Microsoft has teamed up with Asus to create the first-ever ROG Xbox Ally handheld. This collaboration combines Xbox’s ecosystem with Asus’ cutting-edge ROG handheld technology. Unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase, the ROG Xbox Ally series includes the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Both consoles will be available later this year, bringing exciting features to gamers everywhere.
ROG Xbox Ally X: Power and Performance
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the top-tier model. It features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and 1TB of storage. The handheld also sports a 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 500 nits. These specs make it ideal for smooth, high-quality gaming.
The ROG Xbox Ally X also comes with an 80Wh battery, providing extended gaming time. This large battery is ideal for those long gaming sessions. According to PCMag’s testing, the Asus ROG Ally X, with a similar battery, lasted over 2.5 hours playing Cyberpunk 2077, making it one of the best-performing handhelds in terms of battery life.
ROG Xbox Ally: A More Affordable Choice
The standard ROG Xbox Ally handheld offers a slightly lower price point. It includes a smaller 60Wh battery, an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It lacks Thunderbolt 4 support but features two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Both models have similar dimensions, though the ROG Xbox Ally X weighs 715g compared to 670g for the standard model.
Xbox-Inspired Design: Comfort for Gamers
Both handhelds share a design inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller. The consoles come with contoured grips and impulse triggers to ensure comfort during long gaming sessions. A dedicated Xbox button on the console lets players quickly return to their games.
Hands-on impressions from IGN confirm that the consoles feel like you’re holding an Xbox controller. This design offers the comfort and performance gamers expect from a high-end device.
Windows 11 Focused on Gaming
Running a customized version of Windows 11 Home, the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series stays focused on gaming. The UI prioritizes Xbox features, ensuring seamless navigation. Gamers can easily import titles from Steam or Epic Games and access Xbox Game Pass for a vast game library.
Additionally, the handhelds automatically update to highlight Xbox-optimized games, ensuring that users can enjoy the best gaming experience available on these devices.
Expanding Xbox Gaming to More Devices
Microsoft’s partnership with Asus doesn’t stop with the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series. The company plans to extend this Xbox-focused experience to other handheld devices. Roanne Sone, Head of Xbox Devices, mentioned that “Similar full-screen Xbox experiences will be rolling out to other Windows handhelds, starting next year.” This initiative shows Microsoft’s commitment to creating a unified handheld gaming ecosystem.
Conclusion: A New Era for Handheld Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally handheld series marks an exciting leap for both Xbox and handheld gaming. With powerful hardware, Xbox integration, and a user-friendly design, these consoles bring the power of Xbox gaming to your hands. Whether you choose the premium ROG Xbox Ally X or the more affordable standard version, both consoles deliver an exceptional gaming experience. This collaboration sets a new standard for portable gaming devices, signaling a bright future for Xbox on the go.
