Asus ROG Ally X: The Ultimate Xbox Handheld Preview
▼ Summary
– The ROG Xbox Ally consoles launch on October 16th as the first official Microsoft gaming handhelds, developed in partnership with Asus.
– These devices are not full handheld Xboxes but are capable gaming PCs that can play PC games natively or stream Xbox games from a console or the cloud.
– Two models are available: the standard Xbox Ally offers Steam Deck-level performance, while the more powerful Xbox Ally X features a new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip.
– Both models feature a thicker, more ergonomic design than the original ROG Ally, with upgraded controls, a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR display, and easy SSD upgradeability.
– The Xbox Ally will retail for $599 and the Ally X for $999, with a new “Xbox Full Screen Experience” software interface designed for better gamepad usability.
Arriving on October 16th, the Asus ROG Ally X and its sibling represent a significant collaboration between Microsoft and Asus, bringing an official Xbox-branded handheld to the market. These devices aim to carve out a space in the competitive landscape dominated by the Steam Deck and upcoming rivals with a blend of unique hardware and a specially tailored software experience. The critical question remains whether they offer enough to justify their place alongside established and emerging competitors.
Fundamentally, these are not traditional Xbox consoles in a portable form. You cannot simply pop in an Xbox disc. Instead, they are powerful Windows-based handheld PCs capable of running a vast library of PC games natively. They also provide seamless access to your Xbox library through console streaming or Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, blending the PC and Xbox ecosystems into a single, mobile device.
Two distinct models will be available at launch, targeting different performance tiers and price points. The standard Xbox Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, designed to deliver performance comparable to a Steam Deck. It benefits from a high-resolution screen, straightforward SSD upgrades, and the inherent compatibility of Windows. The more advanced Xbox Ally X steps up significantly with AMD’s new Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. This chip is poised to offer the highest performance currently available in a handheld, along with exclusive AI features, making it the premium choice for enthusiasts.
The performance gap between the two models is expected to be substantial. The standard Ally, with its four Zen 2 cores and eight RDNA 2 graphics cores, should match the Steam Deck at its 15W power setting. The Ally X, featuring eight Zen 5 cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, is projected to be notably faster. Early benchmarks suggest a roughly 15% performance advantage over the previous Z1 Extreme chip at maximum power, with even greater efficiency gains at lower wattages. It is important to note that both Asus and Microsoft emphasize that software and driver optimizations are still underway, so final performance figures may shift.
A key differentiator for the Ally X is its dedicated AI hardware. While its capabilities won’t be fully realized at launch, several AI-driven features are planned for a 2026 update. The most notable is Auto SR, an AI-powered upscaling technology similar to FSR 1, which should improve image quality with a fixed performance cost. Another promised feature is an automated highlight reel generator, designed to create shareable clips of significant in-game moments like boss defeats.
Physically, both models share the same dimensions, featuring a thicker, more ergonomic design than the original ROG Ally for a more comfortable grip. The standard model has a white shell, while the Ally X comes in black. The Ally X is slightly heavier, partly due to its larger 80Wh battery, a significant upgrade from the standard model’s 60Wh unit. It also includes enhanced dual-motor Impulse triggers and upgrades one of its USB-C ports to a full-speed USB 4 connection, supporting external GPUs. Both devices use easily upgradeable M.2 2280 SSDs and include a 65W charger and a stand in the box.
On the software side, the devices run a new “Xbox Full Screen Experience” designed for controller navigation. This interface allows users to log in and manage everything with the gamepad, eliminating the need for touchscreen PIN entry. The core Xbox app has been improved to automatically aggregate games from other PC storefronts like Steam and GOG into a single library view. Microsoft is also introducing a new game rating system with separate badges for “Handheld Optimised” controls and “Windows Performance Fit,” giving clear guidance on playability. A feature called Gaming Copilot will use AI to offer in-game tips based on a screenshot of your current play session.
Initial hands-on time at Gamescom revealed capable hardware with a bright, responsive display. The new user interface showed promise with its intuitive touch gestures and fast app switching, though it exhibited some early bugs. The final judgment on performance and polish, however, will require testing with production-ready units.
Pricing is a crucial factor. The standard Xbox Ally will start at $599, while the high-end Xbox Ally X is set at $999. These positions place the Ally X as a potentially more affordable option compared to other Z2 Extreme handhelds from competitors like MSI and Lenovo, though it remains a premium purchase compared to the Steam Deck.
The ultimate success of these handhelds may hinge on Microsoft’s secret sauce: its console-level software optimization. While the unique Xbox-style controls are a hardware differentiator, many of the software enhancements are expected to eventually come to other Windows handhelds. For now, the ROG Ally X and its companion present a compelling proposition, combining serious hardware with a tailored interface. Their ability to rise above the competition will depend on the final execution of both the silicon and the software when they hit the market.
(Source: IGN)
