Xbox will release two handheld consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, in partnership with ASUS. The devices are run on Windows and offer a new Xbox full-screen mode. It will announce prices and availability later.
When the devices are powered on, they load directly into a new Xbox full-screen mode. This feature is made specifically for handheld gaming. The system limits background tasks to improve gaming performance. This leads to better memory usage and higher framerates. It also helps players stay focused on the game.
Both devices feature a dedicated it’s button and design elements like shaped grips and existing accessibility functions. These are alredy found on this consoles and Windows PCs. Both feature a peculiar design that Microsoft claims is using the same design principles as the Xbox Wireless Controller. This results in hand grips that stick out the side rather than be integrated within the main body.
On the front, the controls are similar to the previous Ally models, which themselves borrowed the layout from it’s controller. There is also a new Xbox button here not present on the older Ally models. The controls are similar on both models but the Ally X gets impulse triggers instead of standard hall effect analog triggers on the Ally.
Asus ROG Ally series: What is new
According to Microsoft, the new handheld gaming consoles from Asus boot directly into a streamlined it interface instead of the standard Windows desktop. This full-screen mode removes unnecessary clutter, improves memory usage, and enhances battery efficiency. Users still have the option to switch back to desktop mode if needed.
The interface unifies libraries across platforms—Steam, Epic Games Store, Game Pass, and others—into a controller-friendly layout. Additional updates to these Game Bar allow users to access settings, notifications, and apps like Discord using only the controller. Users can even log in with a PIN using the controller, mirroring the console experience.
Big things coming | #XboxShowcase pic.twitter.com/DTygC20zlb
— Xbox (@Xbox) June 8, 2025
Microsoft has tailored Windows 11 Home for these handhelds to focus on gaming performance. The system removes unnecessary distractions to improve battery life and responsiveness. Additionally, a new feature highlights games that run best on these devices, similar to what users see on Steam Deck.
ROG Xbox Ally
The standard Ally runs on the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor. It includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. This version is made for gamers who want reliable performance with efficient battery use.
Ally: Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD (user-upgradable)
- Battery: 60Wh
- Ports:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- UHS-II microSD card reader
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
- Size/Weight: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm / 670g
- OS: Windows 11 Home
ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X has improved hardware for those who want stronger performance. It features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. The device includes 24GB of high-speed RAM and twice the storage capacity. This makes it suitable for more demanding games. It also includes impulse triggers for more responsive gameplay.
It has not yet shared the price, release date, or pre-order options. These details will be announced later. Accessories related to the devices will a ..
Ally X: Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD (user-upgradable)
- Battery: 80Wh
- Ports:
- 1x USB4 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 compatible)
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- UHS-II microSD card reader
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
- Size/Weight: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm / 715g
- OS: Windows 11 Home
Ally and Ally X Availability and Price:
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X both will be available in selected countries including Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US. Additionally, both the devices will be available in 21 other countries too. However, there’s no official information as to when both ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available for the Indian market.
The tech giant will reveal the price and pre0order details in the coming months.