The ‘Xbox Ally’ and ‘Xbox Ally X’ are super-charged PC gaming handhelds from ASUS, coming later this year — Kennan revealed!

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A while back, we were the first to unveil Project Kennan, and today, we’ve got all the details – the true name, specifications, and more that you’re interested in.

Earlier called Project Kennan, Microsoft and ASUS unveiled today the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, two high-performance portable PC gaming devices. These handhelds utilize AMD’s latest Z2 Extreme and Z2-A processors, offering improved performance and battery life in a compact design.

Microsoft and ASUS introduced the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X – two powerful gaming handhelds for PC. They run on AMD’s new chips (Z2 Extreme and Z2-A), which make them faster and have better battery life compared to other devices of this type.

In more exciting developments, the upcoming Xbox Duo will feature an updated version of the Xbox app tailored for Windows 11, optimizing the OS for portable PC gaming devices. Despite running on full Windows, early tests suggest that the Xbox app in full-screen mode consumes just a third of the usual idle power when compared to standard Windows operation. Additionally, Microsoft claims that these enhancements can potentially free up to 2GB of RAM for improved gaming performance.

Here’s what we know so far about the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.

Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X specs

Category Xbox Ally Xbox Ally X
Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)
Display 7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection 7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
Graphics AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics with AI Boost
Battery 60Wh 80Wh
I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader (DDR200), 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Audio Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone
Dimensions & Weight 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 670g 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 715g
Launch Date Holiday 2025 Holiday 2025
Price Unknown Unknown

It appears that the “Xbox Ally S” wasn’t given this name, instead opting for an affordable version compared to another option. This model offers less storage capacity, a less potent chip, and 16GB of RAM. However, it seems tailored for a broader market. The specifics about the power of Z2-A aren’t clear yet, but Microsoft and ASUS claim it prioritizes energy efficiency and includes features to enhance future AI technologies such as frame generation and NPU-assisted upscaling.

It’s my belief that the Xbox Ally “S” (I’m referring to it as such for convenience) will likely excel in handling well-optimized 3D games, with a focus on 2D games as well, though this is just speculation at the moment. The Z2 Go in the Lenovo Legion Go S is quite capable even for AAA 3D games, although it may require some compromises. The true performance of this chip can only be determined in practice. Rumors suggest that the Z2-A will operate within a power range of 6 to 20 watts, which might not be sufficient to run some AAA games at their highest settings at 60 FPS. However, power consumption is just one aspect of the story here. We’ll need to wait and see how everything plays out in practice.

Based on Microsoft and ASUS labeling the Xbox Ally X as a “premium” choice, it’s reasonable to anticipate that its retail price will surpass $1000. However, we currently don’t know the exact prices for either device. Given the influence of tariffs on technology supply chains, it’s unlikely that the final cost will be low.

Regardless, the Xbox Alloy X is expected to be a formidable powerhouse, similar to its predecessor, the ROG Ally X. With the next-generation Z2 Extreme under its hood, it’s anticipated that this handheld device will deliver exceptional performance. When fully optimized, it should offer some truly remarkable results. We’re eagerly awaiting the opportunity to test its capabilities. Previous rumors indicate that this chip could reach up to 35w, surpassing the 30w of the Z1E ROG Ally. Microsoft has stated that games such as the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded run smoothly at a steady 1080p 60 FPS on this device, providing an AAA console gaming experience.

ASUS ROG with a bit of Xbox design flair

The design of both Xbox Alloy and Xbox Alloy X clearly echoes that of ASUS ROG, featuring distinct angles and occasional ROG branding. However, Microsoft and ASUS have subtly incorporated Xbox-inspired elements throughout these products as well.

The device I’m referring to as “Xbox Ally ‘S'” features Xbox branding textures across its color scheme. Moreover, both devices incorporate the Xbox font in their ABYX buttons. They also share similarities with standard Xbox controllers in terms of triggers and joysticks. Additionally, an angled Xbox button is situated on the top left corner, emphasizing the partnership between them.

