ASUS and Microsoft Announce ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds: Powerful, Portable, and Windows-Ready
ASUS and Microsoft are stepping further into the handheld gaming scene with the official reveal of two new devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. These aren’t just Xbox-themed gadgets-they’re full-blown handheld Windows PCs with a gaming-first approach.
Both models are powered by AMD’s new Ryzen Z-series chips. The Ally X boasts the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X 8000MHz RAM and a hefty 1TB SSD. The base model runs a Ryzen Z2 A processor, with 16GB of LPDDR5X 6400MHz RAM and 512GB storage. Compared to Steam Deck’s specs, this puts ASUS’s entry-level option slightly ahead-though how it performs thermally and in real-world gaming remains to be seen.
Design-wise, Microsoft borrowed elements from the Xbox Wireless Controller for these handhelds, creating protruding grips for better ergonomics during extended play. The control scheme is familiar to Xbox players, but the Ally X goes a step further with impulse triggers for enhanced tactile feedback.
The display is a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD with FreeSync Premium. While some users hoped for an OLED option, ASUS has opted for Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a DXC anti-reflection coating, which should help with outdoor visibility. Connectivity includes two USB-C ports (one upgraded to USB4 on the Ally X), a UHS-II microSD slot, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and a headphone jack. The Ally X also gets a larger 80Wh battery, up from 60Wh on the base model-a welcome upgrade considering user concerns about short battery life in earlier Allys.
Software-wise, ASUS is introducing a Windows variant optimized for handhelds. Dubbed the Xbox Full Screen Experience, it strips away unnecessary background tasks, frees up RAM (targeting a lean 1.5GB idle usage), and supports controller-first navigation. It’s not just Microsoft Store games either-Steam, Epic Games, and more are onboard. A new ‘handheld optimized’ program will help players find games that play well on the go, similar to Steam Deck’s verification system.
Alongside Game Pass integration, Microsoft is partnering with Roblox to deliver a handheld-optimized version, aiming squarely at younger or casual gamers. ASUS has clearly taken feedback into account: addressing performance, thermals, and ecosystem support, although some users still criticize the decision to stick with LCD screens and AMD’s Z2 A chip on the base model.
The ROG Xbox Ally devices will launch this holiday season across numerous regions. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but speculation suggests the base model could start at $550–600, depending on how aggressively ASUS decides to compete with Valve’s Steam Deck and Lenovo’s Legion Go.
Whether this is the start of a true Xbox handheld ecosystem or just ASUS experimenting with branding remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: handheld gaming is evolving fast, and ASUS is determined not to be left behind.