Asus partners with Microsoft launch first Xbox gaming handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

(Image credit: Asus)

After numerous reports and speculation, Microsoft has finally come up with its very first Xbox handheld. Well, sort of. The company has paired up with Asus to launch the new ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X at its ongoing Xbox Games Showcase. Both models feature an updated design that includes large, contoured grips similar to those found on an Xbox controller.

In fact, that’s the route both companies are taking. According to Asus, they have worked on the feedback received for the original ROG Ally and Ally X, and went ahead to create this fusion that is part ROG Ally and part Xbox controller. It also includes an updated textured pattern as well as impulse triggers that add haptic feedback to the trigger buttons.

Asus also claims that the new ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are the most ‘comfortable and immersive’ handhelds that they’ve ever built, even though they are thicker and slightly heavier compared to the previous ROG Ally models, as well as the Steam Deck. The joysticks are similar to the original ROG Ally X, and even the button layout seems similar, apart from the addition of a new dedicated Xbox button near the left joystick. This can be used to bring up the Game Bar, which has been updated to be more useful on a handheld device.

Image 1 of 4

Notably, the launch coincides with AMD’s latest announcement, where it added two new models to its Ryzen Z2 series of processors. The new ROG Xbox Ally X will be powered by the latest Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, which features an 8-core/16-thread CPU, 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, and an NPU capable of offering up to 50 TOPS of AI compute power. It will also feature 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4.

The I/O port layout is pretty much the same as last year's model, although one of the two USB Type-C ports on the ROG Xbox Ally X is now upgraded to USB 4. As for the battery, there’s an 80Wh unit, which should last longer than most handheld devices on the market.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Specifications	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
Display	7-inch (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection	7-inch (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
CPU	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
Memory	16GB LPDDR5X-6400	24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage	512GB M.2 2280 SSD	1TB M.2 2280 SSD
I/O	-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
Wireless connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Battery	60Wh	80Wh
Operating system	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home
Weight	670g	715g

Image 1 of 4

Asus ROG Xbox Ally — (Image credit: Asus)

On the other hand, the ROG Xbox Ally appears to be a budget-friendly option, as it is powered by the entry-level Ryzen 2 A processor. The chip features a 4-core/8-thread CPU based on AMD’s aging Zen 2 architecture, 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores, and a configurable TDP ranging from 6 to 20W. It also comes with slower 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 memory, a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, and a smaller 60Wh battery.

Asus hasn’t made any changes to the display, hence you get the same 7-inch display as the ROG Ally X, offering a 1080 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and support for VRR and FreeSync Premium.

Image 1 of 7

UI on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X — (Image credit: Asus)

As for the software, the ROG Xbox Ally devices will power directly into an Xbox view. However, you continue to get Windows 11 underneath with minor refinements. This means that one should be able to install other game launchers, such as Steam and Epic Games, among others. There is an updated ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition software, while quick access to settings and customizable widgets will also be available within Game Bar.

Pricing has not been confirmed, but both models be available during the holiday season in 28 countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Eventually, it will be launched in other regions where the original ROG Ally models are currently sold.

Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

TOPICS

Kunal Khullar is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. He is a long time technology journalist and reviewer specializing in PC components and peripherals, and welcomes any and every question around building a PC.

13 Comments Comment from the forums

Heat_Fan89

The problem with these handhelds vs traditional console handhelds like the Switch and Switch 2 is that these PC and XBOX handhelds tend to be moving targets. Whereas with the Switch or Switch 2 you can lock down your initial investment as developers find ways to tweak and improve performance on those locked in platforms. That's why I shy away from the SteamDeck and other such portable devices.
Reply
Geef

I like the specs for this setup compared to the Xbox Series X. Series X runs an 8 core CPU with 16GB of memory. It was built for a 4k/60 screen though.
The Ally will run games just fine at 1080p/120 even with 4 cores less. The Ally X will probably be amazing for any 1080p games out there since it has 8cores and more of everything else.
Reply
txfeinbergs

