June 10, 2025, 11:05 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Microsoft and Asus aim to shake up the mobile console market with two new Xbox handhelds designed for power gamers. Here’s what makes the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X stand out, when they’re set to launch, and the technology inside.
Microsoft is launching its own handheld hardware–and not alone: Together with Asus, the tech giant is bringing two new portable consoles to the market that are sure to excite gamers and could put significant pressure on competitors like the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go. The new models are called ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X–and were officially unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. They were developed under the codename “Project Kennan.”
These are the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X
The white base model, the ROG Xbox Ally, weighs 670 grams. The black high-end device Ally X is slightly heavier at 715 grams–but offers significantly more power and features. Both consoles are based on the familiar design of the Asus ROG Ally but have been visually enhanced with Xbox elements, as reported by “Computer BILD” (part of Axel Springer SE, like TECHBOOK). These include the typical ABXY buttons in Xbox colors and the distinctive Xbox Guide button for quick app switching.
On the top side, there are two USB ports and a microSD slot, allowing for flexible storage expansion. Initial images also show ergonomically shaped grips–ideal for long gaming sessions on the go.
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Technology of the Xbox Handhelds at a Glance
Inside the handhelds is true high-end technology. Both models benefit from a 7-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels), a 120 Hz refresh rate, and variable refresh rate (VRR). However, there are the following differences in the chip, memory, and battery:
- ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2A, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 60-Wh battery
- ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 80-Wh battery
Additionally, there will be exclusive AI features, but these will be reserved for the Ally X. The operating system is Windows 11, specially adapted for use on portable hardware. Upon startup, the console boots directly into the Xbox app–from here, games can be launched and switched. Other PC launchers like Steam, Battle.net, or Ubisoft Connect are also expected to be integrated in the future.
Microsoft and Asus plan to launch both models in fall 2025. Prices have not yet been announced–but given the features, they are likely to be in the upper segment. Whether they can pose a threat to the competition–including their own, such as the ROG Ally X–remains to be seen.