Asus and Microsoft have opened pre-orders for two new Xbox-branded ROG handhelds — the ROG Xbox Ally (base) and the higher‑end ROG Xbox Ally X — with an official on‑shelf launch date set for October 16, 2025 and U.S. estimated retail prices at roughly $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X. These devices marry ASUS’ ROG handheld engineering with an Xbox‑centered Windows 11 experience, and they mark Microsoft’s biggest push yet to put a full Windows‑powered, Xbox‑branded portable into mainstream retail channels. Pre-orders started in late September across Xbox, ASUS, Microsoft Store and major retailers in an initial set of 38 countries.
Since the original ROG Ally launched, the handheld PC market has matured quickly: Valve’s Steam Deck proved demand for portable PC gaming hardware, manufacturers iterated on ergonomics and thermals, and silicon vendors introduced handheld‑specific APUs to improve efficiency. The ROG Xbox Ally family is the first major example of an OEM partnering with Xbox to preinstall an Xbox‑centric full‑screen experience on top of Windows 11, aiming to reduce desktop friction and present a console‑like, controller‑first interface for PC gaming. ASUS and Xbox framed the devices as “Windows PCs built for handheld play” while Microsoft simultaneously introduced platform‑level changes (a handheld‑friendly OOBE and resource‑trimming policies) to make Windows behave more like a console in this form factor.
Both models share the same chassis, 7‑inch FHD (1920×1080) 120 Hz IPS touchscreen, and a contoured controller layout inspired by Xbox controllers — the split between the two SKUs is primarily silicon, RAM, storage and battery capacity. That design decision keeps the physical comfort and display experience uniform while letting buyers choose a more affordable, efficiency‑oriented option or a premium, performance‑focused model.
The Ally X stands out for delivering the highest possible handheld performance today, but at a premium price that invites critical comparison to laptops and other gaming devices. The base Ally offers much of the same comfort and display quality at a more accessible price point, making it a sensible compromise for many buyers.
Important caveats remain: actual battery life, thermal behavior, and the practical impact of any on‑device AI/NPU features will only be fully proven by independent reviews of shipping hardware. The devices’ success will also depend on ecosystem adoption — the number of games that get meaningful handheld optimizations and whether developers embrace Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program.
For those who value portability, a native Windows library and console‑like ease of use — and who accept the price trade‑offs — pre‑ordering is justifiable. For cautious buyers, waiting for independent benchmarks and early user reports is the prudent choice.
(Confirmed by ASUS’ press release and Microsoft’s Xbox newsroom announcing pre‑orders and an October 16, 2025 launch window; U.S. ERPs and retail availability were corroborated by Microsoft Store and leading tech outlets at the time of pre‑order launch.)
Source: Gagadget.com Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X portable consoles are now available for pre-order
Background
Since the original ROG Ally launched, the handheld PC market has matured quickly: Valve’s Steam Deck proved demand for portable PC gaming hardware, manufacturers iterated on ergonomics and thermals, and silicon vendors introduced handheld‑specific APUs to improve efficiency. The ROG Xbox Ally family is the first major example of an OEM partnering with Xbox to preinstall an Xbox‑centric full‑screen experience on top of Windows 11, aiming to reduce desktop friction and present a console‑like, controller‑first interface for PC gaming. ASUS and Xbox framed the devices as “Windows PCs built for handheld play” while Microsoft simultaneously introduced platform‑level changes (a handheld‑friendly OOBE and resource‑trimming policies) to make Windows behave more like a console in this form factor. Both models share the same chassis, 7‑inch FHD (1920×1080) 120 Hz IPS touchscreen, and a contoured controller layout inspired by Xbox controllers — the split between the two SKUs is primarily silicon, RAM, storage and battery capacity. That design decision keeps the physical comfort and display experience uniform while letting buyers choose a more affordable, efficiency‑oriented option or a premium, performance‑focused model.
What’s officially different between the Ally and the Ally X
Core hardware split (high level)
- ROG Xbox Ally (base)
- AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor
- 16 GB LPDDR5X (manufacturer listings indicate LPDDR5X‑6400 or similar)
- 512 GB M.2 SSD (user‑upgradeable)
- ~60 Wh battery
- Twin USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) ports, microSD slot, 3.5mm combo jack
- Estimated U.S. price: $599.99.
