Microsoft announced two new handheld gaming computers at the Xbox Game Showcase on Sunday. Developed in partnership with Asus, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X become the company’s first Xbox-branded handheld devices. The former is built for mobile gaming and comes with a Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the latter comes with the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Both models feature 7-inch 120Hz LCD screens and feature a new grip design similar to the Xbox Wireless Controller.
ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X availability
Microsoft said its new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld computers will be available this holiday season in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and 21 other markets. The handheld will be available later in other markets where the ROG Ally series is sold, suggesting that ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will launch in India at some point.
The Xbox parent company will reveal more details about pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders in the coming months.
ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X features, specifications
According to the Redmond-based tech giant, both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X feature 7-inch Full HD LCD screens with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500nits peak brightness. Asus has equipped the panel with Freesync Premium technology to reduce screen tearing, along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection and DXC anti-reflective coating on top.
Microsoft says gamers can access their libraries across multiple PC storefronts
Image source: Microsoft
While the handheld gaming PCs’ front panels and button layouts are similar to their standard counterparts from Asus, they feature new contoured grips to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes. There’s also a new Xbox button that gives players quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay. Both models have similar button configurations, but the Xbox Ally has Hall-effect triggers, while the Xbox Ally X has upgraded pulse triggers.
Microsoft says the ROG Xbox Ally is designed to provide great value to casual gamers, so it comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 512GB onboard SSD storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X, meanwhile, targets hardcore gamers with top-tier specs. It’s powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, paired with upgraded 24GB LPDDR5x RAM and twice the storage space of the standard ROG Xbox Ally model.
| feature | ROG Allies | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| operating system | Windows 11 Home Edition | Windows 11 Home Edition |
| processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, easier to upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, easier upgrade |
| exhibit | 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC anti-reflective | 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC anti-reflective |
| input/output port | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 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, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| aspect | 280.8×121.5×50.7 mm | 290.8×121.5×50.7mm |
| Battery | 60 watt hours | 80 watt hours |
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices feature the same display
Image source: Microsoft
The handheld gaming computer is said to feature the Xbox full-screen experience designed specifically for handheld gaming. Microsoft has made tweaks to Windows 11 to minimize background activity and postpone non-essential tasks. This is said to free up more system resources dedicated to gameplay, potentially leading to higher frame rates and better performance.
ROG Xbox Ally Series devices also feature an upgraded Game Bar that integrates ASUS’ Armory Crate, providing quick access to input controls and advanced device options in addition to existing home, library, launch game, and chat options. Players can also access an aggregated game library that lists games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts.
Microsoft is partnering with Roblox to launch a new handheld gaming PC that will be natively optimized and playable on ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X models from day one. Additionally, it is working with its game developer partners on a new program designed to help identify games optimized for handheld devices. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Game Co-Pilot can be accessed through the Game Bar as a personalized companion to launch games faster, learn new skills and connect with the community.
According to the tech giant, ROG Ally and ROG Ally X come with 60Wh and 80Wh batteries respectively. Both models come with a 67W charging stand.