The handheld once known in reporting as “Project Kennan” became two retail products: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. They launched on October 16, 2025. Xbox announced U.S. estimated retail prices of $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X on September 25, 2025; those historical estimates do not establish today’s price or availability in every market.
What is Project Kennan?
“Project Kennan” was a pre-reveal codename used in secondary reporting. The products Microsoft and ASUS publicly revealed are named ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. They are ASUS-built Windows handheld PCs developed in collaboration with Xbox, not handheld consoles that run the entire Xbox console library locally.
At the June 8, 2025 reveal, Xbox described the pair as “two new handhelds crafted in collaboration with ASUS that combine the power of Xbox with the freedom you expect from Windows.” Xbox’s reveal announcement initially gave a holiday 2025 launch window.
How much do the Xbox Ally and Ally X cost?
On September 25, 2025, Xbox announced U.S. estimated retail prices (ERPs) of $599.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally and $999.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally X. Those were announced U.S. estimates, not a guarantee of current pricing elsewhere or of a retailer’s current price.
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Xbox said preorders would open in 38 countries and that regional pricing would be announced as preorders went live. It announced October 16, 2025 as the global launch date. On that date, Xbox said both models were available worldwide through the ASUS eShop and participating retailers, while noting that availability could vary by retailer and device. The announcements do not establish October 2026 regional prices, discounts, or inventory; check a local retailer for current information. Xbox’s preorder and U.S. ERP announcement and its launch announcement provide the dated details.
ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X: specs
Microsoft’s developer specifications show the main hardware differences in the processor, memory, built-in storage, weight, and announced U.S. ERP. Both models share the listed display and wireless specifications.
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| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Internal storage | 512 GB M.2 2280 SSD | 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS; 500 nits; 16:9; 120 Hz; FreeSync Premium; Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflection | 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS; 500 nits; 16:9; 120 Hz; FreeSync Premium; Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflection |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2), Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2), Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm |
| Weight | 670 g | 715 g |
| Announced U.S. ERP | $599.99 (announced September 25, 2025) | $999.99 (announced September 25, 2025) |
The listed figures are product specifications, not independent performance or battery tests. The developer listing describes the Ally X as adding impulse triggers, more RAM, and twice the storage of the standard Ally; Microsoft’s Store listing describes Hall Effect analog triggers for the standard Ally. Microsoft’s developer specification page contains the hardware listings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the Xbox experience work on these handhelds?
Both devices run Windows 11, with an Xbox-focused full-screen experience, a dedicated Xbox button, an enhanced Game Bar overlay, and Armoury Crate integration. The interface brings together Xbox and installed PC games, including games from Battle.net and other PC stores. Game Pass appears where available; access depends on the relevant game, subscription, and service availability.
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- [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.
Xbox described four ways to play:
- Installed PC games: Play compatible games installed from supported PC storefronts.
- Xbox Play Anywhere: Play eligible titles associated with the program, subject to title eligibility.
- Console remote play: Stream from an Xbox console you own, rather than running that console game locally on the handheld.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Stream supported games where the service is available and applicable access requirements are met.
Xbox said thousands of games would carry “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” labels at launch. These labels indicate handheld compatibility, not that every Xbox console title runs natively on the device. The reveal announcement outlines the interface and play options.
What storage and carrying accessories were announced?
Xbox’s September 2025 announcement named three separately sold accessories:
- SanDisk microSD card: The announcement advertised capacity up to 2 TB and read speeds up to 200 MB/s for this specific card. Those figures are not specifications for every microSD card.
- Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD: Announced in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB configurations. The handhelds’ internal drives are listed as M.2 2280, but that alone does not establish compatibility for every replacement SSD or provide installation instructions.
- ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Carrying Case: Xbox said it fits the Xbox Ally handhelds and has a water-repellent exterior, fleece lining, and detachable charger pouch.
These were accessory announcements, not confirmation of current stock or prices. Check the exact product listing for fit, compatibility, installation requirements, and availability before buying. Xbox’s preorder announcement describes the named accessories.
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.
