Microsoft on Sunday announced two new handheld gaming PCs at Xbox Games Showcase. Developed in collaboration with Asus, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X become the first Xbox-branded handheld devices from the company. Built for gaming on-the-go, the former is powered by a Ryzen Z2 A processor while the latter has the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Both models sport 7-inch 120Hz LCD screens and come with a new grip design that resembles an Xbox Wireless Controller.
ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X Availability
Microsoft says its new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld PCs will be available for purchase in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US, and 21 other markets at launch during this holiday season. The handhelds will be made available in other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold later, which suggests the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X will launch in India at some point.
The Xbox parent will reveal more details about the pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders in the coming months.
ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X Features, Specifications
As per the Redmond-based tech giant, both ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X sport 7-inch full HD LCD screens with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500nits peak brightness level. Asus has equipped the panels with Freesync Premium technology for reduced screen tearing and they come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a DXC Anti-Reflection coating on top.
Gamers can access their library across multiple PC storefronts, says Microsoft
Photo Credit: Microsoft
While the front-fascia and the button layout of the handheld gaming PCs remain similar to their standard counterparts from Asus, they feature new contoured grips to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes. There’s also a new Xbox button that gives players quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay. Both models feature similar button configurations but the Xbox Ally has hall effect triggers while the Xbox Ally X gets upgraded impulse triggers.
Microsoft says the ROG Xbox Ally is designed to provide great value for casual gamers and thus is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of onboard SSD storage. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X targets hardcore gamers with top-of-the-line specs. It carries an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset under the hood with an upgraded 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and double the storage offered by the standard ROG Xbox Ally model.
| Features | ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 A | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 280.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds come with the same display
Photo Credit: Microsoft
The handheld gaming PCs are said to come with an Xbox full screen experience which is designed for handheld gaming. Microsoft has made tweaks to Windows 11 which minimise the background activities and defer non-essential tasks. This is claimed to free up more system resources specifically for the gameplay, potentially resulting in higher frame rates and better performance.
The ROG Xbox Ally series devices also come with an upgraded Game Bar which integrates Asus’s Armoury Crate, giving quick access to input controls and advanced device options, in addition to existing home, library, launch games, and chat options. Players also get access to an aggregated gaming library which lists their games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts.
Microsoft is partnering with Roblox for the launch of its new handheld gaming PCs and it will be natively optimised and playable on the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X models on day one. Further, it is also collaborating with game developer partners on a new programme which is designed to help identify the games optimised for handheld devices. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Gaming Copilot can be accessed through the Game Bar, serving as a personalised companion to launch games faster, learn new skills, and connect with communities.
As per the tech giant, the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X are equipped with a 60Wh and an 80Wh battery, respectively. Both models ship with a 67W charging stand.
