of quotes that give us a better idea of what to expect from the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in terms of functionality, performance, and AI integration. "That means for the player it's easier to enjoy, easier to enjoy, and having help--AI is a companion for players," ASUS Shawn Yen said. "Think of all the use cases that would blend AI based audio, AI-based gaming assisting functions, AI-based rendering capabilities," said AMD exec Sebastien Nussbaum. "The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is the absolute best in terms of handheld processors that you can have today," ASUS senior product manager Gabriel Meng said. "The industry-leading AI engine in your handheld device...inconceivable even three years ago," said AMD's SVP of computing and graphics Jack Huynh. The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will be available in holiday 2025. No pricing or exact availability have announced. For more info, check the spec sheet here.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Handhelds Unveiled at Xbox Games Showcase

They offer an Xbox UI with an upgraded Game Bar and Game Copilot support Microsoft on Sunday announced two new handheld gaming PCs at Xbox Games Showcase. Developed in collaboration with Asus, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X become the first Xbox-branded handheld devices from the company. Built for gaming on-the-go, the former is powered by a Ryzen Z2 A processor while the latter has the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Both models sport 7-inch 120Hz LCD screens and come with a new grip design that resembles an Xbox Wireless Controller. Microsoft says its new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld PCs will be available for purchase in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US, and 21 other markets at launch during this holiday season. The handhelds will be made available in other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold later, which suggests the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X will launch in India at some point. The Xbox parent will reveal more details about the pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders in the coming months. As per the Redmond-based tech giant, both ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X sport 7-inch full HD LCD screens with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500nits peak brightness level. Asus has equipped the panels with Freesync Premium technology for reduced screen tearing and they come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a DXC Anti-Reflection coating on top. Gamers can access their library across multiple PC storefronts, says Microsoft Photo Credit: Microsoft While the front-fascia and the button layout of the handheld gaming PCs remain similar to their standard counterparts from Asus, they feature new contoured grips to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes. There's also a new Xbox button that gives players quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay. Both models feature similar button configurations but the Xbox Ally has hall effect triggers while the Xbox Ally X gets upgraded impulse triggers. Microsoft says the ROG Xbox Ally is designed to provide great value for casual gamers and thus is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of onboard SSD storage. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X targets hardcore gamers with top-of-the-line specs. It carries an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset under the hood with an upgraded 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and double the storage offered by the standard ROG Xbox Ally model. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds come with the same display Photo Credit: Microsoft The handheld gaming PCs are said to come with an Xbox full screen experience which is designed for handheld gaming. Microsoft has made tweaks to Windows 11 which minimise the background activities and defer non-essential tasks. This is claimed to free up more system resources specifically for the gameplay, potentially resulting in higher frame rates and better performance. The ROG Xbox Ally series devices also come with an upgraded Game Bar which integrates Asus's Armoury Crate, giving quick access to input controls and advanced device options, in addition to existing home, library, launch games, and chat options. Players also get access to an aggregated gaming library which lists their games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts. Microsoft is partnering with Roblox for the launch of its new handheld gaming PCs and it will be natively optimised and playable on the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X models on day one. Further, it is also collaborating with game developer partners on a new programme which is designed to help identify the games optimised for handheld devices. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Gaming Copilot can be accessed through the Game Bar, serving as a personalised companion to launch games faster, learn new skills, and connect with communities. As per the tech giant, the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X are equipped with a 60Wh and an 80Wh battery, respectively. Both models ship with a 67W charging stand.