FCC certification material that surfaced on May 7, 2025, appeared to show a black ASUS ROG handheld with a dedicated Xbox button alongside a white ROG Ally successor. The images pointed to an Xbox-branded ASUS device, but they were not a product announcement and did not confirm its final name, specifications, price, software or release date. The products later launched as the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X: ASUS-made Windows 11 handheld PCs developed with Microsoft, not standalone Xbox consoles.
What the FCC photos appeared to show
Reports on May 7, 2025, described certification material associated with ASUS handheld hardware that included images of two devices: a white model resembling a next-generation ROG Ally and a black model with a visible Xbox button. The black unit appeared to combine Xbox branding with the layout of an ASUS ROG handheld. These were apparent pre-release devices, so the photos did not establish that every visible design detail would carry over to retail hardware. MobileSyrup’s report covered the images and the distinction between the certification material and a formal reveal.
The model identifiers reported in the certification coverage included RC73YA and RC73XA. ASUS later used those identifiers for the retail ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, respectively. The filing alone did not establish those final product names. Windows Central’s coverage reported the identifiers and early “ROG Ally 2” label; that label was provisional, not the eventual retail name.
What the filing confirmed—and what it did not
| What the material and reporting indicated | What remained unconfirmed at the time |
|---|---|
| Photographs appeared to show a black ASUS handheld with an Xbox button and a separate white ROG Ally-like device. | Final product names, shipping design, specifications, price, release date and availability. |
| The model numbers reported later corresponded to the ROG Xbox Ally family. | Whether the devices would use a dedicated Xbox operating system or replace ASUS’s existing ROG Ally models. |
| The images were consistent with a reported ASUS–Microsoft collaboration, associated in coverage with the codename Project Kennan. | How Xbox games would run, including whether play would be native, through Windows PC versions or via cloud streaming. |
The FCC did not announce an Xbox handheld. Certification records made images available; reporters connected them to the rumored project. The black device’s Xbox button was a clue to the collaboration, not evidence of a new Microsoft-made console. TechSpot’s report also described the two apparent devices and the Project Kennan context.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What ASUS and Xbox later announced
ASUS and Microsoft formally revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in June 2025. ASUS announced an October 16, 2025 release date on August 20; Xbox said the products became available on that date in 45 countries, with additional markets to follow. ASUS’s announcement, its launch-date notice and Xbox’s availability announcement provide the official timeline.
The final names were ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, not “ROG Ally 2” or Project Kennan. The standard Ally’s confirmed configuration and U.S. ASUS-listed price are:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A.
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home.
- Display: 7-inch, 1920 × 1080 IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium.
- Memory and storage: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD.
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Battery and weight: 60Wh battery and approximately 670g.
- U.S. listed price: $599.99 on ASUS’s product page.
These are retail specifications, not details established by the FCC photos. ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally product page and official specifications list the standard model’s configuration.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the more expensive, higher-performance version, built around AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform and a larger memory and storage configuration than the standard Ally. ASUS lists it at $999.99 in the United States. The exact current configuration is on ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally X product page.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
It is an ASUS Windows handheld, not a portable Xbox console
The most important distinction is who makes the hardware and what it runs. ASUS manufactures the handhelds under its ROG brand; Microsoft contributes Xbox software and ecosystem integration. Both models are Windows 11 gaming PCs rather than closed Xbox consoles. ASUS’s announcement describes the collaboration, while the product page identifies the Windows basis.
The Xbox button and handheld-oriented Xbox experience make the devices easier to navigate as gaming handhelds, but they do not replace Windows with a console operating system. Users can access PC game libraries and storefronts, including Xbox, Game Pass, Steam and other services; individual games may still require their own launchers, accounts or control adjustments. Compatibility varies by game.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
“Playing Xbox games” can mean different things on this hardware: installing a Windows PC version, playing a supported Xbox Play Anywhere title, or streaming a console game through Xbox cloud gaming. Cloud play requires a compatible subscription and an internet connection; it is not the same as running every Xbox console game locally. Xbox’s handheld page describes the Xbox experience and current offer. Game Pass is optional, and plan benefits and availability vary by market.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the specifications mean for buyers
Display resolution and performance
A 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz panel can make motion look smooth, particularly in lighter games, esports titles and desktop use. Its presence does not mean demanding games will always render at native 1080p and high frame rates. Players may need to lower a game’s internal resolution, reduce settings or use upscaling; results depend on the game and power mode.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Performance versus battery life
The standard Ally’s Ryzen Z2 A targets the less expensive configuration, while the Ally X uses the higher-tier Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform. A more demanding performance mode can consume more power, so frame rate, settings and battery life are linked. There is no single useful runtime figure without specifying the game, brightness, frame-rate cap, power setting and firmware version.
Storage and game libraries
The standard model’s 512GB SSD can fill quickly if several large PC games are installed. The operating system and recovery partitions also reduce the space available to the user. A microSD card can add capacity, but loading behavior may differ from the internal SSD; check the card-reader specification and the needs of the games you plan to play.
How to read the leak in retrospect
The images broadly pointed to the product family that followed: a new ASUS ROG handheld generation, a black Xbox-branded version and a dedicated Xbox button. The reported model identifiers also aligned with the eventual ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. Official announcements later confirmed the Microsoft collaboration and Xbox-focused software integration.
The images themselves did not establish the final retail names, processors, memory, storage, prices, release date or regional availability. Nor did they show that the device would run a new Xbox operating system or play all Xbox console games locally. Those answers came from ASUS and Xbox’s later product information, not from the certification photos.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
