ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X: Where Console Soul Meets PC Power

By DaMarko Webster

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is officially leveling up the handheld game space with the announcement of its new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X systems—two sleek, next-gen devices created in collaboration with Xbox and powered by AMD’s latest silicon. Designed from scratch for comfort, power, and seamless player immersion, this new series is built to blur the lines between console and PC, making high-performance gaming more portable than ever.

“We wanted to take our handheld to the next level, but we could not do it alone,” said Shawn Yen, Head of ASUS’s Consumer Product Team. “This revolutionary partnership with Microsoft allowed us to forge a brand-new device with ROG muscle and the soul of Xbox.”

At the heart of these devices are two purpose-built AMD chips: the Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor in the base model and the more powerful Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor in the ROG Xbox Ally X. The latter features built-in AI processing via an integrated NPU, preparing the device for the future wave of AI-enhanced gaming tools and features.

The redesigned hardware doesn’t just deliver on performance—it puts player comfort front and center. Ergonomics have been fine-tuned using years of feedback from the original ROG Ally line. With deeper palm rests, improved grip texturing, and Xbox-style impulse triggers on the Ally X, the new chassis invites longer play sessions with minimal fatigue. According to ASUS, these are the most comfortable and immersive handhelds they’ve ever built.

Functionally, the software is just as refined. The full-screen Xbox experience loads as soon as the system powers on, supported by an optimized build of Windows 11 running under the hood. Thanks to a new version of Armoury Crate—developed exclusively for these handhelds—players get simplified navigation via joysticks and buttons, one-touch Game Bar access, and quick settings panels. The experience blends console simplicity with PC freedom, allowing access to mods, alternative game stores, and more.

“We wanted to create an authentic Xbox experience in a handheld form factor,” said Roanne Sones, CVP at Xbox. “With ROG, we made it happen.”

But it’s not just about UI. Performance has seen a serious leap forward. The ROG Xbox Ally X, in particular, brings high-end desktop-class visuals to a device you can toss in your bag. Its Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip unlocks smoother frame rates in demanding titles and harnesses AMD technologies like FSR, RSR, and AFMF for impressive visual clarity and fluidity—even on the go. Battery life also gets a meaningful boost thanks to power-efficient design and a 60Wh battery.

AMD’s Jack Huynh, SVP of Computing and Graphics, summarized the spirit of this collaboration best: “With ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, we are combining the best of AMD’s silicon, ASUS’s design expertise, and Xbox’s gaming ecosystem. Powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, the Ally X delivers breathtaking graphics, extended battery life, and truly portable performance—empowering gamers everywhere to play without limits.”

Both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are expected to hit select global markets during the 2025 holiday season, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, France, Germany, and beyond, with further availability planned for regions where previous Ally models were sold.

With a fusion of elite ergonomics, cutting-edge chips, and Xbox’s unmistakable touch, the new ROG Ally series isn’t just another handheld—it’s a statement about the future of hybrid gaming.