Merge your Nintendo Switch 2 plans, as Microsoft unveils the ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X competition
Going Hands-On with the Xbox-Powered ROG Ally: Your New Portable Gaming Companion
Brace Yourself, Gamers! The tech world has been abuzz since Microsoft unveiled their Xbox-infused twist to the Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming PC – enter the ROG Xbox Ally! Making its grand debut at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, this powerhouse comes in two tantalizing flavors: the white ROG Xbox Ally, targeting 720p gaming akin to the Valve Steam Deck, and the black ROG Xbox Ally X, aiming for 900p to 1080p gaming.
Both of these Ally consoles-turned-PCs crank up the power with AMD Ryzen chipsets at their core. The more robust black Ally X uses the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, while the regular Xbox Ally employs the Ryzen Z2 A chip. The former comes equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and a 1TB SSD, while the latter boasts 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and 512GB of M.2 2280 SSD storage[1].
Design-Wise, the Xbox Allys have undergone a refashioning, boasting contoured grips that mimic the form of the Xbox Wireless Controller[1][3]. And true to its Xbox roots, both models sport the Xbox 'ABXY' button layout, with a dedicated Xbox home button for seamless navigation.
Emulating the Xbox Wireless Controller to the tee, the Xbox Allys feature hall-effect impulse triggers, offering an authentic gaming sensation for Series X and Series S players[1]. In terms of connectivity, both models pack two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports that support DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4[1].
The ROG Xbox Ally X takes things up a notch with a USB4 Type-C port that boasts DisplayPort 2.1, Power Delivery 3.0, and Thunderbolt 4 support, in addition to a microSD card reader[1].
Now, let's discuss the software side of things. Windows 11 has been optimized to deliver a smooth experience on the Xbox Allys[2], by bootstrapping into a full-screen Xbox experience, providing access to Xbox games and other platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store[2][3]. Tweaks to the Xbox app and the Game Bar have been made to make them more handheld-friendly, with Asus’ Armoury Crate seamlessly integrated[3].
If the Xbox Allys have what it takes to deliver top-notch handheld performance, they could very well carve out an impressive niche as an alternative or complementary console to the Steam Deck. Keep in mind that the Nintendo Switch 2 is making waves in the handheld gaming scene, though the portable Xbox in Ally guise deserves some well-deserved attention[3].
Alas, we're still awaiting word on the release date and pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X[4]. Pricing is expected to align with the current Ally models[5]. Is your curiosity peaked for an Xbox Ally? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!
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- The upcoming Xbox Ally handheld gaming PCs, powered by Xbox and equipped with powerful AMD Ryzen chipsets, position themselves as potential alternatives or companions to gaming devices like the Valve Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and even smartphones and laptops.
- In terms of design, the Xbox Ally models exhibit similarities to the Xbox Wireless Controller, boasting an 'ABXY' button layout, contoured grips, and hall-effect impulse triggers, ensuring a comfortable and authentic gaming experience for players of gaming gadgets like the Series X and S.
- Connectivity-wise, these portable gaming companions offer various features such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, DisplayPort 2.1, Power Delivery 3.0, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and – for the ROG Xbox Ally X – a USB4 Type-C port, microSD card reader, and Thunderbolt 4 support, comparable to premium gadgets like smartphones and high-end laptops.
- As we wait for the release dates and pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, gamers may be intrigued to see how they compare to the PC, console, and portable markets, potentially creating a unique niche for themselves among various gadgets in the technology landscape.
