How to change VRAM on the Xbox Ally (and why you absolutely should)

As a researcher testing the Xbox Ally and Ally X – and other handheld gaming PCs – I’ve found one setting that’s consistently overlooked, but incredibly important. If you’re hoping to play demanding, high-end games, this is the *first* thing you should adjust. It can really make a difference in performance.

The Xbox Ally became available on October 16, 2025, and is a fantastic way to get started with handheld PC gaming. The high-end Xbox Ally X is a powerful device thanks to its Z2E chip, while the standard Xbox Ally offers comparable performance to the Steam Deck at a lower cost.

Both the Xbox Ally and its predecessors, like the ROG Ally, can be improved by tweaking a single setting: how much VRAM is used. These devices share system RAM for graphics, and you can manually adjust the amount. It’s usually set to ‘Auto’ or 4GB by default, but changing this setting can boost performance, though there are a few things to keep in mind.

Let’s start by looking at how to adjust the VRAM on your Xbox Ally, and then we’ll discuss why and when you might want to do that.

How to change VRAM allocation on the Xbox Ally

First, you need to enter the Armoury Crate. Hit the Armoury Crate button depicted above, and it should open up the Xbox Game Bar at the Armoury Crate Command Center tab.
Select with A or tap Open Armoury Crate SE.

Once the Armoury Crate opens, navigate to the settings tab via the cogwheel icon shown below, either using the touch screen or using the right and left bumpers on the top of the controller.
Note: If you’re running Armoury Crate for the first time, you’ll have to skip through some dialogue boxes and tutorial messages as well.

Once in settings, select the Performance menu, shown above.
Navigate down to GPU settings in the Performance menu, shown below.

Now, you should see a menu item that reads “Memory Assigned to GPU.” Here’s where you change the allocation. If you don’t see the setting, you might need to reboot your device.
Note: If you’re looking to play photorealistic games, it’s worth setting it to 6GB. Some games won’t even run at the default 4GB, but some very intensive games might require 8GB — but it’s unlikely you’d be running games like that on a device like this. More on this below.
After changing the GPU VRAM allocation, the Xbox Ally will reboot.

Xbox Ally VRAM “Memory Assigned to GPU” Explained

The Xbox Ally and Ally X are powerful handheld gaming devices that can be customized to boost performance for each game. A common point of discussion is how much video memory (VRAM) to allocate, as the ideal amount varies depending on the game.

How much VRAM allocation should I set on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X?

The Xbox Ally comes with 16GB of RAM, while the Xbox Ally X has 24GB.

For most modern 3D games, 6GB of VRAM is ideal, allowing the graphics card to handle detailed textures and maintain good performance. Some demanding games, like God of War or The Last of Us on Steam, require at least 6GB of VRAM to run at all, and may even benefit from 8GB for the best experience.

If you’re a frequent gamer, consider choosing the Xbox Ally X with 8GB of VRAM, or the standard Xbox Ally with 6GB.

Even with a powerful graphics card, your computer still needs standard RAM to manage everything happening in a game. Games with big worlds and lots of characters might actually run better with *more* RAM than video card memory (VRAM), especially older games with simpler 2D or retro-style graphics.

Games with many players, like Fortnite or World of Warcraft, generally run better with 4GB of VRAM, leaving extra memory for handling the game world. Older games that you modify a lot, such as Rimworld or Fallout 3/4, can also perform better if they have more system RAM available, as their graphics aren’t as demanding. While multiplayer games often try to use VRAM efficiently, they still need plenty of RAM for things like networking and managing the game itself, beyond just graphics.

Games that simulate large, open worlds with many moving parts often need more system RAM than graphics card (VRAM), especially if they don’t have very demanding graphics. However, single-player games focused on visual quality and cinematic experiences usually benefit more from having a lot of VRAM.

You don’t need to worry too much about perfectly optimizing this setting, because it requires a restart whenever you change it. I personally use 6GB for my handheld gaming PCs and haven’t run into any problems. Each game uses memory in its own way, so there’s no simple trick to get better performance.

If you’re unsure how much RAM to allocate, 6GB is a good choice for playing many 3D games. If you primarily play visually demanding, story-driven games, go with 8GB, though the base Xbox Ally might still struggle with top-tier AAA titles. For 2D games, simpler graphics, or retro-style games, 4GB should be sufficient. Otherwise, consider using Xbox Cloud Gaming.

VRAM vs RAM — What’s the difference?

Think of RAM as your computer’s short-term memory – it’s automatically used for tasks while your computer is running. VRAM is the same idea, but specifically for your graphics card. The Xbox Series X and Series S have 16GB and 24GB of this combined memory, which both the processor and graphics card can use.

When you’re gaming, RAM stores essential information the game needs to run. This includes things like how enemies behave, the game’s core programming, realistic physics, and any modifications you’ve added. In online multiplayer games, RAM also keeps track of other players and where they are.

VRAM handles everything you see on your screen – things like textures, shadows, and each frame of the game. Games that look very realistic and detailed need a lot of VRAM. However, games that are complex because of the number of things happening – like large online games with many players – often require more RAM and processing power from your CPU instead.

What about the Xbox Ally GPU “Auto” setting?

The Xbox Ally and similar handheld gaming PCs usually have an “Auto” setting that dynamically adjusts how much video memory (VRAM) a game can use, taking it from the system’s main memory (RAM) as needed.

I’ve found that letting the game automatically manage RAM and VRAM often causes performance problems like stuttering, so I usually disable this feature. However, it might work well for you depending on the games you play, so it’s worth trying different settings. I’ve personally had good results with 6GB of RAM.

The Xbox Ally range is great, but it’s still early days

The Xbox Ally and Ally X are solid handheld gaming devices, but it’s important to know what to expect. The standard Xbox Ally performs most similarly to the Steam Deck, making it perfect for 2D games, older titles, cloud gaming, and emulators. The more powerful Xbox Ally X costs more but can handle demanding, modern AAA games much better. It’s also expected to get even better in early 2026 with the addition of new features powered by its AI processor.

I’ve noticed that how much VRAM you need really comes down to the games you’re playing. Honestly, 6GB is often more than enough. If I’m using the base Xbox Ally for older 2D or simpler “retro” style games, I can usually get away with just 4GB. However, when I tried newer, more demanding titles like Silent Hill F, the Silent Hill 2 Remake, and Ninja Gaiden 4, I definitely saw an improvement when I increased the VRAM to 6GB.

Games with a lot of detailed graphics, like The Last of Us, could really benefit from having 8GB of memory. However, on the standard Xbox Ally, those games won’t run very well unless you significantly lower the resolution and visual settings.

The Xbox Ally X is a significant step up in power. It can handle today’s high-end, visually stunning games with ease. By dedicating 6GB or 8GB of its 24GB of memory, there’s still plenty left over for the system to run smoothly and enhance gameplay.

No matter what device you’re using, choosing games that work well with it and adjusting the settings will give you the best possible experience.

2025-10-15 16:11