Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
ASUS and Xbox’s two ROG Xbox Ally handhelds launched on October 16, 2025, and are available in the United States as of August 18, 2026, subject to stock and retailer pricing. They are Windows 11 gaming PCs with Xbox software and services—not portable Xbox consoles. The ROG Xbox Ally is the lower-cost model, while the ROG Xbox Ally X adds a much stronger processor, more memory and storage, and a larger battery.
At a glance
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. ASUS store price seen Aug. 18, 2026 | $599.99 | $999.99 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB | 24GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Weight | 670g | 715g |
| Best suited to | Buyers prioritizing a lower price | Players seeking more performance and capacity |
Both have the same 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz display. The Ally X’s $400 higher U.S. store price therefore buys stronger internal hardware, more storage, a larger battery and upgraded connectivity—not a larger or higher-resolution screen. Prices and availability can vary by retailer, promotion and region. ASUS lists the Ally and Ally X on its U.S. product pages.
What was announced—and when?
Microsoft and ASUS announced the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025. The original announcement gave a holiday 2025 release window; ASUS later confirmed an October 16 launch. Both models launched in the United States and other markets, with availability timing varying by country. Xbox’s announcement and ASUS’s launch notice provide the original details.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteASUS manufactures the hardware, in collaboration with Xbox, AMD and Windows. Despite the Xbox name and controls, these are members of the ROG Ally PC-handheld family. They run Windows 11 Home; they do not run Xbox console games locally as Xbox console hardware does.
#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.
Full specifications
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A; 4 Zen 2 CPU cores and 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme; 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium | Same |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Weight | 670g | 715g |
| USB-C | Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports | One USB4 Type-C port and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Same |
| Other | Hall Effect analog triggers | Impulse triggers |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Both have Gorilla Glass Victus with anti-reflective treatment, microSD support and a 3.5mm audio jack. Their M.2 2280 SSDs can be upgraded, though that means opening the device and handling the backup, Windows reinstall or cloning process. Each model shipped with a 65W charger and stand, according to Xbox’s specification table.
The larger battery does not translate into a guaranteed number of hours: runtime depends on the game, performance settings, brightness, frame-rate cap, wireless use and background activity. ASUS has published test-based battery comparisons, but those results apply to their stated games and settings, not every session.
What makes them Xbox handhelds?
The Xbox software layer is designed to make Windows easier to use with handheld controls. At launch, Xbox described a full-screen experience that could boot directly into an Xbox-oriented interface. A dedicated Xbox button opens Game Bar, and the interface provides access to the library, running apps, chat, settings and Armoury Crate SE. Players can switch back to the regular Windows desktop when they need it.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe interface can bring together installed games from the Xbox app and other PC storefronts. It does not remove the underlying Windows environment or all launcher friction: games may still need a separate Steam, Epic, EA, Ubisoft or Battle.net login, launcher update or DRM check. In 2026 Microsoft began bringing the broader Xbox mode experience to select Windows 11 PCs, so the Ally’s software is no longer wholly exclusive to these devices. See Xbox’s Xbox mode update.
Rank #2
- [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 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Which games can they play?
As Windows PCs, both Ally models can run compatible Windows games, including games purchased through the Xbox PC app and other stores such as Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG and Battle.net. PC Game Pass games are another option for subscribers, subject to the plan, catalog and each game’s requirements. A subscription is not required to play games bought outright through other storefronts.
Xbox console ownership does not automatically make every console game installable on either handheld. The main Xbox-related ways to play are a Windows PC version, an eligible Xbox Play Anywhere game, Xbox Cloud Gaming where supported, or Remote Play streaming from the player’s own Xbox console. Supported Play Anywhere games can share purchases, saves and achievements across Xbox and Windows. Cloud access, catalog and subscription benefits depend on region and plan. The Xbox product page describes the integrated features and current U.S. offer; promotions can change.
“Runs on Windows” also does not mean every game feels good on a handheld. Controller support, text size, launcher behavior, anti-cheat compatibility and performance differ from game to game. Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program uses two useful labels: Handheld Optimized games are set up for controller inputs, readable text, suitable full-screen resolution and text entry; Mostly Compatible games are playable but may need minor settings or adjustments. Microsoft said more than 1,000 PC games were playing well on supported handhelds by April 2026. These labels assess usability and readiness, not a guaranteed frame rate or equal performance on the two Ally models. Details appear in Xbox’s compatibility-program announcement.
Recommended Free Tools
What changed after launch?
The software has continued to evolve since the 2025 release. In April 2026, Xbox described improvements including docked-play behavior that can move gameplay to an external TV, Gamepad Cursor for navigating software without controller support, manually adding and editing games and apps in the Xbox library, enhanced vibration, Advanced Shader Delivery for supported games and Default Game Profiles for supported titles. Auto Super Resolution was in preview for Xbox Insiders on the Ally X; it should not be treated as a universal feature available for every game or user.
Rank #3
- 🖥️ 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.
Xbox also said the Handheld Compatibility Program had expanded to more than 1,000 games. For the feature and availability qualifications, see the April 2026 Ally update.
Which model makes more sense?
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally if price matters most
At the U.S. ASUS store price observed on August 18, 2026, the standard Ally costs $599.99. It is the more accessible choice for casual or mid-range PC gaming, Game Pass, Remote Play and buyers new to Windows handhelds. Its 512GB SSD is upgradeable, but a large game library can make that capacity feel tight. Its processor, memory and 60Wh battery are also less generous than the X’s, so it is the less suitable choice if demanding games and maximum performance headroom are priorities.
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally X if you want more headroom
The $999.99 Ally X has the stronger APU, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 80Wh battery and USB4 port. Those upgrades are more relevant to demanding PC games, multitasking, a larger installed library and users who expect to connect peripherals or displays. It weighs 715g, 45g more than the standard model, and still has the same 7-inch 1080p/120Hz panel. The extra $400 is easiest to justify if its performance, storage and battery upgrades matter to you; it is not a display upgrade.
Neither device turns every Windows game into a seamless console experience. Both offer flexibility across PC stores, but Windows can still mean desktop-style dialogs, updates and interfaces that expect a mouse or keyboard. The Ally X can connect to ASUS’s ROG XG Mobile ecosystem, but that external GPU is a separate accessory, not included handheld performance. Similarly, a USB-C dock can enable TV play and wired peripherals, but check its display outputs and power-delivery requirements; ASUS recommends a 130W-capable dock for certain setups. MicroSD is a simpler way to add capacity, while replacing the SSD is a more involved upgrade.
Bottom line
The ROG Xbox Ally is the lower-cost Windows handheld; the Ally X is the more capable and better-equipped one. Their defining combination is Windows storefront flexibility with an Xbox-oriented interface, Game Pass and Xbox streaming features—not native Xbox-console hardware. Choose based on the games you play, how much performance and storage you need, and whether the X’s extra $400 is worth its upgrades to you.
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.
