Microsoft unveiled its ROG Xbox Ally handheld device at its Xbox Showcase this weekend. The Xbox team partnered with the Asus ROG team to produce a fully customized device aimed at the PC handheld market that has caught steam in recent years (pun intended).
Microsoft breezed through the announcement during the Xbox Showcase stream, but more information has come out about the device since then. If you’re pressed for time, here are the main points about the ROG Xbox Ally that you should be aware of.
6 Facts About The ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds
The ROG Xbox Has Two Versions
There are two devices, targeting two specific price ranges. The ROG Xbox Ally is the entry-level device with good enough specs for any gamer. The ROG Xbox Ally X is designed to be the powerhouse version for those who want top-of-the-line specs and game performance. Below are the specs:
ROG Xbox Ally: Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD with a 60Wh battery
ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD powered by a 80Wh battery
The Devices Feature A Lightweight Version of the Windows 11 OS
The Xbox Ally will feature an optimized version of Windows 11 that focuses on performance and game optimization. As a Windows 11 PC user myself, I’ve faced many frustrations with Windows 11 bloat. Luckily, it seems Microsoft has worked hard to eliminate any bloat here. With Steam OS recently releasing, the aim for Microsoft is to make the best handheld gaming OS on the market, and it seems they are on the right path.
The Xbox Ally Game Bar is designed to make it easy to return home, browse your library, launch or quit games, chat with friends, open apps, and adjust settings.
The Game Bar will be easily accessible with the included Xbox Button found next to the typical ROG Ally Command Center button.
Microsoft Ensured That Holding A ROG Xbox Ally Feels Like An Xbox Controller
Microsoft and Asus followed the Xbox Wireless Controller design philosophy with the ROG Xbox Ally.
On observation, it’s clear that the device is thicker than a typical ROG Ally, but people testing the device have confirmed that it feels lightweight and comfortable to hold.
Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X feature contoured handgrips to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes. In addition, the signature Xbox analog stick layout is carried over, with full-sized analog grips.
The 1080p Screen is Slanted To Avoid Neck Strain
ROG Xbox Ally features an angled screen to improve neck ergonomics. This is one of those design choices that most users won’t realize they need until they try it themselves.
Also, both devices will ship with a 1080p-capable screen. It’s important to be aware that the base ROG Xbox Ally might require some extra tampering with settings to get that 1080p support during games, but the ROG Xbox Ally X should have no trouble with that.
The System Will Support Popular Launchers like Steam and EPIC Games in Addition To Game Pass.
Most people would expect the Xbox handheld to limit users to the Microsoft Windows Store and the Game Pass service by default. The Steam Deck locks users into using Steam as the default launcher, with additional tampering needed to launch other services.
But thankfully, Microsoft has taken the stance of being an open platform, allowing users to launch their games from multiple services. This is a huge decision that will influence many gamers to choose this device.
Most gamers just want a system that gives them access to all of their games and launchers, without having to modify the system software or adjust its configuration. Microsoft made a smart decision to be the device that lets you run anything. It’s what Windows is essentially all about.
The ROG Xbox Ally Devices Will Launch Holiday 2025
The first two ROG Xbox Ally devices will launch this holiday season. There are no details on prices or pre-orders yet, but we’ll be sure to have the scoop once these details are revealed.
Are you excited for the ROG Xbox Ally? Let us know in the comments!
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