- ROG Xbox Ally X (premium)
- AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor (branded “AI Z2 Extreme” by ASUS/Microsoft)
- 24 GB LPDDR5X‑8000
- 1 TB M.2 SSD
- ~80 Wh battery
- USB4/Thunderbolt‑capable Type‑C + another USB‑C, microSD slot, 3.5mm jack
- Estimated U.S. price: $999.99; U.S. retail availability through select partners and potential retailer exclusives were reported for the Ally X.
Verified technical specifications and what to watch for
The most load‑bearing technical claims are: release date, SKU specs, price, and the role of AMD’s Z2 family silicon (including the “AI” variant). These can be verified across official vendor materials and independent reporting:- Release/pre‑order timeline: ASUS announced pre‑orders beginning late September with on‑shelf availability on October 16, 2025. Xbox’s official newsroom likewise confirms pre‑orders and the October 16 launch window in 38 initial countries. These two vendor statements are consistent.
- Pricing: Microsoft Store listing and multiple press outlets reported U.S. starting prices of $599.99 (Ally) and $999.99 (Ally X). Pricing is presented as ERP (estimated retail price) and will vary by market and retailer. Expect currency/region differences and retailer promotions.
- AMD Z2 silicon: AMD’s public messaging introduced the Ryzen Z2 family for handhelds, with models that trade between power and efficiency. AMD describes the Z2 family as offering Zen 5‑based cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics for better performance in handheld power envelopes; ASUS and Xbox specifically reference the “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme” for the Ally X. Third‑party chipset databases and coverage list RDNA 3.5 GPU configurations and report NPU/TOPS claims for some Z2 Extreme variants, but there is variation in public documentation about whether every Z2 Extreme SKU includes an on‑chip NPU and the exact TOPS numbers. Because vendor marketing differs slightly and third‑party databases fill gaps, readers should treat specific NPU/TOPS numbers as provisionally accurate until AMD or ASUS publishes full, line‑item technical datasheets.
Software, UI and Xbox integration: a new handheld Windows experience
Microsoft and ASUS are pitching these handhelds as Windows 11 devices that act and feel console‑like out of the box. Key software features and platform changes include:- A preinstalled, full‑screen Xbox‑centric shell that can be the default boot experience. The shell emphasizes controller navigation, a hardware Xbox button, and a more console‑like OOBE for controller‑first players.
- A Handheld Compatibility Program for Windows games: titles will be labeled and optimized for handheld play with badges such as “Handheld Optimized” and a Windows Performance Fit indicator. This is intended to help consumers find titles that play well at lower power budgets and with controller input.
- Access to the full Windows software ecosystem: installed titles from Steam, Epic, Xbox PC, and other stores will run on the device; cloud streaming (via Xbox Cloud Gaming) will remain an option for many titles. Microsoft emphasizes that the Xbox Ally family is not a streaming‑only device but a full Windows gaming PC with an Xbox shell layered on top.
Performance expectations: real‑world context
ROG Xbox Ally X’s marketing highlights the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and increased RAM/storage, claiming “serious gen‑on‑gen performance” over the previous ROG Ally. Early hands‑on demos and vendor briefings suggest real gains in GPU throughput and better thermal headroom, especially for titles that benefit from RDNA 3.5 and AMD’s upscaling/frame‑generation pipelines.- Short demos shown at trade events have highlighted playable trace/ray‑traced scenes with hardware upscaling enabling higher frame rates in demanding titles. Independent hands‑on coverage indicates that the Ally X can deliver significantly better results in GPU‑bound scenarios compared with prior Z1‑based handhelds, though exact wins depend on power budgets and thermal throttling.
- Practical limitations remain: handheld power envelopes (15–35W cTDP ranges for Z2 parts) mean you should expect compromises versus full‑sized consoles/PCs. High‑fidelity AAA titles will still require resolution scaling, FSR/AMD Frame Generation, or lower in‑game settings for sustained 60 fps. Benchmarks reported by outlets show meaningful improvements but not desktop‑class performance.
