ASUS and Microsoft have partnered for two new Xbox branded handheld devices. Both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are two handheld devices that are expected to launch holiday 2025 "in select markets."
The ROG Xbox Ally is being promoted as a 720p gaming device while the Ally X is more geared towards 1080p resolutions with much higher performance. You can almost think of these as the Xbox Series S vs Series X of handhelds.
The Ally X features a better processor, faster (and more) memory, more storage, better IO ports, impulse triggers, and even a better battery. The 7" screens, networking, core functionality, and charger are the only real similarities between the two devices.
Both devices will allow you to download and play games natively, play remotely via streaming from your Xbox, or played via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Pricing details were not yet shared for either of these devices. However, I wouldn't expect either of these devices to be "cheap." For reference, the ROG Ally X from 2024 retails for $799.99.
Here’s how the specs compare between the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X:
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm 670g |
290.8*121.5*50.7mm 715g |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand |
ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
