Xbox ROG Ally vs ASUS ROG Ally 2025: Ultimate Handheld Gaming Showdown

When considering a handheld gaming PC in 2025, particularly between the newly announced Xbox ROG Ally and the original ASUS ROG Ally, buyers face a critical crossroads in the evolution of portable Windows gaming. With the Xbox Ally set for a late 2025 release and the original ROG Ally nearing its two-year anniversary, choosing between these devices involves weighing the value of emerging ergonomics and interface innovations against proven hardware performance.

The Handheld Windows Gaming Market: Setting the Stage​

Portable Windows gaming devices have gained significant traction since the early 2020s, partly due to rising interest in gaming away from traditional desks and living rooms. The original ASUS ROG Ally was a major step forward, integrating a powerful AMD APU and the flexibility of Windows 11 into a compact, console-like form factor. Now, the Xbox Ally enters as a co-branded successor, featuring cues from both Microsoft’s Xbox design language and the established strengths of ASUS’s ROG line.

Market Context​

Industry analysts and enthusiast communities widely praised the ROG Ally for its premium screen, solid build, and the relative ease of accessing the broader universe of PC games—Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and more. However, its short battery life and occasional discomfort with extended play sessions left room for improvement. Enter the Xbox Ally, which aims to build on this foundation with more pronounced grips, interface refinements, and a larger battery. But does it justify waiting for the new model, or is the established ROG Ally still your best bet?

Specifications: Side-by-Side Comparison​

The similarities between the Xbox ROG Ally and the original ROG Ally are striking, but the differences—while subtle—can have a major impact on user experience and longevity.

Feature	Xbox Ally	ASUS ROG Ally
Release Date	Holiday 2025 (Expected)	June 2023
Price	TBD (Likely higher)	$599 (Z1) / $699 (Z1 Extreme — typically available at $649 new)
CPU/APU	AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Zen 2, 4C/8T, 8 GPU cores)	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4, 6C/12T, 4 GPU cores) / Z1 (Zen 4, 6C/12T, 4 GPU cores)
OS	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X-6400	16GB LPDDR5-6400
Storage	512GB M.2 2280 SSD (easy upgrade)	512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2230 SSD (harder upgrade); microSD slot
Screen	7-inch IPS, 120Hz, VRR, 500 nits	7-inch IPS, 120Hz, VRR, 500 nits
Battery	60Whr	40Whr
Ports	2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, microSD, 3.5mm	1x USB-C, PCIe, microSD, headphone jack
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.4	Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3
Weight	1.4 lbs (670g)	1.3 lbs (590g)
Dimensions	290.8x121.5x50.4mm	279x111.8x12.7mm

Key Differences​

• Processor: The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme’s Zen 4 architecture is likely more powerful than the Xbox Ally’s Zen 2-based Z2 A, though both should outpace basic office laptops and compete with the Steam Deck.
• Battery: Xbox Ally’s 60Whr cell marks a significant upgrade over the ROG Ally’s 40Whr, promising longer sessions, especially with new software optimizations.
• Ergonomics: The Xbox Ally’s redesigned grips and a dedicated Xbox button answer community feedback about prolonged comfort—something frequently cited as a weakness in the original ROG Ally.
• Expansion: Both have microSD expansion, but only the Xbox Ally uses a standard M.2 2280 SSD, vastly simplifying SSD upgrades compared to the more niche M.2 2230 form factor in the original.

Performance: Numbers and Real-World Experience​

CPU/GPU Power​

Early technical data and architectural differences suggest the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme may edge out the Xbox Ally in raw performance, leveraging Zen 4’s efficiency and increased core/thread count. The Z1 Extreme packs 6 CPU cores and 12 threads, which should benefit multitasking and modern games optimized for multi-core CPUs. In contrast, the Xbox Ally’s Z2 A is based on the much older Zen 2 architecture with four cores and eight threads—on par with the AMD APU in Valve’s Steam Deck.
For GPU performance, both handhelds employ 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores (Xbox Ally) or 4 (ROG Ally Z1 Extreme), creating an interesting dynamic: the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme likely leads in CPU tasks, while the Xbox Ally could be comparable for GPU-bound workloads. However, until independent benchmark results confirm these expectations, be cautious of untested performance claims.

Gaming Experience​

In hands-on reports and professional reviews, the original ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) handles most modern PC games admirably at 720p and medium settings, often maintaining 60 FPS or higher. However, battery demands spike when pushing graphical settings, sometimes reducing battery life to less than an hour on intensive games. The Xbox Ally’s upgrades—especially its larger battery—could mitigate this, but real-world testing is needed.
Caution: Until the Xbox Ally ships and third-party benchmarks are available, claims about the new device “matching or surpassing” the Ally’s performance remain speculative.

