On Sunday, Microsoft unveiled two new handheld gaming PCs during the Xbox Games Showcase, marking its entry into the handheld gaming market alongside Asus. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are the inaugural Xbox-branded handheld devices designed for gamers on the move. The ROG Xbox Ally features a Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts the more robust AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Both devices come equipped with 7-inch 120Hz LCD screens and are designed with a new grip structure resembling the Xbox Wireless Controller.
Availability of ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X
According to Microsoft, the new handheld PCs will be launched in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US, and 21 additional markets during the upcoming holiday season. Other regions where ROG Ally products are sold will gain access to the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X at a later date, hinting at a potential release in India.
Further details regarding pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-order information are expected to be shared in the coming months.
Features and Specifications of ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X
Microsoft has emphasized that both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X come with 7-inch full HD LCD displays, featuring a refresh rate of 120Hz and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The screens are enhanced with Asus’s Freesync Premium technology to reduce screen tearing and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus along with a DXC Anti-Reflection coating.
Microsoft states that gamers will have access to their libraries from various PC storefronts.
Photo Credit: Microsoft
While the overall design and button layout closely resemble the standard models from Asus, the new handhelds feature contoured grips designed to accommodate different hand sizes. An added Xbox button enables quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an upgraded Game Bar overlay. Despite their similar button configurations, the ROG Xbox Ally includes hall effect triggers while the ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with advanced impulse triggers.
The ROG Xbox Ally is tailored for casual gamers, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of onboard SSD storage. In contrast, the ROG Xbox Ally X is aimed at serious gamers, offering high-end specifications that include an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1TB of storage.
| Features | ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 A | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 280.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
Both ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X feature the same display technology.
Photo Credit: Microsoft
The handheld gaming devices are designed to deliver an Xbox-centric experience suited for portable gaming. Microsoft has made optimizations to Windows 11, aimed at reducing background activities and postponing non-essential tasks. This focuses more system resources on gameplay, likely enhancing frame rates and overall performance.
Additionally, the ROG Xbox Ally series incorporates an upgraded Game Bar, which integrates Asus’s Armoury Crate. This offers quick access to control inputs, advanced settings, and familiar options for home, library, launching games, and chatting. Players can also view an aggregated gaming library encompassing titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC platforms.
Microsoft has teamed up with Roblox for the launch, ensuring native optimization and playability on both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X upon release. Furthermore, the company is collaborating with game developers to identify games optimized for handheld formats. An AI-powered Gaming Copilot will also be available through the Game Bar, assisting players in launching games more efficiently, acquiring new skills, and engaging with gaming communities.
According to Microsoft, the ROG Ally features a 60Wh battery, while the ROG Ally X is equipped with an 80Wh battery. Both devices will include a 67W charging stand.