- AI features (where present) may help offload some workloads, but the degree to which on‑device NPU acceleration improves gaming performance versus background tasks (voice, system UI, frame post‑processing) is still emerging and varies by title and driver support. Treat AI claims as an incremental benefit rather than a transformational one for raw frame rates, at least until independent benchmarking of the final shipping units is available.
Battery life, thermals and charging
Physical constraints mean battery life will be one of the most consequential trade‑offs:- The Ally X’s larger ~80 Wh battery should provide longer play times than the base Ally’s ~60 Wh pack, all else equal. However, sustained high GPU power states will still drain both batteries faster than session‑focused console play. Realistic gaming times will vary dramatically by title and settings — expect anywhere from 1.5–4+ hours depending on workload and power profiles. Vendor numbers and early hands‑on impressions emphasize improved endurance on the Ally X relative to earlier handhelds, but heavy AAA play will remain battery‑hungry.
- Charging: the Ally X supports higher input capabilities (USB4 / DisplayPort 2.1 and PD 3.0 on a USB4 Type‑C) which enables faster charging when paired with a sufficiently powerful adapter; the Ally uses USB‑C PD as well but with more modest I/O. ASUS has published recommended charger options, and retailers bundle or sell compatible PD chargers and accessories.
- Thermals: ASUS’ cooling design claims better sustained clocks through an improved vapor chamber and airflow. Independent review units will determine whether the Ally X’s larger battery and silicon deliver consistent long‑run performance without significant throttling. For now, thermals are a claimed strength but need independent validation.
Storage, repairability and expandability
- Both SKUs use M.2 2280 SSDs and include a microSD slot. The Ally X ships with a 1 TB SSD while the base unit includes 512 GB. ASUS’ specs indicate the SSD is user‑upgradeable, which is an advantage for longevity and resale value.
- Repairability remains vendor‑dependent. Historically, ROG handhelds have allowed some user‑serviceability (SSD swaps, battery replacements via teardown), but true field‑level repairability varies and may void warranty if users open the chassis. Expect moderate upgradeability for storage; internal component replacements beyond the SSD are likely difficult. Evaluate your vendor warranty and consider extended coverage if repair freedom and long device life are priorities.
Pricing, pre‑order channels and regional caveats
- U.S. ERP: $599.99 (ROG Xbox Ally), $999.99 (ROG Xbox Ally X). These are consistent across Microsoft Store, ASUS’ press release and multiple outlets, but they are ERPs: final street prices may differ by retailer, region, and promotional timing.
- Retail channels: Pre‑orders are live through Xbox.com, the Microsoft Store (U.S. listings show the Ally X available for pre‑order), ASUS eShop, Best Buy, and other major retailers in supported markets. Availability varies by SKU and market; the Ally X has been reported to have more limited retail partners in some regions. If you want a specific color/SKU, check retailer allocation and whether any exclusives apply in your country.
- Regional pricing/canary issues: earlier pricing placeholders and listing errors appeared on some retailer pages during the summer rollout, and trade‑tariff considerations briefly delayed final U.S. price disclosures. Those anomalies are resolved now with ERP announcements, but they underscore that pricing and availability can change during pre‑order windows. Expect regional variations and watch for bundled promotions or limited pre‑order incentives (ASUS announced limited promotions in select markets).
Ecosystem, accessories and content
- Accessories: ASUS and partners are listing protective cases, high‑capacity NVMe options, and manufacturer‑approved chargers. Microsoft and third‑party accessory makers will likely sell docks and display adapters that utilize the devices’ high‑performance USB‑C/DisplayPort outputs.
- Game compatibility: Because these devices run Windows 11, they can run installed PC games from all major stores and services. Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program will help label titles that play well on this form factor, but expect some titles to require configuration or to be impractical for handheld use due to UI or control mapping limitations. Emulation, cloud streaming (Game Pass Ultimate) and native PC builds are all viable use cases.
Strengths — why these devices matter
- Console‑first Windows handheld: Preinstalled Xbox shell and platform support reduce friction for console players who want to carry their PC/Xbox libraries in a handheld form factor. This could broaden handheld PC adoption beyond the current enthusiast core.
- Two‑SKU approach: Matching identical ergonomics with different silicon and batteries is a pragmatic way to address both price‑sensitive buyers and power users without forcing compromises in physical comfort or display quality.