Display: Level Ground​

Both devices sport a 7-inch, 1920x1080 IPS touchscreen, supporting variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120Hz, with a claimed peak brightness of 500 nits. This combination remains a highlight, especially versus rivals locked at 60Hz or with lower resolution. While color depth and contrast fall short of OLED competitors, the crispness and smoothness remain strong draws for fast-paced, portable gaming.
It is, however, a minor disappointment that neither model transitions to OLED, which would have improved black levels and color vibrancy. According to display experts, the retention of IPS helps control costs and maintains broad compatibility with Windows software, but at some cost to perceived luxury.

Battery Life and Efficiency: A Defining Difference​

Original ROG Ally​

Battery life was widely regarded as one of the principal drawbacks for the first generation. When playing graphically intense games with TDP set high, reviewers routinely report runtime dipping below an hour. Under light loads or low settings, it stretches to about four hours, but rarely more.

Xbox ROG Ally​

With a 60Whr battery—a 50% increase—the Xbox Ally promises extended play. Microsoft and ASUS claim further efficiency via software: an “Xbox full-screen experience” that supposedly pauses or reduces background Windows processes while gaming. This could yield more memory for games, smoother framerates, and possibly shorter battery drain. Until reviewers verify these claims, buyers should temper expectations, but technical documentation from Microsoft suggests the feature leverages core Windows 11 Game Mode APIs, which have proven effective in other settings.

Interface and Usability: Armoury Crate vs. Xbox Experience​

ROG Ally: Armoury Crate​

ASUS’s custom Armoury Crate software centralizes system controls—fan profiles, TDP settings, display adjustments, and a “gaming library” interface. While a powerful set of tools, it has drawn criticism for clunky navigation and the need to drop into Windows or AMD software for granular tweaks.

Xbox Ally: Xbox Full-Screen Mode​

The Xbox Ally replaces the Armoury Crate button with a dedicated Xbox button, giving swift access to a streamlined Game Bar overlay. More importantly, it launches a “full-screen Xbox experience” that overlays a console-like dashboard above Windows 11. Per Microsoft, this dashboard manages background processes, focuses system resources, and provides a more frictionless transition between PC gaming and mobile play.

• Pros: More intuitive, shorter learning curve for Xbox or console users, potentially less resource drain.
• Cons: Unknown flexibility for power users who want to fine-tune every aspect, unlike Armoury Crate.

Ergonomics and Build: Grips Take the Spotlight​

The original ROG Ally was already considered among the most comfortable handheld PCs, but its grips didn’t rival that of dedicated controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The Xbox Ally, per initial hands-ons and design images, features thicker, more contoured grips—a response to direct user and critic feedback. This could turn out to be a major value-add for players with larger hands or planning prolonged sessions, reducing fatigue.
Both models maintain similar weight (within 80g), but the new Ally is fractionally heavier, presumably due to the larger battery and grips. For most users, this difference is negligible, especially when balanced against increased comfort.
Neither device supports detachable controllers or built-in kickstands, which are differentiators for competitors like Lenovo Legion Go or the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Storage Flexibility​

The switch to the M.2 2280 SSD in the Xbox Ally dramatically simplifies upgrades, as 2280 drives are more widely available and affordable than the 2230 format used in the original. This reduces total cost of ownership and extends long-term viability—a crucial concern as modern games balloon in size, with many AAA titles now exceeding 100GB apiece.
Both models supplement internal storage with a UHS-II microSD slot, offering quick, external capacity boosts for those willing to compromise slightly on load times.

Software and Ecosystem​

Both handhelds run a full Windows 11 environment. This grants access to the widest possible PC gaming library, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and even niche launchers like Battle.net. But running full Windows on a small touchscreen is both a blessing and a curse.

The Windows Factor: Versatility vs. Complexity​

For enthusiasts willing to tinker, Windows unlocks a fully functional handheld PC. Yet, Windows’s lack of touchscreen-first optimization at this scale is still a sore spot. Both ASUS’s Armoury Crate and Microsoft’s Xbox overlay attempt to mask this, but neither eradicates the core awkwardness of occasional legacy interactions—pop-ups, driver prompts, or system updates—via a cramped UI.
The value of these overlays depends on your willingness to embrace (or tolerate) Windows’s strengths and oddities. Experienced users will benefit from the raw flexibility, while casual console gamers may face a steeper acclimation curve than with the Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS or Nintendo’s user-friendly Switch UI.

Backward and Forward Compatibility​

Both the ROG Ally and the Xbox Ally should remain compatible with the entire Windows gaming library for years to come, as well as non-gaming productivity and emulation. As a general rule, so long as Microsoft sustains Windows 11, both devices will be viable for new and existing titles.

