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ASUS and Xbox announced two handheld gaming PCs on June 8, 2025: the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X. Both launched on October 16, 2025. They are ASUS-made Windows 11 PCs with Xbox software and services—not portable Xbox consoles—and they can also run compatible games from other PC storefronts.
At US launch, the ROG Xbox Ally cost $599.99 and the Ally X cost $999.99. The $400 difference buys a more powerful processor, 24GB rather than 16GB of memory, twice the storage, and a larger battery. Which makes sense depends on the games you play and how much Windows flexibility you want.
Quick facts
- Announced: June 8, 2025, at the Xbox Games Showcase.
- Released: October 16, 2025; Xbox said availability reached 45 countries, with stock and configurations varying by market.
- Operating system: Windows 11, with an Xbox full-screen experience and Xbox integration.
- US launch prices: $599.99 for ROG Xbox Ally and $999.99 for ROG Xbox Ally X.
- Display: 7-inch, 1080p touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium on both.
Xbox’s announcement initially gave a Holiday 2025 window; ASUS later confirmed the October 16 release date and specifications.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X: what changes?
The standard Ally is the less expensive, efficiency-oriented model. The Ally X is the premium option, with more CPU and GPU resources, extra memory and storage, a larger battery, and an integrated NPU.
#1 Best Overall
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| CPU | 4 Zen 2 cores / 8 threads | 8 Zen 5 cores / 16 threads |
| GPU | 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores | 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores |
| NPU | Not listed | Integrated NPU |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 SSD | 1TB M.2 SSD |
| Battery capacity | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Display | 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium | 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium |
| US launch price | $599.99 | $999.99 |
Those are launch prices, not a guarantee of today’s price or stock. ASUS’s US product pages list the launch pricing, while the Microsoft Store listing showed the Ally X out of stock during the research check. Check local retailer listings before buying: prices and availability can change by date and region.
What does the Xbox partnership add?
The most important change is the software experience, not a conversion into console hardware. The devices can start in an Xbox full-screen interface designed for handheld use, and a dedicated Xbox button brings up Game Bar and related controls. Xbox also describes a more unified library view that can surface games from leading PC storefronts.
Xbox integration includes access to Xbox and PC Game Pass titles, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play from a player’s own Xbox console. Supported Xbox Play Anywhere games can share eligible purchases, saves, achievements, add-ons, and progression across supported devices. These benefits are title- and service-dependent: the devices do not include a permanent Game Pass catalog, and not every game supports Play Anywhere.
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Local play, cloud gaming and Remote Play are different
- Native installation: The game is installed on the handheld and runs on its processor and graphics hardware. Performance, storage use, and battery draw depend on the game and settings.
- Cloud gaming: The game runs on a remote service and streams to the device. It depends on an eligible subscription, supported region, internet connection, and tolerable latency.
- Remote Play: The device streams from the user’s own Xbox console. The console and network connection are part of the experience.
These options can broaden what you can play, but they are not interchangeable. Streaming is not a way to install an unsupported game locally, and a cloud catalog depends on the current plan and availability.
Performance: treat percentage claims as specific test results
The Ally X’s processor and extra memory make it the stronger choice on paper for demanding PC games and titles with heavier memory needs. The standard Ally is aimed at lower-cost play and less demanding games. Neither configuration guarantees smooth performance in every new AAA release: resolution, graphics quality, frame rate, upscaling, power mode, drivers, Windows updates, and whether the game is handheld-friendly all matter.
Rank #2
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
ASUS advertised up to 30% higher performance for the Ally X versus the previous-generation ROG Ally X in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and DOOM: The Dark Ages. It also claimed up to 20% higher performance for the standard Ally versus the earlier ROG Ally in Forza Horizon 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded. These are ASUS claims from specified pre-release test scenarios, not universal gains across games. The comparisons used particular resolutions, graphics settings, frame-rate limits, power modes, and plugged-in or battery conditions; results should not be assumed to carry over to other titles or settings. ASUS’s preorder announcement describes its claims and test conditions.
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The Ally X’s extra 8GB of memory, faster memory specification, and larger SSD are also practical advantages beyond frame rates. The standard model’s 512GB can be consumed quickly by Windows, updates, shader caches, and several large games. Both have replaceable internal M.2 storage, and microSD is another capacity option, but buyers should account for the cost and effort of expanding a library.