Initially, the large-looking handles on this gadget caused quite a stir. However, it’s now clear that they were designed with ergonomics in mind, as the device’s overall height has been adjusted to ensure easy access to all the bumpers and triggers. This design decision leverages Xbox and ASUS’s collective expertise. Microsoft and ASUS have informed us that the balance of this device has been significantly improved compared to earlier versions of ROG Ally, focusing on comfort for prolonged use without causing fatigue. The handles are designed so that your index and middle fingers can easily reach the bumpers and triggers, while your ring and little fingers provide stability. It’s worth noting that both devices also feature back buttons for additional inputs.

Without a doubt, it seems that the most significant aspect of the “Xbox” lies in its software, offering a significantly enhanced user experience, based on my observations.

A massively enhanced Windows 11 gaming experience

A standout aspect of this device, the Xbox Ally, is that it currently boasts an exclusive partnership with Windows 11 and the Xbox app. This union brings unique features that significantly improve performance and minimize operating system burdens. Although Microsoft plans to extend these new Xbox app functionalities and Windows 11 gaming aspects to devices like the Lenovo Legion Go starting from early 2026, they will remain exclusive to the Xbox Ally and its counterpart, the Xbox Ally X, during their developmental phase.

Microsoft aims to allow users on Xbox Ally to access most of Windows 11 functionalities without requiring a touchscreen or keyboard. Whether this is a distinct version of Windows 11 or not remains uncertain, but based on observations, it appears to be a separate entity.

On both Xbox Alloy and Xbox Alloy X, you can now navigate past the Windows 11 lockscreen using a controller, marking a new milestone for Windows systems. However, the real magic happens once you’ve logged in.

For the first time, the new Xbox app allows you to switch it to a full-screen view similar to Steam. However, this isn’t just about appearance. When in full-screen mode, the Xbox app will halt all Windows 11 tasks, including the Desktop, thereby reducing power consumption during idle or standby periods by approximately two thirds. Additionally, it frees up around 2GB of RAM to be used directly by your games. Microsoft anticipates that these benefits are just the beginning, with more improvements expected as we approach the holiday release window of 2025.

In full-screen mode, the Xbox app on Windows 11 temporarily disables certain mouse and keyboard functionalities that are typical of traditional Windows interfaces. However, this doesn’t impair your ability to multitask. Even with the Desktop closed in this mode, you can still open applications and programs using the new Xbox Game Bar. A novel alt-tab interface allows seamless navigation between these apps, whether you’re accessing YouTube through Chrome or Edge, or using Discord itself, all without needing to switch back to the Desktop environment.

This development for Windows 11 is quite significant, as it’s not difficult to imagine this new mode potentially expanding to various devices, such as tablets, smart TVs, and maybe even smartphones. However, we are still in the early stages. Microsoft emphasized that they anticipate even greater performance improvements with these features as they continue to develop them.

It’s not quite an Xbox handheld, but we’re getting there

In simpler terms, it’s important to acknowledge that this device is primarily designed for PC gaming. For Xbox enthusiasts, this implies the vast majority of your favorite Xbox games may not work on this system, unless they are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program. While there are many games available under Xbox Play Anywhere, most AAA titles or popular indie games bypass the Xbox PC platform entirely, ignoring Xbox Play Anywhere altogether. However, the Xbox Alloy and Xbox Alloy X can still access Steam and Steam Big Picture mode in full screen, as well as other platforms like GOG and Epic Games.

Regardless of the approach, this marks the initial phase in realizing the ambition of a portable device akin to an Xbox, capable of running all your Xbox games. It’s plausible that more and more games will align with Xbox Play Anywhere as Microsoft expands its Xbox PC marketplace, which offers developers 88% of their game earnings, compared to Steam’s 70%.

The work Microsoft has done on Windows 11 is exceptionally intriguing for the gaming and consumer market overall. This is particularly true given the emergence of SteamOS on devices like the Steam Deck, which has motivated Microsoft to significantly enhance the gaming experience for users. The adaptability of Windows continues to be its greatest strength, but this versatility often comes at a price—and that price is performance. If these new improvements to Windows 11 can extend battery life and performance in ways comparable to SteamOS, we could be looking at an ideal portable PC gaming device that takes full advantage of Windows’ adaptability without any performance drawbacks.

… Providing the price is right, of course. Prep your wallets, gamers.

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2025-06-08 20:10