ASUS and Xbox have joined forces to push the boundaries of portable gaming with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, two next-generation handheld consoles that blend the versatility of Windows with the familiarity of Xbox.
Designed for gamers who want desktop-level performance in the palm of their hands, these devices also bring in AI-enhanced gaming, superior cooling, and remarkable battery upgrades.
Portable Console That Acts Like a PC
Unlike most handheld consoles that run proprietary operating systems, the ROG Xbox Ally series runs Windows 11, offering complete access to PC functionality — from gaming to browsing, streaming, and productivity. This means you can switch seamlessly between your Xbox Game Pass library and your favourite PC titles on Steam, Epic Games, or GOG.
The integration with the Xbox ecosystem is deeper than ever, with a custom interface optimised for Xbox users. Logging into your account instantly syncs your game library, achievements, and progress across devices.
Xbox-Inspired Design and Ergonomics
ASUS has refined the ergonomics of the ROG Ally line, taking direct inspiration from the Xbox controller’s iconic layout. The grips now feature a more natural curvature for extended play sessions, and the analogue sticks and triggers have been tuned for precision.
Despite housing powerful hardware, the ROG Xbox Ally weighs just 670g, while the Ally X comes in slightly heavier at 715g, maintaining excellent balance in hand.
The build also boasts IP-level dust protection, reinforced buttons, and improved durability — ideal for portable gamers who move between setups frequently.
Display and Durability
Both models feature a 7-inch 1080p Full HD display running at 120Hz, offering buttery-smooth gameplay with 500 nits of peak brightness. Visibility remains excellent even outdoors, and Corning Gorilla Glass DXC provides scratch resistance without sacrificing colour accuracy.
Paired with AMD’s advanced integrated graphics, the screen supports FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming and a wide colour gamut for vibrant visuals.
Performance Breakdown: Ally vs. Ally X
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Storage | 500GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Weight | 670g | 715g |
| Cooling | Dual-fan, LCP blades | Enhanced dual-fan, dust-resistant |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.4, USB-C w/ Thunderbolt 4 + DisplayPort 2.1 |
The ROG Xbox Ally X steps up performance with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which not only boosts graphics performance but also leverages AI-driven enhancements for efficiency and image quality. With AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), the device can upscale visuals dynamically — delivering sharper frames without burdening the processor.
Battery and Cooling
Battery life remains one of the defining improvements of the Ally X. Its 80Wh battery outlasts its predecessor significantly, though final performance metrics await ASUS’s finalised Armoury Crate SE software, which will let users fine-tune power and performance modes.
The cooling solution is particularly impressive: a dual-fan system with liquid crystal polymer blades, engineered to prevent dust buildup while maintaining quiet operation and steady airflow. Even during extended sessions of graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Dying Light: The Beast, the unit stays remarkably cool and quiet.
Connectivity and Expansion
Both handhelds feature Wi-Fi 6E for stable, low-latency connections and Bluetooth 5.4 for peripherals. The Ally X, however, takes connectivity further with Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 2.1/Power Delivery 3.0, allowing users to:
- Connect external GPUs for desktop-grade performance.
- Output to 8K displays or dual 4K monitors.
- Use high-speed external SSDs and accessories.
This flexibility effectively transforms the Ally X from a portable gaming console into a full-fledged workstation or mini desktop PC when docked.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
The “AI” in the Ally X’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip isn’t just branding — it powers real-world features such as:
- AI Frame Generation: Dynamically inserts frames to maintain smooth performance in demanding games.
- FSR-based Upscaling: Renders at lower resolutions for better performance while maintaining visual fidelity.
- AI Noise Suppression: Filters background noise during streaming or multiplayer sessions.
- Adaptive Power Management: Adjusts CPU/GPU usage based on gameplay demands.
First Impressions: A True Handheld Powerhouse
Early hands-on tests show the ROG Xbox Ally X handles even heavy hitters like Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, and Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater with consistent frame rates in Full HD. The audio performance is also a standout — immersive, loud, and clear, thanks to Dolby Atmos-tuned dual front-facing speakers.
The setup process is notably quick, taking advantage of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass integration for instant access to the latest titles. Even with over a dozen modern games installed, testers reported 148GB of storage remaining on the internal SSD.
Heat buildup was minimal, and the system noise stayed almost imperceptible, even under heavy load — a testament to ASUS’s refined thermal design.
The Most Complete Windows Handheld Yet
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X represent a major leap forward in portable gaming. They combine:
- The openness of a Windows PC,
- The ecosystem of Xbox,
- And the hardware innovation ASUS is known for.
The ROG Xbox Ally X in particular stands out as one of the most balanced and forward-thinking handhelds in existence — a machine that’s just as comfortable in your backpack as it is powering a desktop setup.
