ROG Xbox Ally X Gaming Handheld
Price TBA | Releases October 16
ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Handheld
Price TBA | Releases October 16
Both the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch soon, but their official pricing from Microsoft and Asus remains a mystery. This means we’re still waiting for details on when preorders will open for these highly anticipated Xbox-branded handhelds, which are slated for an October 16 release. However, we anticipate more information very soon.
Keep an eye out for potential announcements during Xbox’s livestream at the Tokyo Game Show this week. The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, at 3 AM PT / 6 AM ET, and attendees at the show will even have the chance to experience the new handhelds firsthand.
Speculation about the pricing for these Xbox-Asus co-developed handhelds is rampant online. Although some retail sites like Best Buy temporarily listed the ROG Xbox Ally around $550 and the ROG Xbox Ally X at $850, these prices were quickly taken down and might change. Given recent price adjustments for Xbox Series X|S consoles in the US, a $550/$850 range could be the most optimistic outcome for these powerful devices.
Let’s dive into the detailed specifications for each model below.
ROG Xbox Ally X Gaming Handheld
Price TBA | Releases October 16
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the more robust of the two models. It boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, a generous 24GB of DDR5 RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD. Designed for comfort, its grips mimic the feel of an Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring all standard Xbox inputs plus two customizable back buttons. Unique to the X version, its UHS-II microSD card reader also supports UHS-I cards (unlike the base model which is UHS-I only). Connectivity includes one USB4 Type-C port and one USB 3.2 Type-C port, a step up from the base model’s dual USB 3.2 ports. Gamers will appreciate the Xbox Impulse Triggers, a feature not present in the base model’s Hall Effect triggers.
Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
- Display:
- 7″ FHD IPS (Gorilla Glass Victus)
- 120Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Controller Design:
- Contoured grips
- Impulse Triggers
- Shoulder bumpers
- ABXY bumpers
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Analog sticks with light rings
- 6-Axis motion controls
- HD haptics
- 5 menu/settings buttons
- Ports:
- USB4 Type-C
- USB 3.2 Type-C
- 3.5mm audio
- microSD: UHS-II reader (also reads UHS-I)
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.4
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 715g
- Dimensions: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Handheld
Price TBA | Releases October 16
The standard ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Note that the RAM in this version operates at a slightly slower speed than the Ally X, implying a more significant performance gap than the 8GB difference might suggest. Both models share stunning 7-inch FHD IPS displays, protected by Gorilla Glass, offering crisp visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth gameplay.
Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SSD
- Display:
- 7″ FHD IPS (Gorilla Glass Victus)
- 120Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Controller Design:
- Contoured grips
- Hall Effect triggers
- Shoulder bumpers
- ABXY bumpers
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Analog sticks with light rings
- 6-Axis motion controls
- HD haptics
- 5 menu/settings buttons
- Ports:
- 2x USB 3.2 Type-C
- 3.5mm audio
- microSD: UHS-II reader (only UHS-II)
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.4
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 670g
- Dimensions: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
While the Xbox branding naturally invites comparisons to the Xbox Series X|S, it’s vital to understand that these devices are fundamentally Windows PCs. They feature a custom user interface that evokes the Xbox experience, but ultimately, the ROG Xbox Ally runs PC versions of games. This positions their pricing more in line with other Windows handhelds such as the standard Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, or MSI Claw. The upside? You’re not limited to the Xbox Store; you can access and play games from platforms like Steam, GOG Galaxy, the Epic Games Store, and any other PC game client compatible with Windows.
Official Accessories for Your ROG Xbox Ally
Enhance your ROG Xbox Ally experience with these official accessories from Asus:
- 100W Charger Dock: Priced at $100, this dock doubles as an AC adapter and features an integrated HDMI 2.0 port along with two USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to easily connect your handheld to a monitor or TV.
- Carrying Case: For $70, you can get a durable hardshell carrying case that includes a built-in stand and an accessories pouch, perfect for on-the-go gaming.