Following several months of anticipation, we’ve received confirmation that both versions of the Xbox Ally – the standard model and the high-end Xbox Ally X – will be released on October 16, 2025.
Although it’s not quite ready yet, with a few more weeks to go before launch, this is where you can satisfy your curiosity and anticipation for acquiring one of these gadgets.
As I write this, it appears that Best Buy has posted listings for the Xbox Allies handhelds, but currently, they aren’t accepting preorders, and the actual prices of these gadgets have yet to be disclosed.
Alternatively, you can follow my steps by clicking the provided links, and afterward, click on the “Notify Me” button. This action will cause Best Buy to send you an email notification once the handhelds become available in stock.
Should I get the Xbox Ally or the Xbox Ally X?
Before I explain the differences between these two Windows handhelds, take a gander at the specs.
Category | Xbox Ally | Xbox Ally X |
Color | White | Black |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
Architecture / Graphics | 4x Zen2 architecture, 12x RDNA2 CU | 8x core, 16x threads w/ XNDA2 NPU, 16x RDNA3.5 CU |
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 |
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 | October 16, 2025 | October 16, 2025 |
Price | Unknown | Unknown |
It’s worth mentioning that while both the white and black versions of the Xbox Alloy cater to gaming, they offer distinct experiences tailored to various gaming requirements.
If you’re looking for a gaming device on a tight budget, consider the portable white Xbox Ally, which comes with less expensive specifications compared to other models. Since these devices haven’t hit the market yet, we haven’t had a chance to test them out and compare their performance. However, as soon as they become available, we will carry out those tests.
For top-notch handheld gaming performance, opt for the Xbox Ally X. This model boasts an advanced Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with eight cores and 16 threads compared to the four cores and eight threads in the standard Xbox Ally’s Ryzen Z2 A processor. Moreover, having greater RAM and storage capacity enhances the system’s performance for a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, it offers a 33% larger battery capacity, which could contribute to longer unplugged operation if the design allows it.
As a researcher examining these two devices, I’ve found that while there are differences in their external casing colors, memory capacity, storage, and processors, many of their underlying features remain remarkably similar.

The two models share a similarity in their grip design, which is modeled after the official Xbox Wireless Controller, and they both boast 7-inch FHD IPS touchscreens. Additionally, they deliver the same high-quality audio through dual amp speakers. Furthermore, they employ Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity technologies for seamless connectivity.
Another significant distinction lies in the fact that the standard Xbox Ally offers two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, whereas the Xbox Ally X comes equipped with a USB4 Type-C port supporting Thunderbolt 4 technology and an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port.
Just in case you weren’t aware, while they may share a USB-C connector, a USB4 Thunderbolt 4 port provides significantly faster rates for video, data transfer, and power supply compared to regular setups.
What can an Xbox Ally handheld do?

The Xbox Alloy and Xbox Alloy X are two devices running on Windows 11, offering a gaming experience similar to a laptop, but with the convenience of controllers rather than a keyboard and mouse.
This implies that the device offers you the opportunity to utilize numerous gaming services and applications. To put it simply, you can enjoy playing games from platforms like Steam, Epic Game Store, Battle.net, Xbox App, and many others provided that the Xbox Ally handheld satisfies the specific game’s system requirements.
Microsoft has unveiled a new program called the Handheld Compatibility Program. This program will label games that are optimized for handheld devices as “Handheld Optimized,” while those that work well but may have some issues will be marked as “Mainly Compatible.
Besides this, Microsoft introduced Performance Fit ratings for games on Xbox Series S/X. These ratings indicate how smoothly a game will perform, categorized as either “Plays well” or “Plays best.
As an analyst, I can affirm that this dual-system compatibility is designed specifically to aid me in selecting the ideal games for my Xbox Ally portable gaming device. This feature will guide my choices, ensuring a perfect match and an engaging gaming experience.
As a tech-savvy gamer, I’m all about convenience! With a compatible dock, you can kick back on the couch and play your favorite games using a connected controller – no need to even get up from your cozy spot!
Or, if you prefer a more traditional setup, you can connect the handheld device directly to a monitor and use it just like a regular computer. The choice is yours!
As an analyst, I’d rephrase it as: Beyond their gaming capabilities, Xbox Ally handhelds are also compatible with running most PC software. With a keyboard connected, such as the Artcietty Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard (available on Amazon for $34.43), you can efficiently type documents or browse the web, much like using a laptop.
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2025-08-22 14:10