Who wouldn’t love fitting a console, a PC, and their favorite games in just a backpack? Together, Microsoft and ASUS released the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X on June 8, 2025 during Summer Game Fest. The Xbox vision can join you wherever you go.
What Are Xbox Ally and Ally X?
These portable new handhelds have Windows 11 installed and are made by ASUS’ ROG department, existing in a base model and an upgraded “X” version. They have the same 7-inch FHD IPS touchscreen at 120 Hz, but the X takes the lead when it comes to overall performance.
Why Now? A Rival Emerges
Microsoft only started paying attention to handhelds after Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck proved their popularity, but let the opportunity pass for eight years. Now, Xbox steps into the fight with Ally, aiming at providing the “play anywhere” experience.
Design and Comfort
Following the design of Xbox controllers, both units provide gentle grips, have textured areas, and are set up for comfort and ease of use. The experience of wearing the boots in VR is steady, and the Xbox version includes genuine impulse triggers for more realism.
Display Quality
Both devices also have a 7 inch IPS FHD+ panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and Gorilla Glass Victus that resists scratches. The vivid colors and quality of the graphics help games play smoothly anywhere.
Power Under the Hood
- AMD Ryzen Z2 A is the ROG Xbox Ally model, which provides 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD.
- ROG Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen AI designed for Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage.
The MacBook Air features AI and an up-to-date USB4 port powered by Thunderbolt, which makes it ready for tomorrow’s demands.
Battery & Portability
Base Ally comes with a 60 Wh battery, which weighs 670 grams. For the Ally X model, the battery is 80 Wh (~715 g). While it is heavier than the Steam Deck, the way the weight is distributed causes no problems and feels good, although some may tire after a long time.
Software: Xbox Meets Windows
Selecting to launch their games straight on the “full-screen experience” through an “Xbox” button on Windows 11 lets them avoid distractions and play their games quickly. Through Game Bar, you can reach Discord, modders, and PC stores, mixing the ease of console gaming with what the PC offers.
Game Libraries
A single program lets you open all your games from Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, Battle.net, and more. God of War and Spider-Man ports also perform wonderfully on PlayStation through this setup.
Cloud & Remote Play
No matter where Wi Fi is available, you can access all of your content stored on your Xbox. You need a Game Pass Ultimate plan to use Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it works smoothly after you start.
Real-World Testing
According to Polygon, GamesRadar, and GameFile’s hands-on reviews, this headset is praised for performance, feel in the hands, and looks, though its weight and Windows interface are slight concerns.
Release Timing & Price
Release your product on the market in significant regions like the US, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region in 2025. There is no confirmed price yet, but it looks like Ally will be priced between $599 and $999 for the Ally X model.
Final Verdict
With ROG Xbox Ally series, Asus aims to reinvent portable gaming by taking on Steam Deck and Switch 2, including an Xbox and PC combination. You could say it’s like bringing your living room on the road, and that’s a lot of fun.
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