As per recent whispers, during the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft revealed a brand-new handheld gaming device developed in collaboration with Asus. Known as the Xbox ROG Ally, this device adds another significant choice to the rapidly growing portable market and marks one of Microsoft’s first substantial ventures into this realm since practically forever. Following its unveiling, let us delve into a few essential details about it.
IMPRESSIONS
The Xbox Series S and its enhanced version, the Xbox Series X|S handheld devices, were recently unveiled, but they’ve already been tested by influencers and media outlets. So far, the feedback has been generally favorable. The integrated Xbox UI is getting a lot of positive comments, as well as the seamless adaptation of the Xbox experience for handheld gaming. Some have criticized the devices for being bulky, but they appear to be sturdily built, and most importantly, the games are running smoothly. Now, let’s delve into some essential details.
XBOX ROG ALLY
The primary portable gadget being introduced by Microsoft and Asus is called the Xbox Ro Ally. This device, with less powerful specifications compared to its counterpart, resembles the color white, similar to the Xbox Series X/S consoles. On the Xbox Ro Ally, you’ll find a 7-inch 1080p screen operating at 120 Hz, two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, a microSD card reader, and a traditional 3.5 mm audio jack. Now let’s delve into the specifications…
ROG ALLY SPECS
What kind of hardware performance can gamers anticipate from the Xbox Rally? Based on its design, it appears that the console will boast respectable hardware specifications. It will be powered by a Ryzen Z2 A processor, featuring 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, an M.2 2280 SSD, and 512 GB of storage space. Additionally, the device includes a 60Wh battery, and it will come packaged with a charger stand in the box for your convenience.
XBOX ROG ALLY X
The Xbox Rog Ally and its upgraded version, the Xbox Rog Ally X, can be thought of as a pair where the former resembles the lower-powered, less expensive equivalent of the Xbox Series S, while the latter is more like the high-end, powerful counterpart to the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Rog Ally X boasts a sleek black color, enhancing the visibility of the Xbox and Asus branding on the device (although such markings are also present on the Rog Ally). Much like the Rog Ally, it will sport a 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz display, as well as ergonomic grips modeled after the Xbox controller. However, it will offer an extra USB 4 Type C port and impulse triggers, which are familiar to users of the Xbox Elite controllers. As for its specifications, let’s delve into that soon…
ROG ALLY X SPECS
The upgraded Xbox Rog Ally X boasts superior specifications compared to its budget version, catering to those seeking high-end gaming on the go. Powered by a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and sporting 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, this device offers ample storage of 1 TB, just like the Rog Ally. Additionally, it comes equipped with an M.2 2280 SSD and boasts a larger, 80Wh battery for extended gaming sessions.
XBOX FEATURES
The Xbox Rog Ally handheld devices are primarily focusing on seamlessly integrating the Xbox experience as a key feature. This means users can anticipate numerous Xbox-focused aspects being pre-built into the Xbox Rog Ally interface from the get-go. This integration allows you to play all your Xbox games directly on your handheld device, with options for streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming or playing through your console using remote play. Additionally, accessing the Xbox store (alongside other PC gaming stores) is promised, and Asus guarantees that the full-screen gameplay experience will be the default, allowing for better performance, improved graphics, and higher frame rates. Furthermore, Microsoft claims that the Xbox app and store pages have been optimized for mobile usage, aiming to provide a smooth user experience.
XBOX BUTTON
In line with Microsoft and Asus’ efforts to market the Xbox RoG Ally and Xbox RoG Ally X as fully integrated Xbox systems, these devices will feature dedicated Xbox buttons. Positioned to the left of the screen beside the left analog stick, the Xbox button will perform the same function as it does on consoles – summoning an interface that provides access to chats, apps, games, settings, and more. However, this interface won’t resemble the one on consoles entirely; instead, it will be based on the Game Bar, serving as the central hub of your Xbox RoG Ally experience, given that these devices operate on Windows 11.
GAME LIBRARIES
The integration of Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and both Xbox and Windows platforms has been confirmed for the Xbox Rog Ally and Xbox Rog Ally X. Microsoft and Asus aim to provide a more complete one-stop handheld PC/Xbox gaming experience with these devices. This means players will be able to access a unified library of games that includes Game Pass, Xbox, Windows, Battle.net, and major PC storefronts like Steam and Epic Games Store.
PLAY ANYWHERE
Microsoft and Asus emphasize Play Anywhere integration as a key feature for the Xbox Roxy Ally devices. With confirmation of compatibility for over 1,000 games, you can start playing any of those titles that you’ve purchased on another Play Anywhere-enabled platform (like PC or Xbox) instantly on your Xbox Roxy Ally device. Your progress, save data, settings, and so forth will synchronize immediately across all devices.
GAMES
At the heart of any gaming device, the question that matters most in the end is: What games can we enjoy on the Xbox Rog Ally and Ally X? A few titles have already been announced, with “Hollow Knight: Silksong” being one of them, set to be playable upon the devices’ launch. Moreover, for the first time ever, “Roblox” will be playable on a handheld device. Games like “Lies of P”, “Gears of War: Reloaded”, and “South of Midnight” have also been confirmed. Microsoft and Asus are developing a program to help players easily find games optimized for handhelds, such as the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. More information about this program is yet to be disclosed.
PRE-ORDER AND LAUNCH DETAILS
As of now, Microsoft hasn’t disclosed the pricing details for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles, and the exact launch date is still unclear; we only know they’ll be available during this year’s holiday season with a specific release date yet to be announced. At their launch, both devices will be accessible in countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Further updates will be provided regarding when pre-orders can begin, so keep an eye out for that news as well.
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2025-06-12 06:14