- Strong silicon pedigree: AMD’s Z2 family targets handheld trade‑offs explicitly; the Z2 Extreme (and variants marketed as “AI” iterations) promise meaningful generational GPU and efficiency improvements for handheld gaming. If the silicon delivers as claimed, the Ally X will be among the most powerful handheld APUs available at launch.
- Open Windows platform: Freedom to run any PC storefront or application is a meaningful differentiator versus closed portable consoles and is attractive for modders, indie gamers, and PC‑native workflows.
Risks and caveats — what to be wary of
- Price vs. value debate: The Ally X’s $999 price point places it in premium territory and invites direct comparison with thin‑and‑light gaming laptops and high‑end mobile devices. Buyers must decide whether handheld portability at that price delivers better value than alternative form factors. Multiple outlets have already noted this pricing tension in early coverage.
- Battery and thermal trade‑offs: Higher raw performance on a handheld often means increased heat and shorter battery life. The Ally X’s larger battery mitigates this, but sustained AAA performance will still draw significant energy, reducing session lengths. Real‑world endurance and throttling profiles will only be fully known after independent reviews.
- Unclear AI/NPU claims: Marketing references to “AI” silicon and NPUs are promising, but public technical documentation varies. Some third‑party databases claim NPU TOPS for Z2 Extreme parts; AMD’s broad Z2 press materials do not always list NPU specifics. Treat on‑device AI features as interesting potential benefits rather than guaranteed game‑changing capabilities until independent, on‑device testing verifies their impact.
- Software optimization dependency: The handheld experience depends heavily on developer support (UI scaling, controller mapping, performance profiles). Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program is a step in the right direction, but widespread developer buy‑in takes time and will vary by studio and store.
- Availability fragmentation: SKU‑level retailer exclusivity, regional rollouts and limited pre‑order allocations may make it harder to secure the Ally X at launch in some markets. That can affect resale prices and lead to temporary supply squeezes.
A short pre‑order checklist (what to verify before buying)
- Confirm SKU and RAM/storage configuration — Ally vs Ally X and the exact capacities.
- Check retailer shipping dates and return policy (pre‑order windows can be long; early shipping problems sometimes follow big launches).
- Verify warranty terms and whether opening the device to upgrade SSD is allowed without invalidating coverage.
- Compare expected battery life claims with independent reviews once available.
- Look for bundled pre‑order incentives (limited figurines, discounts, free accessories) and whether they’re region‑specific.
Who should consider buying the Ally family at launch
- Buyers who want a console‑like, controller‑first Windows handheld and are comfortable paying a premium for the convenience of running their full PC libraries on the go.
- Enthusiasts who value user‑upgradeable storage and the openness of Windows for emulation, productivity, and modding.
- Gamers who prefer carrying a single device that supports both installed PC titles and cloud streaming (Game Pass/GFE) across ecosystems.
Final verdict and conclusion
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are an ambitious marriage of ASUS hardware design and Microsoft’s Xbox platform aspirations. By preinstalling an Xbox‑oriented shell on Windows 11 and offering two clear SKUs, ASUS and Microsoft have created a clean product family that should appeal both to console players curious about handheld PC gaming and to enthusiasts who prefer a Windows‑based portable.The Ally X stands out for delivering the highest possible handheld performance today, but at a premium price that invites critical comparison to laptops and other gaming devices. The base Ally offers much of the same comfort and display quality at a more accessible price point, making it a sensible compromise for many buyers.
Important caveats remain: actual battery life, thermal behavior, and the practical impact of any on‑device AI/NPU features will only be fully proven by independent reviews of shipping hardware. The devices’ success will also depend on ecosystem adoption — the number of games that get meaningful handheld optimizations and whether developers embrace Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program.
For those who value portability, a native Windows library and console‑like ease of use — and who accept the price trade‑offs — pre‑ordering is justifiable. For cautious buyers, waiting for independent benchmarks and early user reports is the prudent choice.
(Confirmed by ASUS’ press release and Microsoft’s Xbox newsroom announcing pre‑orders and an October 16, 2025 launch window; U.S. ERPs and retail availability were corroborated by Microsoft Store and leading tech outlets at the time of pre‑order launch.)
Source: Gagadget.com Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X portable consoles are now available for pre-order
