Microsoft and ASUS Unveil ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X—Next-Gen Handheld Gaming

Finally, the rumors and leaks we’d seen about a new Xbox handheld console seemed to be more or less right. Microsoft has unveiled the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld consoles. Two new consoles designed in collaboration with ASUS to bring Xbox and Windows games to gamers, in two versions for all gamers with a competitive price and high performance for the most demanding gamers.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally comes with the new AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor

Microsoft has unveiled two versions of its new console in collaboration with ASUS. The ROG Xbox Ally can be differentiated by its white color. This model has incorporated an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, upgrading to the new range of AMD processors. 16GB of RAM at 6,400 MT/s and 512GB of SSD storage have also been added.

All the power of the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme in the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X

For the most powerful model, the ROG Xbox Ally X, the color black has been chosen. An AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor has been added to this model. As the most powerful version, this model has added 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM at 8,000 MT/s, and 1 TB M.2 SSD storage.

Enhanced boost triggers and USB 4 on ROG Xbox Ally X

But the more powerful hardware in the X model isn’t the only difference between these two models. In the black version we find impulse triggers that are not present in the other model. A USB 4 Type-C connector is next to a USB 3.2 connector, while the ROG Xbox Ally has two USB-C 3.2. The battery is another difference, with 60 Wh for the white model and rising to 80 Wh for the most powerful.

The rest of the features are shared, such as a 7-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, 500 nits of brightness and 120 Hz refresh rate with 16:9 format. The glass is coated with an anti-glare coating and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus. Both models have a microSD card reader and audio combo jack. Grips inspired by Xbox controllers and a dedicated Xbox button have been added.

In addition, Microsoft has also presented the Xbox experience for portable devices, another of the rumors that we had echoed a few weeks ago. A dedicated Xbox button has been included in this new experience for access to platform features. The grips are inspired by Xbox wireless controllers and adapt to various hand sizes without problem. Accessibility features have also been added, so that all users can use this new console.

Improved experience in the Xbox app for portable devices

This new console is not a portable Xbox, but a portable gaming device based on Windows 11. For this, Microsoft has prepared a new full-screen Xbox interface where they will see their game library for quick access to Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net and other market-leading PC game stores. So you can see all your games on one platform.

With Xbox Play Anywhere, Microsoft has achieved support for more than 1,000 games to play on your Xbox console, PC, and the new Xbox Ally, even while keeping your progress. Roblox has also been optimized for the Xbox Ally Series and will be playable natively.

Microsoft wants, just like Valve does, to identify games that have been optimized for portable devices, including the new Xbox Ally Series, they will soon be able to share more details of this initiative. In addition, new Game Pass users who get one of these consoles will be able to try Microsoft’s subscription service at no cost. They will also be able to access Copilot for Gaming from the Game Bar, which will help you with your games.

Microsoft has announced that these new consoles will be available soon in select markets during the 2025 holidays, we understand this Christmas. Spain will be one of the initial countries that will see this next launch, but at the moment there is no recommended retail price for these new models. Microsoft has also announced that we will soon know the price of both models, as well as accessories that will be available for the new consoles.