ROG Xbox Ally X
Recently, ASUS and Xbox have partnered to introduce two highly anticipated handheld gaming consoles—the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Both devices have generated significant interest since their initial leaks, which did not fully capture the impressive ergonomics and sleek design witnessed during a recent hands-on experience.
Design and Ergonomics
The ROG Xbox Ally series combines the best aspects of ASUS’s ROG Ally design with the comfort and familiarity of an Xbox controller. Despite early leaks suggesting a bulky device, the consoles proved surprisingly comfortable and relatively slim in hand. The devices are ergonomically sculpted, comfortably hugging the palms and allowing easy access to all buttons, making prolonged gaming sessions enjoyable.
During the hands-on session, comparisons were made with other handheld devices, including the Legion Go S and the Nintendo Switch 2. The Xbox Ally and Ally X feature a sharp, vibrant 7-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), matching the screen quality seen in previous ASUS handhelds.
Hardware Specifications
Two variants of the console cater to different market segments:
ROG Xbox Ally X (Higher-End Version)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
- Cores/Threads: 8 cores, 16 threads
- GPU: 16 Compute Units (CU) RDNA 3.5
- RAM: 24 GB at 8000 MT/s
- Battery: 80 Wh
- Charging: 65W Quick Charger
- Weight: 715 grams
- Power Range: 15W – 35W
- AI Features: XDNA Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
The Ally X promises significant performance improvements over most handhelds currently available, closely matching the capabilities of AMD’s HX 370 platform.
ROG Xbox Ally (Lower-End Version)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2A
- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads (Zen 2 architecture)
- GPU: 8 CU RDNA 2
- RAM: 16 GB at 6400 MHz
- Storage: 512 GB M.2 SSD
- Battery: 60 Wh
- Weight: 670 grams
- Power Range: 6W – 20W
This model is aimed at a broader audience, providing solid performance gains over existing popular options like the Steam Deck, with increased clock speeds and improved efficiency.
Software and Interface
Microsoft has collaborated closely with ASUS to customize the Windows gaming experience on these handhelds. Unlike traditional Windows PCs, the Xbox Ally consoles do not boot directly into the standard desktop environment. Instead, they load a specialized, lightweight game launcher, significantly reducing resource usage and enhancing performance. Users can effortlessly switch between apps using the dedicated Xbox button, making navigation intuitive and fluid even without a mouse or keyboard.
Performance Preview
During limited testing of the high-end ROG Xbox Ally X, performance was notably impressive. Running the upcoming Gears of War Reloaded at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings delivered a smooth experience consistently above 70 frames per second. The inclusion of VRR further ensures gameplay remains tear-free and visually appealing.
However, detailed performance evaluations will require extended testing outside controlled environments, which will be crucial for confirming real-world gaming capabilities.
Initial Thoughts and Expectations
Overall, the early impression of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X is overwhelmingly positive. ASUS and Xbox appear to have delivered handheld consoles that strike an effective balance between performance, portability, and usability.
While no official pricing or specific launch date beyond a vague holiday 2025 window has been announced, the performance seen thus far suggests the Ally X, in particular, could set a new standard in the handheld gaming market.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Xbox Ally series has significant potential, particularly the Ally X model, given its robust hardware and streamlined software. While the device could benefit from a slightly larger display, the overall package remains highly promising. Gamers who prioritize both portability and power should keep a keen eye on this release.
Stay tuned for more in-depth testing and reviews, as additional details become available closer to the launch.
