The Xbox Ally and Ally X: A Tale of Two Handhelds
Microsoft's Upcoming Handheld Gaming Device Posed to Revolutionize Windows Gaming Experience
Stepping into the realm of handheld gaming, Microsoft unveils their first-ever consoles - the Xbox Ally and Ally X. As the handheld PC market thrives with names like Steam Deck, Microsoft teamed up with ASUS to create devices that elevate Windows' background role, focusing on a gaming-centric UI for a smoother experience.
Two Devices, Two Options
The offerings come in two distinct models catering to various gaming enthusiasts:
- The standard Xbox Ally, armed with AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage, perfect for casual players and cloud gaming enthusiasts. Its priority is 720p gaming and Game Pass streaming.
- The Xbox Ally X ramps up the game with AMD's Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB storage, tailored to deliver native 1080p performance for more demanding titles.
Both devices boast a 7-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rates and anti-reflection coating. They also showcase Xbox-inspired contoured grips, a nod to the console's iconic controllers, making them look like a stretched screen between a pair of Xbox controllers.
A Changed Gaming Experience
While hardware remains exciting, the software takes center stage. The Xbox Ally promises a PC gaming experience without the hassle of navigating desktop menus using thumbsticks. Its full-screen Xbox experience hides Windows initially, booting directly into an aggregated gaming library that scans Xbox, Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and other storefronts.
An enhanced Game Bar overlay, accessible via the dedicated Xbox button, ensures easy app switching, settings adjustments, and social features, all navigable with thumbsticks rather than relying on a touchscreen. Microsoft asserts they have cut down on background processes that typically drain battery and performance, dedicating more resources solely to gaming.
Building on a Foundation
This marks a significant step forward for the ROG Ally series, which has already emerged as a top-tier Windows handheld, thanks to its debut two years ago. The standard model boasts a 50% bump in battery capacity (60Wh) compared to the original ROG Ally, while the Ally X model boasts an 80Wh pack, matching the largest batteries currently found in handhelds.
The Ally X also introduces impulse triggers utilizing haptic feedback technology, enhancing the tactile experience in games, much like that enjoyed by Xbox gamers for years. This provides an edge over the Steam Deck's more basic controls.
Both versions come equipped with USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort, and the Ally X offers Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, enabling external GPU connections via ASUS's XG Mobile system.
Competition Heats Up
Confirmed releases of the Nintendo Switch 2 may pose some competition, particularly for gamers planning to buy both but only have the budget for one. Regardless, the year promises to be exhilarating for gamers.
Tech Specs
- Models: ROG Xbox Ally & ROG Xbox Ally X
- Display: 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with anti-reflection coating
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C with DisplayPort
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Ally), AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Ally X)
- Memory: 16GB (Ally), 24GB (Ally X)
- Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD (Ally), 1TB M.2 SSD (Ally X)
- Dimensions: 11.45" x 4.78" x 2"
- Audio: 3.5mm combo jack, HD haptics
- Release Date: Late 2025
- Price: TBA
Pricing & Release
While Microsoft remains tight-lipped about the pricing, if the Xbox Ally can match or beat the $400+ price of the Steam Deck, they might clinch a big victory. Pre-orders for both Ally models will commence this holiday season. stays under wraps, as prices have not been officially released yet.
- The Xbox Ally series, with its advanced technology and sleek style, positions itself as a worthy competitor in the market of gadgets, with the Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds offering more than just gaming, but an all-encompassing experience that includes vices such as watching movies and streaming music.
- As the handheld PC market evolves, the Xbox Ally and Ally X, with their impressive tech specs, shiny screens, and Xbox-inspired design, serve as the epitome of high-tech gadgets, blurring the line between style and substance, making them not just devices for gaming, but fashionable accessories for the modern tech enthusiast.
