Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X
ASUS Republic of Gamers has unveiled two new handheld devices developed in collaboration with Xbox: the ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X. Designed more as portable Windows 11 machines than traditional consoles, they aim to fuse PC performance with the Xbox ecosystem, including Game Pass and Xbox Remote Play. These devices are already open for pre-order in several markets, with Romania among the highlighted regions.
What they are and how they work
Positioned as handheld-PCs rather than classic consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally family provides a Windows 11 experience on the go, while offering tight integration with Xbox services. The devices leverage a Windows 11 Home base, but ASUS and Microsoft have collaborated on a dedicated “Xbox full-screen” mode that recreates a console-like interface. This enables a more streamlined, game-optimized experience while preserving the flexibility of Windows for other apps and tasks. In practice, gamers can switch between PC-style productivity tools and console-style gaming without rebooting or switching devices.
Display and performance
Both models feature a 7-inch IPS touchscreen with Full HD resolution (1080p) and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals even in fast-paced titles. A key feature is support for FreeSync Premium, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stutter during action-heavy moments. The display quality and high refresh rate are crucial for gamers who expect responsive input and crisp image detail in handheld form factors.
Versions and hardware differences
The ROG Xbox Ally X represents the higher-spec option within the lineup. It ships with 24 GB of RAM and a 1 TB internal SSD, delivering substantial headroom for multitasking, large updates, and storage for higher-end games and media. By contrast, the standard ROG Xbox Ally arrives with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD, offering a strong balance of performance and portability for most gamers who don’t require the maximum memory and storage capacity.
Design and ergonomics
In terms of design, the devices emphasize ergonomic comfort with textured grips to reduce fatigue during long sessions on the move. The Ally X goes a step further by incorporating impulse triggers that provide vibration feedback in the shooting actions, adding to immersion in compatible games. The overall build is aimed at long-format handheld use, with careful attention to grip texture, weight distribution, and control placement.
Operating system and Xbox integration
Both handhelds run Windows 11 Home, but the collaboration with Microsoft yields an Xbox-centered experience when in use with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Remote Play. The interface tweak aims to offer console-like simplicity during gaming while retaining the full Windows capabilities for other uses. This dual approach is designed to attract players who want PC-level flexibility alongside a familiar Xbox ecosystem.
Availability and pricing
ASUS has announced that both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are available for pre-order, with Romania among the countries included in early availability. Prices start from around 3,200 RON, reflecting the premium nature of these handheld PCs and the integrated Xbox features. Availability may vary by region, but pre-orders indicate a quick ramp-up in supply for eager enthusiasts.
Why this matters for portable gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally family represents a notable shift in how handheld gaming hardware can be positioned. By combining Windows 11 with Xbox ecosystem integration, ASUS provides a bridge between PC gaming and console services in a portable form factor. The 7-inch display, high refresh rate, FreeSync support, and the option of substantial RAM and storage in the Ally X position this family as a viable alternative for gamers who want powerful portable devices without sacrificing access to PC software and libraries.
What to expect next
As pre-orders continue, consumers will be watching for real-world performance benchmarks, battery life metrics, and regional shipping timelines. With the Xbox fullscreen mode and seamless access to Game Pass, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X could redefine expectations for portable gaming. For more details, readers can follow updates from ASUS press material and Infogadget coverage as launch plans unfold.
