The gaming industry is abuzz with the upcoming release of the ROG Xbox Ally, a collaborative handheld gaming device from Microsoft and ASUS. Set to launch in late 2025, this device aims to merge the portability of handheld consoles with the extensive game library and performance capabilities of a gaming PC.
The ROG Xbox Ally boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, drawing inspiration from the Xbox Wireless Controller. It features a 7-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals during gameplay. The device measures approximately 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm and weighs around 670g for the standard model, making it relatively portable for a device of its capabilities. (en.wikipedia.org)
Source: KitGuru The ROG Xbox Ally tipped to launch in October starting at €599 - KitGuru
Design and Build
The ROG Xbox Ally boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, drawing inspiration from the Xbox Wireless Controller. It features a 7-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals during gameplay. The device measures approximately 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm and weighs around 670g for the standard model, making it relatively portable for a device of its capabilities. (en.wikipedia.org)Hardware Specifications
Two models of the ROG Xbox Ally are slated for release:- Standard Model: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD.
- Ally X Model: Features the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD.
Software and User Interface
Running on Windows 11 Home, the ROG Xbox Ally offers compatibility with a vast array of PC games. Microsoft has introduced the "Xbox Full Screen Experience," a custom-tuned interface designed to provide a console-like experience on the handheld device. This mode optimizes system resources, reducing memory usage by up to 2GB and decreasing idle power consumption by two-thirds. Initially exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally, this feature is expected to roll out to other Windows-based gaming handhelds in 2026. (en.wikipedia.org)Game Compatibility and Services
The ROG Xbox Ally supports a wide range of gaming platforms, including Steam, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming. However, it's important to note that the device does not natively run Xbox console games unless they are part of the Play Anywhere program. This means that while the device offers extensive game compatibility, it may not support all Xbox titles out of the box. (windowscentral.com)Pricing and Availability
The standard model of the ROG Xbox Ally is expected to be priced around €599, while the Ally X model may cost up to €999. Pre-orders are anticipated to begin in August 2025, with the official release slated for the holiday season of the same year. These prices position the ROG Xbox Ally as a premium device in the handheld gaming market, potentially appealing to enthusiasts seeking high performance on the go. (windowscentral.com)Market Position and Competition
The ROG Xbox Ally enters a competitive landscape, facing off against devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Its integration with Windows 11 and support for multiple gaming platforms provide a versatile gaming experience. However, its higher price point may limit its appeal to a niche market of gamers seeking top-tier performance in a portable form factor.Conclusion
The ROG Xbox Ally represents a significant step in handheld gaming, combining the strengths of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem with ASUS's hardware expertise. While it offers impressive specifications and broad game compatibility, its success will depend on market reception and how it balances performance with portability and price.Source: KitGuru The ROG Xbox Ally tipped to launch in October starting at €599 - KitGuru
