I first read about the ROG Ally X over at Game Empress – they’re a great source for gaming news. The article broke down everything about it: the price, what’s under the hood, how well it works with Game Pass, and basically what the device even is. If you want to stay up-to-date on gaming, I recommend checking out their site, gameempress.com.
The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t like a regular Xbox console. It’s a high-end Windows gaming PC built by ASUS and Microsoft together. It works with Xbox software, lets you access Game Pass, and also lets you play games from other PC platforms like Steam and Battle.net. If you’re looking for the Xbox ROG Ally X, that’s what it’s officially called – both names refer to the same device.
What Is the ROG Xbox Ally X?
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld gaming PC that runs Windows 11. It’s important to understand that it’s not a portable Xbox Series X console. Instead, it uses Windows 11 with a special Xbox interface added on top. This gives you a console-like experience, but still lets you take advantage of all the things you can do with a PC.
You can enjoy Xbox Game Pass for PC titles, cloud gaming, remote play, and Xbox Play Anywhere games using the Xbox app. Plus, you’re still free to install and use other PC game platforms like Steam, Battle.net, and the Epic Games Store. Essentially, it’s Xbox features built on top of the Windows operating system.
ROG Xbox Ally X Price and Release Date
Okay, so the ROG Xbox Ally X is finally here! It officially launched on October 16, 2025, after pre-orders started back in September. And the price? It’s $999.99, which I’ve seen confirmed on the Microsoft Store, ASUS’s website, and Best Buy. Best Buy is even throwing in three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium with the purchase, which is a sweet deal!
The regular ROG Xbox Ally is available for a lower price of $599.99. It’s a distinct device from the higher-end model and has different internal components.
ROG Xbox Ally X Specs
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) |
| Display | 7-inch FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium / VRR |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| Ports | 1x USB4 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 compatible; 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C; UHS-II microSD; 3.5mm audio |
| Weight | 1.58 lbs |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
ASUS estimates the laptop can last up to 9.9 hours with light gaming and 2.7 hours playing demanding, high-end games, based on their testing. However, when actually playing those demanding games, you’ll likely get between two and three hours of battery life, depending on the game’s settings and power usage.
What Games Can It Play?
Since the ROG Xbox Ally X uses Windows 11, you can play games from almost any PC game store or service.
The Xbox app includes the full-screen Xbox experience. You can use it to play PC Game Pass games, stream games with Xbox Cloud Gaming, use Remote Play, and access Xbox Play Anywhere titles.
You can play Steam games on this device if you’re using Windows, but how well they run and how easy they are to control will depend on the specific game.
Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and others: These install like they would on any Windows PC.
Cloud gaming and remote play: Both work through the Xbox app and other services.
Just to be clear, the ROG Xbox Ally X won’t let you play every Xbox game you own directly on the device. To play, games need to have a PC version, be part of the ‘Play Anywhere’ program, or be accessible through cloud gaming. Simply owning a game on your Xbox console doesn’t automatically give you a PC version.
How It Compares to the Standard ROG Xbox Ally
Okay, as a fan, I’ve seen a lot of confusion around these two things, so let me try to clear it up. They’re actually quite different, and I want to explain how!
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.99 ERP | $999.99 ERP |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| USB4 | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.48 lbs | 1.58 lbs |
Both devices have the same 7-inch screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant 1080p resolution. They also share the same software for a full-screen Xbox experience and a similar overall design. However, the biggest differences you’ll notice when using them are the processor speed, how long the battery lasts, and the Ally X’s support for faster USB4 connections.
Where the ROG Xbox Ally X Looks Strong
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is AMD’s most powerful chip for handheld devices like the Ally X. It features eight cores and advanced RDNA 3.5 graphics, allowing it to run demanding PC games more smoothly than the chip found in the original Ally model.
With 24GB of RAM, this device has more memory than most handheld PCs, and its 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) can be upgraded to store a large collection of games.
The device features a larger 80Wh battery compared to the standard model’s 60Wh. While actual gaming time depends on the game and graphics settings, this bigger battery provides significantly more playtime and flexibility.
Okay, so the Xbox handheld’s full-screen mode is a total game-changer. Honestly, it feels like a massive step up from other Windows-based handhelds I’ve tried. The menus and everything are designed for using the thumbsticks, which makes it feel way more like playing on a console – not just a laptop I’m holding. It really nails that console-like experience!
As a huge fan, I’m really excited about the Ally X’s USB4 port! It means I can connect it to powerful external graphics docks – even the newer Thunderbolt ones. Just a heads-up though: if you have an older ASUS ROG XG Mobile, double-check which version it is. The very first models used a special connector that wasn’t standard USB4. The original Ally doesn’t have USB4 at all, so that’s a big upgrade for the X!
The controller’s design focuses on comfort. Reviewers consistently highlight the well-shaped grips, inspired by the Xbox controller, and the responsive impulse triggers. Many have noted it’s significantly more comfortable to hold than other handheld gaming devices with simpler, flatter designs.
Where It Still Has Trade-Offs
It doesn’t have an OLED screen. While the 7-inch IPS display is clear and has a fast 120Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t offer the same vibrant colors, deep blacks, or overall picture quality as the OLED screens found on devices like the Steam Deck OLED or Lenovo Legion Go. Considering the $999.99 price tag, this is a frequent complaint.
While the Xbox Full Screen Experience makes things much better, it’s still running on top of Windows 11. Reviewers have noted ongoing issues like driver updates, how Windows updates itself, and occasional software glitches. It doesn’t feel as smooth or integrated as SteamOS or a dedicated gaming console.
At $999.99, this handheld gaming PC is quite pricey. While having an existing Game Pass subscription or a PC game library can make it a better value, the initial cost is significant.
How long the battery lasts really depends on your settings. ASUS estimates battery life during lighter gaming, tested in specific conditions. If you’re playing demanding, high-end games, you’ll likely get around two to three hours of playtime, but this can vary based on your settings and how much power the game uses.
Not all Xbox games can be played on PC. If you’re hoping to play every game from your Xbox console, you might find some aren’t available. To play on PC, a game needs to have a PC version, be part of the Play Anywhere program, or be available through cloud gaming.
Should You Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X?
Consider buying this if you already use Xbox Game Pass or have a lot of PC games, you want a handheld device that can play games well at 1080p resolution, and you’re happy using Windows.
If you mostly play less demanding games, are on a tighter budget, or don’t require more RAM, a larger battery, or USB4 compatibility, the standard ROG Ally is a better choice. It offers the same software and features for a significantly lower price of $599.99.
If you really want an OLED screen, a super simple SteamOS setup, or a device that feels like a traditional console right away, you should consider other options. While the Steam Deck OLED still offers the best screen and software experience (and now costs $789 for the 512GB model after a price increase planned for 2026), the price difference between it and other handhelds isn’t as big as it used to be.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the most Xbox-like handheld Microsoft has created so far. However, it’s fundamentally a Windows gaming PC, and whether that’s a good thing or a drawback depends on your personal needs as a gamer.
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2026-06-02 04:00