Asus and Microsoft are expanding the ROG Ally line with a new Xbox-branded handheld, set to launch on October 16. The basic ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X keep the same 7-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz display and a Windows 11 Home foundation redesigned for a controller-first, Xbox-style experience. The goal is to retain broad Windows game compatibility and access to multiple storefronts—Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store and more—while stripping away desktop Windows clutter to save power and run more efficiently. Despite the Xbox branding, these devices play Windows PC games rather than Xbox titles.
Key details and specs
– Two models: ROG Xbox Ally (base) and ROG Xbox Ally X (premium)
– Display and connectivity: 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120 Hz, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 on both
– Operating system and interface: Windows 11 Home redesigned with a controller-first, Xbox-style UI
– Storefronts: Support across multiple PC storefronts, including Microsoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store
– Base model internals: AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip with a 4-core Zen 2 CPU, an eight-core RDNA2 GPU, 512 GB storage, 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400
– Ally X internals: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with an 8-core Zen 5 CPU, a 16-core RDNA3.5 GPU, 1 TB storage, 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000, plus a built-in neural processing unit
– Battery and weight: 60 Whr battery on the base model vs 80 Whr on the Ally X; Ally X is about 45 grams heavier (roughly a tenth of a pound)
What this means for gamers
– A broader Windows gaming experience in a handheld form, with a streamlined OS footprint intended to run PC games more efficiently on the go.
– The presence of an NPU on the higher-end model hints at potential on-device AI features that could optimize performance or battery life in future updates.
– Pricing remains undisclosed, so it’s unclear how the two models will stack up against Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, or Asus’ own prior handhelds in terms of value, battery life, and performance.
A hopeful, positive take
– This move could make PC gaming more accessible on the go by combining wide game compatibility with a simplified, controller-focused interface. The higher-end model’s larger battery and more powerful CPU/GPU setup may offer a compelling option for players who want a portable PC with modern AI-capable hardware and ample storage.
Summary
– Asus and Microsoft are introducing two Xbox-branded handhelds in the ROG Ally family, designed to play Windows PC games with a controller-oriented Windows 11 interface. They aim to bridge the gap between PC gaming flexibility and portable convenience, supporting multiple storefronts and offering two tiers of hardware, with release set for October 16 and pricing yet to be announced.
Notes for editors
– Consider highlighting how the “controller-first” interface might affect game discovery and app usability compared to traditional desktop Windows on handhelds.
– Once pricing and battery life figures for real-use scenarios are published, provide a direct comparison with Steam Deck and Switch 2 to help readers gauge value and performance.