Get ready, gamers! Microsoft and ASUS have pulled back the curtain on an exciting new lineup of ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. We’re talking about the fresh ROG Xbox Ally X and an updated standard ROG Xbox Ally. These aren’t just any portable gaming devices; they beautifully blend ASUS’s robust hardware with a significantly refined Windows software experience, specifically tweaked for handheld use.
Diving into the Hardware: Power Under the Hood
Let’s talk raw power first. The new ROG Xbox Ally X is set to run on the mighty AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, while its sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally, will come equipped with a new Ryzen Z2 A processor. When it comes to speed, the Ally X boasts a generous 24GB of LPDDR5X 8000MHz memory, giving it a noticeable edge over the Ally’s 16GB LPDDR5X 6400MHz. Storage-wise, the Ally X ups the ante with 1TB, while the more budget-friendly Ally offers a respectable 512GB. These ROG Xbox Ally X specs really paint a picture of a premium portable gaming machine.
Design & Controls: Built for Gaming Comfort
Both of these new ROG Xbox Ally models feature a rather distinctive design. Microsoft explains it by saying they’ve used the same design principles found in the familiar Xbox Wireless Controller. What this means in practice is that the hand grips actually extend outwards from the main body, rather than being fully integrated. It’s a choice aimed at maximizing comfort during those marathon gaming sessions.
Looking at the front, the control layout remains quite similar to the previous ROG Ally versions, which, of course, took their cues from the standard Xbox controller setup. You’ll also notice a new Xbox button on these models, a neat addition not present on the older Ally. While most controls are shared across both devices, the Ally X gets a little upgrade with impulse triggers, offering a different feel compared to the standard hall effect analog triggers on the Ally. This subtly highlights one of the differences when comparing the ROG Xbox Ally X vs ROG Xbox Ally.
Visuals and Connectivity: Sharp Displays & Modern Ports
On the display front, both gaming handhelds come with a crisp 7-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD panel, complete with FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming. They’re also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with a DXC Anti-Reflection coating, which is a nice touch. While an OLED screen might have been a dream for some, it seems ASUS is sticking with its LCD technology for now.
Connectivity-wise, both models feature two USB-C ports. On the standard Ally, both support USB 3.2 Gen 2, but the ROG Xbox Ally X swaps one of those out for a faster USB 4 port – a definite upgrade for accessories and external displays. You’ll also find a handy UHS-II microSD card slot and, thankfully, a headphone jack on both. Wireless connectivity is solid, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. Finally, when it comes to battery life, the Ally X packs a substantial 80Wh battery, outperforming the Ally’s 60Wh.
Software Experience: Windows Tailored for Gaming
Moving over to the software side, the ROG Xbox Ally devices will come with a specially tweaked version of Windows. This includes a new Xbox full-screen experience, designed from the ground up for controller use. It’s pretty clever, as it minimizes background activity and pauses non-essential Windows tasks, dedicating more resources directly to your games. This full-screen Xbox environment isn’t just for Microsoft Store titles; it seamlessly integrates games from other platforms like Steam and Epic Games, making it a true handheld PC gaming hub.
Microsoft has also announced that they’re working closely with developers on a new program. The goal is to help players easily identify games that are truly optimized for handhelds, much like Valve’s “Steam Deck verified” system. To sweeten the deal, those who pick up these Xbox Ally devices will also receive a Game Pass subscription for a certain period. Plus, Microsoft has collaborated with Roblox for a version optimized specifically for gaming handhelds, set to launch alongside these new devices. And yes, there’s also Gaming Copilot, but let’s just say not everyone’s clamoring for that one.
Availability: When Can You Get Your Hands On One?
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are slated to become available this holiday season. They’ll be rolling out across a wide range of countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, Japan, Germany, France, and many more. Specific pricing and availability details will be announced closer to the ROG Xbox Ally release date.