Heat_Fan89 said:
The problem with these handhelds vs traditional console handhelds like the Switch and Switch 2 is that these PC and XBOX handhelds tend to be moving targets. Whereas with the Switch or Switch 2 you can lock down your initial investment as developers find ways to tweak and improve performance on those locked in platforms. That's why I shy away from the SteamDeck and other such portable devices.
Your argument is false. The Steam Deck is exactly what you are claiming to want. Valve specifically said they aren't going to release one every year. The Steam Deck is now over 3 years old. It is why I have one but would never buy a Nintendo product because I don't like cartoon games.
Reply
txfeinbergs

Geef said:
I like the specs for this setup compared to the Xbox Series X. Series X runs an 8 core CPU with 16GB of memory. It was built for a 4k/60 screen though.
The Ally will run games just fine at 1080p/120 even with 4 cores less. The Ally X will probably be amazing for any 1080p games out there since it has 8cores and more of everything else.
I just wish the screen was larger and OLED. The internals are definitely powerful enough though.
Reply
watzupken

Heat_Fan89 said:
The problem with these handhelds vs traditional console handhelds like the Switch and Switch 2 is that these PC and XBOX handhelds tend to be moving targets. Whereas with the Switch or Switch 2 you can lock down your initial investment as developers find ways to tweak and improve performance on those locked in platforms. That's why I shy away from the SteamDeck and other such portable devices.
I have a Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck OLED, and in my experience, I actually prefer the Deck. I understand what you are saying, but I do question if games are actually running smoothly in the latter part of Switch’s lifespan. In most cases, Switch games are rendered at super low resolution just to make it run in the 30 FPS range with frequent dips. I played Dragon Dogma on the Switch for many hours, and I find the very low resolution quite distracting even on the 6 inch screen. I kept at it because I love the ability to just pause the game, put the Switch to sleep and start playing when I have pockets of time. With the Steam Deck OLED, it does the same, and in general, Deck verified games will run as well.
Ultimately, I am not directly comparing the 2 devices here. My point is that yes, games will run on consoles like Nintendo Switch or PS5, but it’s often at very drastic visual cutbacks to make it work. That’s also the case with something like a Steam Deck or Ally.
Reply
Air2004

What's really the difference between this and say buying a Backbone controller to use with your game pass subscription ?
Reply
watzupken

Geef said:
I like the specs for this setup compared to the Xbox Series X. Series X runs an 8 core CPU with 16GB of memory. It was built for a 4k/60 screen though.
The Ally will run games just fine at 1080p/120 even with 4 cores less. The Ally X will probably be amazing for any 1080p games out there since it has 8cores and more of everything else.
The Ally is likely good for people not playing demanding games like indie and older game titles. I feel the new Ally X is powerful, but it’s still going to run into performance issues, especially when running games using Unreal Engine 5. Hence, 1080p may not be feasible all the time. I am not sure why it is so difficult for Asus to create a 32GB version, noting that they are using 24GB again. It is not a deal breaker, but I feel it can improve performance consistency.
Reply
Notton

txfeinbergs said:
I just wish the screen was larger and OLED. The internals are definitely powerful enough though.
Ditto.
I'm waiting for the Legion Go 2, which is supposedly an 8.8" OLED 1920x1200.
If it was just a 7" OLED, Zotac Zone has that.
Reply
Heat_Fan89

txfeinbergs said:
Your argument is false.
No it's not. A pure gaming console gets games created for it that are optimized as time goes as developers learn to squeeze as much as they can with the hardware and in many cases games tend to look and run better as time goes on. This has been the case with dedicated consoles especially the original Nintendo Switch.
Reply
ilukey77

Not sure there is really a place for ANOTHER handheld ..

disregarding the fact that me personally like to play my games on a TV /Monitor well a big screen ..

I have a Nintendo switch and it gathers dust basically most of the time in fact i cant remember the last time i turned it on ..

Then i get the kids today but to start what kid under 18 or who doesnt have their licence OR and life would be able to afford them ..

And can still use a phone which most children / kids have phones anyway ..

After watching my partener's sons addiction to Video games on his computer god help giving him a hand help console :)

Any one over that age and still young has there phone glued to their hand 24/7 and there is more of a reason to have a phone with you than a bulky handheld ..

I had a psp back in the day and still preferred my console / tv over it ..
Reply

Show more comments

Recommended reading

Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter