A New Era of Handheld Gaming Begins with ASUS ROG and Xbox

When the original ROG Ally launched, it carved out a space for serious handheld gaming on Windows. But ASUS and Xbox just took things further. The new ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X aren’t just updates, they’re a bold reimagining of what handheld gaming can be, blending console comfort with PC power in a form that finally feels made for long sessions, short bursts, and everything in between.

Born from a direct partnership with Xbox, the ROG Xbox Ally series brings together the best parts of a gamepad and a PC. Whether you're chasing AAA fidelity or indie charm, these new handhelds are built for the full experience, ergonomic design, next-gen performance, and software that puts players first.

Feels Like a Controller, Works Like a Beast

The ROG Xbox Ally series isn’t just trying to be something that sits pretty in your hands. With this handheld, Xbox and ASUS are going for a controller that feels right. Built from the ground up with feedback from the original Ally, these new devices lean into a design that mirrors the comfort of an Xbox controller. That means smoother grips, smarter weight balance, and texture placements that keep your hands locked in, even during those all-night boss runs.

The Ally X steps it up even further with impulse triggers that bring in subtle vibrations and more nuance, enhancing immersion in games that support them. It’s that extra layer of detail that makes it feel less like a gadget, and more like a proper extension of how you play.

Advertisement

Software That Actually Feels Built for Handheld

Most handheld gaming setups are built on Windows’ platform. Essentially, it feels like booting up a small laptop and playing games on the go. Not so with this one. As soon as you power on the ROG Xbox Ally or Ally X, you’re dropped into a full-screen Xbox experience that actually feels like it belongs on a handheld.

Built on Windows 11 but designed with console-first fluidity, the interface is clean, responsive, and intuitive to navigate with joysticks and buttons. You get quick access to settings, Xbox Game Bar, and customisable widgets, without ever needing to reach for a mouse or touchscreen. And because it’s still Windows underneath, you can install whatever you want. Steam, mods, indie gems, emulators; if it runs on PC, it runs here.

This isn’t just an Xbox slapped on a Windows machine. It’s Xbox and Windows, thoughtfully merged.

Advertisement

Performance That Travels

You don’t always want to be tethered to a desk or plugged into the wall. That’s the promise of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X: handhelds that don’t compromise on performance just because they’re portable.

The Xbox Ally comes equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, offering strong, power-efficient performance that handles everything from indie platformers to more demanding titles. For those chasing even more headroom, the Xbox Ally X takes things up a notch with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, unlocking higher frame rates, sharper visuals, and next-gen AI potential thanks to its built-in NPU.

Battery life also gets a boost. Thanks to a 60Wh battery and smart power management, both devices are built for longer play sessions, whether you’re travelling, commuting, or just curled up somewhere without a plug.

And with AMD’s full graphics suite onboard, FSR, RSR, and Fluid Motion Frames, you’re looking at smoother gameplay, sharper images, and less of the performance tax usually expected in a handheld.

Specs Overview

Feature	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Performance	Power-efficient for indie and mainstream gaming	Higher frame rates, sharper visuals, AI enhancements with built-in NPU
Display	7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate	7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate
Dimensions	290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm	290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm
Memory	16GB	24GB
Storage	512 GB	1TB
Weight	670 grams	715 grams
Graphics	AMD full graphics suite with FSR, RSR, Fluid Motion Frames	AMD full graphics suite with FSR, RSR, Fluid Motion Frames
Design	Controller-inspired ergonomic design	Enhanced with impulse triggers for nuanced vibrations
Battery	60Wh with smart power management	80Wh with smart power management
Operating  System	Windows 11 with full Xbox integration	Windows 11 with full Xbox integration
Software UI	Full-screen Xbox experience, console-like UI	Full-screen Xbox experience, console-like UI
Compatibility	Supports Steam, mods, emulators, PC games	Supports Steam, mods, emulators, PC games

Advertisement

Availability 

The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will begin rolling out this holiday season across a wide range of countries, including the UK, South Africa, the US, and much of Europe and Asia.

Whether you’re after everyday portability or top-tier handheld power, both models aim to raise the bar for what gamers can expect from a device that fits in the palm of your hand. With the might of ROG engineering, Xbox software integration, and AMD silicon under the hood, this isn’t just another gaming handheld; it’s a glimpse at where portable play is headed.