Battery capacity is not a playtime guarantee
The standard model has a 60Wh battery; the Ally X has an 80Wh battery. More capacity gives the X more room for endurance, but actual playtime varies substantially. Demanding games, high brightness, 120Hz operation, high-power modes, wireless networking, and other settings can shorten sessions. Lightweight games at lower power can last much longer than a demanding AAA game.
ASUS claimed up to twice the battery life for the Ally X versus the previous Ally X in a specific Hollow Knight: Silksong test, and up to 110% more battery life for the new standard Ally versus the original ROG Ally in its specified comparison. Those are scenario-specific manufacturer results, not a promise of a particular number of hours in your games. Look for tests using the same title, settings, brightness, power mode, and battery conditions when comparing real-world endurance.
Screen, controls and everyday use
Both models share a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium. Their redesigned chassis has contoured grips inspired by Xbox controllers, with familiar sticks, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, face buttons, and Xbox controls. The touchscreen and Windows desktop remain available for setup, general software, and tasks that do not fit a gamepad well.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →USB-C connectivity supports charging and docking use; with a suitable dock and power arrangement, the handheld can be connected to external displays and peripherals. Confirm the dock’s ports and power delivery for your intended setup rather than assuming any dock will provide full charging or every connection you need. The Ally X also supports ASUS’s ROG XG Mobile external GPU accessory, a costly route aimed at expanded docked graphics performance rather than a necessity for portable play.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Compatibility badges and software features
Xbox and ASUS introduced a Handheld Compatibility Program. Handheld Optimized is intended to indicate a game works out of the box with suitable controller input, readable text and icons, and an appropriate full-screen resolution. Mostly Compatible signals that minor in-game setting changes may be needed. These badges are useful guidance, not a guarantee against launcher issues, anti-cheat restrictions, DRM, mods, performance problems, or game-specific control quirks.
Xbox and ASUS also promoted handheld-oriented Game Bar controls, default Game Profiles to balance performance and power, and Advanced Shader Delivery for supported games. ASUS says shader delivery can make some first launches up to 10 times faster; that applies only to supported titles and should not be read as a general improvement to every game’s startup. Ally X AI-related features, including Automatic Super Resolution and highlight reels, were announced or promoted as part of the software roadmap. Availability can depend on updates, supported games, region, and rollout timing, so check current software notes rather than treating every feature as present on every device at purchase.
Which ROG Xbox Ally should you buy?
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally if…
- The $599.99 US launch price is the key constraint.
- You mainly play indie games, older PC games, esports titles, or less demanding Game Pass games.
- You value the Xbox full-screen experience but do not need the strongest handheld performance.
- 512GB is enough for your rotation, or you are comfortable expanding storage.
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally X if…
- You play demanding AAA PC games and want more performance headroom.
- You need 24GB memory or prefer to start with a 1TB SSD.
- The larger 80Wh battery capacity matters, while recognizing that actual endurance remains game-dependent.
- You are willing to pay $400 more at US launch pricing for the stronger hardware and NPU.
Consider keeping your current handheld—or choosing neither—if…
- You already own a recent high-end handheld and mainly want a modest frame-rate improvement. Compare game-specific benchmarks before upgrading; the interface and ergonomics may be more meaningful changes for you than a universal performance jump.
- You want a simple console experience without Windows setup and maintenance, or your main games are not available on Windows.
- You expect every Xbox console game to install and run locally without PC compatibility limits.
- Your budget does not accommodate possible storage expansion, accessories, or a Game Pass subscription where needed.
- You prefer SteamOS and a Steam-focused experience; a Steam Deck OLED may suit that preference better. Other Windows handhelds can also be worth comparing for different screen sizes and ergonomics.
Price, Game Pass and buying caveats
The US launch prices were $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X. Xbox’s product page advertised three months of Game Pass Premium in select markets, described as nearly a $45 value. Check the current plan name, regional eligibility, redemption deadline, and retailer SKU terms; promotion availability is not universal, and the subscription catalog can change.
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Plan for total ownership cost, not just the handheld. A case, storage expansion, dock, or additional charger may be useful depending on how you play, but none is automatically required for everyone. A microSD card is a simple way to add capacity; replacing the internal SSD may suit a larger local library. Check charger and dock power requirements before purchase.
ASUS and Xbox said the devices became available across 45 countries, but a launch-market count does not guarantee present stock in every country. For current regional pricing and stock, start with the ROG Xbox Ally product page, the Ally X product page, and local retailers. The Microsoft Store listing showed the Ally X out of stock during the research check, so treat availability as retailer- and date-dependent.
Quick 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.
