[June 09, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]
Get ready to take your Xbox library on the go — for real this time. At the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft and Asus officially unveiled not one, but two powerful handheld gaming PCs: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Designed in collaboration with the ROG (Republic of Gamers) team, these devices mark Microsoft’s most serious step yet into the handheld gaming space — and trust me, they’re not holding back.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of Gears of War in your hands or craving full Xbox Game Pass access away from your TV, this might just be the moment you’ve been waiting for.
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A Handheld Built for Xbox, Powered by Windows
Let’s start with what makes these devices truly stand out. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X don’t just stream your Xbox library — they run Windows 11. That means you get full access to your PC games, Game Pass, Steam, EA App, Battle.net, and more — all from a sleek, ergonomic device with Xbox-first DNA.
Even better? These aren’t cloud-only machines. Both handhelds boot straight into a brand-new full-screen Xbox UI, optimized for touch and controller input, giving you that console-like feel without being tied to your living room.
This is Microsoft’s “Xbox Anywhere” vision taking shape in hardware — and it feels surprisingly natural.
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Two Models, Built for Different Players
There are two versions of the ROG Xbox Ally to choose from, and each comes with its own power-packed identity:
🟢 ROG Xbox Ally
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 APU
- Display: 7″ FHD (1080p), 120Hz VRR
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Battery: 60Wh
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: Just under 680g
⚫ ROG Xbox Ally X (The Premium Beast)
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU with built-in NPU
- Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: 80Wh for longer play sessions
- Extras: Impulse triggers (like Xbox Elite controllers), better cooling, Thunderbolt 4
If you’re a casual Xbox Cloud gamer or Game Pass user, the standard Ally will do wonders. But if you want native high-fidelity gaming, mod support, and longer sessions without charging anxiety — the Ally X is a performance monster.
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The Controls Feel… Like Xbox
As someone who has spent thousands of hours with Xbox controllers, I’m thrilled to say: the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds feel familiar and satisfying. The grip mimics the iconic Xbox Wireless Controller, with precision impulse triggers on the Ally X, responsive thumbsticks, and even a dedicated Xbox button front-and-center.
For players jumping from console to handheld, this device reduces the learning curve and gives you the muscle memory advantage right from the start.
Real Performance, Not Just Hype
I had the chance to check out live gameplay footage of titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Forza Motorsport running natively on the Ally X — and the performance is nothing short of stunning. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU inside the Ally X is custom-built for gaming in portable form, and with AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and Radeon Super Resolution, you’re looking at 60+ FPS in most AAA games.
And Microsoft’s new Game Bar, layered on top of the Xbox UI, lets you adjust system settings like fan speed, FPS caps, or thermal profiles without needing to exit your game. It’s seamless and very gamer-focused.
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Long-Lasting Battery & Smarter Power Use
One of the biggest concerns with handheld PCs is battery life — and Microsoft took that seriously with the Ally X. The upgraded 80Wh battery on the Ally X nearly doubles playtime compared to its base model, offering anywhere between 6 to 10 hours of gameplay, depending on your settings and game load. The standard ROG Xbox Ally packs a still-respectable 60Wh battery, giving you solid hours of portable gaming.
What’s even more impressive is how Microsoft and Asus are tackling power efficiency on the software side. Thanks to new features in the Windows-powered Xbox UI, the handhelds can now enter a low-draw sleep mode that drastically cuts standby power — perfect for picking up where you left off, without draining your battery overnight. And when you’re gaming, the OS actively manages system memory to free up performance in real time.
Windows 11, but Designed for Gamers
Sure, both models run Windows 11, but this is a version of Windows that finally respects gamers. When you boot up, you’re welcomed by a full-screen Xbox launcher that behaves like a traditional console dashboard. From here, you can instantly launch Xbox Game Pass titles, access cloud gaming, or open your favorite PC storefronts like Steam or Epic Games.
And yes, modding, keyboard and mouse support, and third-party apps are all fair game. It’s still Windows, but now it feels curated — less clutter, more play.
The onboard Game Bar UI lets you seamlessly adjust brightness, volume, refresh rate, fan curves, and even FPS targets without having to minimize your game. That level of in-game control used to be exclusive to high-end gaming laptops — now it fits in your hands.
Competing with Steam Deck and Switch 2
So where does this leave competitors like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2? Let’s just say: Microsoft came to compete.
The Ally X offers a significant bump in raw performance and display smoothness (120Hz VRR) compared to the Steam Deck’s 90Hz panel. And while Steam OS is locked to Valve’s ecosystem, Windows 11 gives the Ally family complete freedom to access Game Pass, Steam, GOG, EA Play, and even emulators — all on one device.
Nintendo’s next-gen Switch might dominate in exclusives, but for players who want power and flexibility, the Xbox Ally handhelds deliver something no other system currently can: console-first UI with full PC freedom.
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Global Launch Timeline and Pricing
Microsoft has confirmed that both ROG Xbox Ally devices will begin shipping in Holiday 2025, starting with 28 regions — including North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Broader global rollout is expected by early 2026.
While official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, industry analysts and insiders estimate:
- ROG Xbox Ally: Starting around $599 / €599
- ROG Xbox Ally X: Expected to be in the $799–$999 range depending on configuration
We’ll be keeping a close eye on pre-order announcements, retailer bundles, and potential Xbox Game Pass incentives.
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Final Thoughts: A New Era for Xbox Mobility
What we’re witnessing here is more than just a fancy new gadget — it’s the beginning of Xbox’s portable future. With the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, Microsoft isn’t just dipping its toes into handheld gaming — it’s diving in with full force, bringing PC-level power, console-style ease, and cloud freedom into one sleek package.
Whether you’re a hardcore Xbox loyalist, a PC modder, or someone who just wants to play Starfield on a train — this handheld might be your new best friend.
And if the hands-on impressions are anything to go by, the future of handheld gaming looks really, really bright.
