For years, we’ve been asking—begging—for a true Xbox handheld. Something official, not just streaming workarounds or emulation. At the Summer Game Fest 2025, Microsoft finally delivered. Partnering with ASUS ROG, they’ve revealed not one, but two versions of a handheld device that blur the line between PC power and console simplicity: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
Microsoft’s approach this time isn’t to mimic the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Instead, they’ve taken what they do best—Game Pass, cloud gaming, and PC integration—and worked with ASUS to build hardware that can finally deliver it in a native, on-the-go format. Both devices run Windows 11 but boot into a newly optimized Xbox Full Screen Experience, designed for touch and controller-first use. It’s slick, responsive, and feels like a true “console” UI—only now you can also alt-tab to Discord or launch a game from Battle.net if you want.
ROG Xbox Ally
Let’s start with the base model, the ROG Xbox Ally. This is the version most people will get their hands on, and for many, it’ll be enough.
Key Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 7″ FHD IPS, 120Hz refresh rate with VRR
- Battery: ~60Wh
- Weight: Approx. 600g
The design is unmistakably ASUS—angled, futuristic, and grippy—but now tuned for Xbox. It’s got Xbox-style analog sticks with Hall effect sensors, a tactile ABXY layout, and yes, the Xbox home button dead-center. It supports Remote Play, xCloud, and native PC installs.
ROG Xbox Ally X
Now here’s where things get interesting. The ROG Xbox Ally X steps things up considerably, taking cues from enthusiasts who want more—more power, more battery, more storage, and more versatility.
Ally X Upgrades:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Zen 5 + AI NPU)
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
- Battery: 80Wh (33% more than base model)
- Display: Same crisp 7″ FHD 120Hz VRR panel
- Additional Ports: USB4/Thunderbolt 4, microSD
- Weight: Slightly heavier at ~715g
That Zen 5 chip is capable of driving demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Gears Reloaded at smooth frame rates, especially if you dip into FSR or frame generation. The 80Wh battery is a massive upgrade too. They’ve added impulse triggers and improved heat distribution. It’s all about sustainability in long sessions.
A UI Built for This Moment
What really ties it all together is the software. When booting up the Ally or Ally X, you’re greeted by a clean, console-like UI that’s unmistakably Xbox but customized for Windows handhelds. You’ve got quick access to:
- Xbox Game Pass library
- Installed PC games (Steam, Epic, Battle.net, GOG)
- Cloud gaming (xCloud)
- Remote Play from your Xbox Series X|S
- Friends, messages, and notifications
Availability & Pricing
Here’s what we know so far:
- Launch Window: Holiday 2025
- ROG Xbox Ally (base model): ~€599 / estimated $599
- ROG Xbox Ally X: €899–999 / estimated $749–799
Microsoft confirmed a global rollout across major markets including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, Korea, and Australia. We’ll likely see preorders open later this summer with hands-on previews hitting before the fall.
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