Microsoft has officially entered the handheld gaming arena with the unveiling of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in partnership with Asus. These devices, revealed at the recent Xbox Games Showcase, mark Microsoft’s first foray into Xbox-branded handhelds, designed for gaming on the go. The Ally is powered by a Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the Ally X boasts the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset. Both feature 7-inch 120Hz LCD screens and a grip design reminiscent of an Xbox Wireless Controller.
Availability
According to Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available this holiday season in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US, and 21 other markets. The company has indicated that availability will expand to other regions where ROG Ally products are sold. This hints at a potential launch in India and other territories in the future. Pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-order details are expected to be announced in the coming months. The launch felt a littel rushed.
Features and Specifications
Both devices feature 7-inch full HD LCD screens with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness. Asus has incorporated Freesync Premium technology to minimize screen tearing, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection with a DXC Anti-Reflection coating.
- Display: 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processors: AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Ally) and AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Ally X)
- RAM: 16GB (Ally) and 24GB (Ally X) LPDDR5x
- Storage: 512GB (Ally) and 1TB (Ally X) M.2 2280 SSD
While the front layout resembles standard Asus counterparts, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X feature redesigned contoured grips for improved ergonomics. A dedicated Xbox button provides quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay. While button configurations are similar, the Ally includes hall effect triggers, while the Ally X upgrades to impulse triggers. Microsoft is clearly targeting different segments of the handheld market with thes edevices.
The ROG Xbox Ally is positioned as a value-oriented device for casual gamers, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X is designed for hardcore gamers and includess an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage.
| Features | ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 280.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
Emerging Trend: The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs
The introduction of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X underscores the growing popularity of handheld gaming PCs. These devices offer the portability of a handheld console with the power and versatility of a PC, appealing to gamers who want to play their favorite PC games on the go.
Driving Factors:
- Improved Hardware: Advances in processor and graphics technology have enabled manufacturers to create powerful handheld devices capable of running demanding games.
- Growing Game Libraries: Access to vast PC game libraries through platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and others makes handheld gaming PCs an attractive option for gamers.
- Portability: The ability to play AAA titles on the go is a major draw for gamers who want a flexible gaming experience.
Potential Future Impact:
The entry of major players like Microsoft into the handheld gaming market could accelerate the growth of this segment. Increased competition may drive down prices, making handheld gaming PCs more accessible to a wider audience. Further, it’s likley we’ll see more developers optmise their games for these smaller screens.
Speaking to early testers on X.com, it seems mixed reviews are coming in: “The screen is great, but battery life worries me,” said one poster, “Especially for AAA titles.” Another poster to Facebook expressed excitement: “Day one purchase for me! Goodbye, Switch!” However, the biggest concern appears to be the price point, with several commenting it could be prohibitive for many casual gamers.
However, the human impact of these devices can’t be ignored. For many, it represents a significant shift in how they interact with their favorite games. As one fan, John M, from rural Ohio, put it: “Life would never be quite the same,” after he got an early test unit.