Don’t call it a ROG XBox Ally X Xbox S One X Handheld, but it might be
Today at its annual Summer showcase, Microsoft revealed its first Xbox partner device. The ROG (Republic of Gamers) Xbox Ally is a handheld device that runs a version of Windows 11 specified for portable form factors.
And, because it’s Windows based, it’ll run more than just Xbox games, too. Perhaps one of the bigger selling features of the device is that it will also natively be able to run Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store and more, which means that folk who own games on all those platforms now will have one combined handheld place to access them.
The device will actually come in two flavors, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. The Ally matches the white of the Xbox Series S and the X matches the black/gray of the Series X. That should let people know which one is more powerful (and likely more expensive).
Here are the technical deets from Microsoft:
ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
| 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 for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| 670g | 715g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
The device is heavier than the Steam Deck with a slightly smaller screen than that and the Switch 2. Microsoft seems to understand how more and more gamers are interested in interacting with the hobby, so they’re not tasking ROG with developing the most powerful handheld just yet. However, they did note that the platform will be capable of playing all of Microsoft’s upcoming games, which should be a blessing for fans. Another important aspect of the device is that because it’s Windows-based it’s not utlizing the Xbox console’s OS and backend, so it won’t be the console versions of the games that people are going to be playing.
There’s no word on if the device will have a specific dock, a la the Steamdeck and the Switch 2, but Microsoft promises that there will be more news on accessories coming soon.
This could usher in the full Windows-ification of Xbox as is pushes towards developing and releasing their NEXT actual console.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have no release date or pricing yet, but are due later this year.
More: Xbox announcement
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