Connectivity and I/O​

The Xbox Ally breaks new ground by doubling the number of USB-C ports to two—useful for simultaneous charging and peripherals like external controllers or external GPUs. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both state-of-the-art for 2025, supporting robust online play and accessory pairing.
The original ROG Ally maintains good connectivity, but its single USB-C port creates inconvenience if you want to charge and connect an accessory at the same time.

Price and Availability​

Availability​

The original ROG Ally is still on sale at major retailers—for now. However, stocks are increasingly depleted, especially for the lower-priced Z1 (non-Extreme) variant. Most new inventory is the $649 Z1 Extreme, and discounts are common during major retail events.
The Xbox Ally’s MSRP is currently unknown but will likely come in above the 2023 model given inflation and component enhancements. As of now, the price/performance “sweet spot” still belongs to used or discounted ROG Ally units.

Value Considerations​

• Best for Early Adopters: If you want the latest design, potentially longer battery, superior ergonomics, and a more console-like interface, waiting for the Xbox Ally may pay off—assuming pricing is reasonable at launch.
• Best for Bargain Hunters: If you need a handheld PC now, or expect to frequently use demanding modern games, the ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) could offer better raw power per dollar, especially during a sale or via refurbished units.

Ecosystem Play and Long-Term Support​

ASUS’s rapid update cadence for Armoury Crate and the ROG Ally’s BIOS has been a bright spot for early adopters, with frequent bug fixes and new performance profiles. Microsoft’s involvement in the Xbox Ally raises hopes for even more consistent updates and potentially tighter Xbox ecosystem integration—particularly enticing for existing Game Pass subscribers.

Notable Strengths and Potential Risks​

Notable Strengths​

• Xbox Ally:
• Larger, improved battery (60Whr) for longer gameplay
• Pronounced grips and dedicated Xbox button—better ergonomics
• More accessible M.2 2280 SSD for upgrades
• 2x USB-C ports for simultaneous charging/accessory use
• Xbox full-screen overlay promises optimized performance
• ROG Ally:
• Zen 4 architecture (Z1 Extreme) likely outperforms new Z2 A in CPU-intensive games
• Armoury Crate offers deep customization for power users
• Readily available now, often at discount
• Proven game compatibility

Potential Risks​

• Xbox Ally:
• Unproven performance—early technical data suggests it may lag behind Z1 Extreme in CPU-heavy titles
• Price unknown; could launch at a premium
• First-generation Xbox overlay—untested at scale; may have early bugs or limitations
• ROG Ally:
• Shorter battery life; less efficient at high load
• M.2 2230 SSD harder to upgrade/locate
• Less ergonomic for large hands or long sessions
• Stocks dwindling—possible end of life as new models launch

Critical Analysis and Buyer Guidance​

With the Xbox Ally, Microsoft and ASUS are clearly aiming to address the most common criticisms of the original ROG Ally: short runtime, somewhat awkward grips, and a Windows experience that can feel more PC than portable console. The hardware itself is evolutionary, not revolutionary—incremental improvements in battery and ergonomics atop a solid foundation.
The big wildcards are performance and software experience. Until reviewers can independently verify how the new Z2 A APU stacks up to the Z1 Extreme and how well Microsoft’s new overlay reduces Windows bloat, claims of smoother, longer gaming sessions remain promising but unproven.
For those prioritizing classic PC power, the original ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) will likely deliver marginally better frame rates and multitasking in demanding games. For those prioritizing comfort, battery, and user experience—especially if they are deep in the Xbox ecosystem—the Xbox Ally is an intriguing prospect, even if it may trade a bit of raw power for finesse.

Recommendation​

• Buy the ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) if:
• You need a handheld now, want proven performance, or seek maximum flexibility through Armoury Crate.
• Wait for the Xbox Ally if:
• You are willing to trade some performance for improved battery life, comfort, and a more console-like interface.
• You value longer support and tighter Xbox integration in the coming years.

Final Thoughts​

The competition between the Xbox Ally and ROG Ally demonstrates how quickly the handheld PC market is maturing, with user feedback leading directly to better batteries, more ergonomic designs, and software that bridges the gap between PC complexity and console convenience. Whether you choose the reliable existing model or hold out for the next-generation Xbox Ally, both represent significant leaps from the earliest Windows handhelds. As always, your own priorities—immediacy, comfort, long-term value, or raw power—should shape your choice.
If possible, try both devices in-store before buying and keep an eye on independent benchmarks as Xbox Ally reviews surface. In the meantime, both ASUS and Microsoft deserve credit for pushing handheld Windows gaming forward—making portable AAA gaming more accessible than ever before.

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Source: Windows Central Should I get the Xbox ROG Ally or ROG Ally gaming handheld?