Key Highlights –
- Microsoft and Asus have confirmed that their upcoming handheld gaming PCs will debut this October 16th.
- ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will feature a 7-inch 120Hz display with AMD FreeSync and AMD Ryzen processors.
- Both the devices will run on Windows 11 but boot directly into a full-screen Xbox app, for a console-like experience.
Microsoft in partnership with Asus has finally confirmed the release date for its much anticipated handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Announced at Gamescom 2025, all speculations and rumours circulating are finally put to an end. Below you can find the all the specs, availability, and pre-order details about these devices.
The wait is over.
The ROG Xbox Ally Series is here.@Xbox pic.twitter.com/pvP9IQalD7— ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) June 8, 2025
The Hype Around ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X
If you’ve been around the PC handheld gaming market, you would already know how the Steam Deck has dominated the segment. While competitors such as Lenovo, MSI and Asus had tried before, their devices fell short. However, with the partnership of Xbox, Asus is now aiming to outdo the Steam Deck, and it might just have the everything right to do so.
Both the handhelds come with custom AMD chipsets, 7-inch Full HD LCD screens, 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Moreover, these run on Windows 11 with an integrated full-screen Xbox app, saving on approximately 2GB of memory.
ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X: Specs & Software Details
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor (with NPU) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (with new Xbox-first UI) | Windows 11 Home (with new Xbox-first UI) |
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch, 1080p (1920x1080) IPS, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus | 7-inch, 1080p (1920x1080) IPS, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DP 1.4, PD 3.0), 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack | 1x USB4 Type-C (with DP 2.1, PD 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatibility), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DP 2.1, PD 3.0), 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Controls | Standard Hall Effect analog triggers and standard haptics | Impulse triggers and enhanced haptics |
| Weight | 670g | 715g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (2x2), Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2x2), Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm |
Beyond the hardware, Microsoft emphasised on making the user experience on the devices as smooth as possible. A new Windows Performance Fit indicator will be added to the Store to help players know how well a game will run on the device(s). Titles, for example, will be labelled as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible,” for a better context, even before downloads a game.
Other features such as Advanced Shader Delivery and Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), helping games run faster and upscale the ones running at lower resolutions at much better visuals.
How much will ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X Cost?
The pricing for these handhelds have not been officially revealed by Microsoft or Asus. Although according to leaks, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X could be priced at $549 and $899 in the United States.
Best Buy has listed ROG Xbox Ally listings (no pre-orders yet)
Ally ($549.99) https://t.co/nmHw6Nxov3
Ally X ($899.99) https://t.co/Dts0GcUNFW
100W Charger Dock (HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C) ($99.99) https://t.co/LkoKyunOE8
Case $69.99 https://t.co/jaTIBfWUXXConfirming… pic.twitter.com/oalzcOON77
— Wario64 (@Wario64) August 20, 2025
One thing is for sure, the Xbox Ally, Ally X won’t be cheap, especially with the increased tariffs.
Availability and How to Pre-order
Starting October 16, Xbox Ally handhelds will be available in the following countries –
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- China (Xbox Ally X only)
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- Ireland
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam.
For other countries, including Brazil, India, Indonesia and Thailand, availability will soon follow up. In China, ROG Xbox Ally will be launched earlier next year.
Pre-order ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X
Unfortunately, pre-order are not yet live for either of the handhelds. However, for interested buyers can sign up at this link by Microsoft to get the update, as soon as it is available.
Is ROG Xbox Ally X first handheld console to feature integrated NPU?
Yes, ROG Ally X will be the first handheld console with an NPU. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor brings a dedicated NPU to the device, offering upto 50 Terra Operations Per Second (TOPS). The use case for now could be witnessed in the Automatic Super Resolution feature, upscaling low resolution games without requiring any changes from the developers.
Whether or not Asus and Microsoft are able to displace the Steam Deck in the market is to be seen. For now, fans and gamers alike are awaiting the launch on the 16th of October. Till then, stay tuned to Times of Games for more such news and updates.
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