Handheld gaming is booming in 2025, with the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and Sony’s PlayStation Portal making waves. Now, Xbox is joining the competition through a partnership with Asus to launch the ROG Xbox Ally, a powerful handheld built on the success of the ROG Ally series.
Microsoft confirmed the ROG Xbox Ally X will hit store shelves later this year, but the exact pricing was notably absent from its Gamescom 2025 reveal. The standard ROG Xbox Ally will also launch alongside it, offering a slightly less powerful (and likely more affordable) alternative.
ROG Xbox Ally vs ROG Xbox Ally x specs
Just like the Xbox Series X and S, the handheld lineup will include two models:
ROG Xbox Ally x (premium model)
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Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
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Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
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Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD (upgradable)
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Battery: 80Wh
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Weight: 715g
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Ports: USB4 + USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort 2.1, UHS-II microSD, 3.5mm audio
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Display: 7-inch FHD IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus
ROG Xbox Ally (standard model)
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Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
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Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
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Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD (upgradable)
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Battery: 60Wh
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Weight: 670g
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Ports: Dual USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4, UHS-II microSD, 3.5mm audio
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Display: Same 7-inch FHD IPS, 120Hz panel
Both versions feature contoured Xbox-style grips, impulse triggers, haptic feedback, and assignable back buttons, bringing a familiar feel to Xbox gamers.
ROG Xbox Ally features
The biggest difference between the ROG Xbox Ally and its predecessors is the Xbox-first software experience. Instead of booting straight into Windows 11, the device launches directly into the Xbox GameBar:
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Seamless access to Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and more.
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Xbox Cloud Gaming integration for streaming titles without downloads.
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Windows 11 desktop access still available for power users who want full PC flexibility.
This hybrid approach means casual players get a streamlined console-like UI, while enthusiasts can dive deeper into PC settings.
ROG Xbox Ally price speculation
Pricing is still unconfirmed. Earlier leaks suggested around $700 for the base model and $1,000 for the Xbox Ally X, but tariffs, component costs, and Xbox’s market strategy could shift these numbers.
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Given its premium specs, don’t expect it to undercut the Steam Deck or Switch 2, but Microsoft may price it aggressively to push Game Pass adoption.
NaturAlly, the handheld supports all Xbox Game Pass titles, alongside any game you can install via Steam, Epic Games Store, or Battle.net. With cloud gaming built in, players can also stream blockbuster titles instantly without worrying about storage limits.
This versatility gives the ROG Xbox Ally one of the widest game libraries in the handheld market, combining console convenience with PC-level choice.
Will xbox’s handheld gamble pay off?
The ROG Xbox Ally represents Microsoft’s boldest move in handheld gaming yet. With strong specs, Game Pass integration, and the backing of Asus’s ROG hardware expertise, it has the potential to rival the Steam Deck and Switch 2.
But the big questions remain: Can Xbox price it competitively? And will players adopt it in a crowded handheld market?
