GUIDE: XBOX Handheld from ROG Ally

June 8, 2025 Joshua Brunhoff

The ROG Xbox Ally: Your Comprehensive Guide to Microsoft and ASUS's New Handheld Gaming Powerhouse

The landscape of handheld gaming is set to evolve with the highly anticipated release of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X this holiday season. A groundbreaking collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS, these devices aren't merely a rebranding but a dedicated effort to deliver a seamless Xbox-centric experience within a powerful Windows 11 handheld. Designed for both casual players and avid enthusiasts, the ROG Xbox Ally promises to bring your favorite games wherever you go, leveraging the vast Xbox ecosystem and the open nature of PC gaming.

Here, we delve into the top 25 questions surrounding this innovative handheld, providing an expert-level overview of its capabilities, features, and what it means for the future of portable gaming.

1. What exactly is the ROG Xbox Ally?
The ROG Xbox Ally is a new line of handheld gaming devices resulting from a partnership between Microsoft and ASUS. It runs on Windows 11 but is heavily optimized with an Xbox-branded user interface and dedicated features to offer a console-like Xbox experience in a portable form factor.

2. Are there different versions of the ROG Xbox Ally?
Yes, there are two variants: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. The "X" model is the more premium version with enhanced specifications.

3. What are the key hardware differences between the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X?
The standard ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, features 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. In contrast, the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts the more powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, doubles the storage to 1TB, and increases RAM to 24GB. The Ally X also has a larger 80Wh battery compared to the Ally's 60Wh battery, and its USB-C port is compatible with Thunderbolt 4.

4. What processors do these new handhelds use?
The ROG Xbox Ally utilizes the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, designed to balance performance and power consumption. The ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with the AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor, which allows for higher performance and future AI features.

5. What is the display like on the ROG Xbox Ally models?
Both models feature a seven-inch 1080p (FHD) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. They also include anti-reflection displays with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and support FreeSync Premium.

6. What operating system do the ROG Xbox Ally devices run?
Both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X run on Windows 11. Microsoft has optimized the operating system for handheld use, with a focus on easy navigation with a controller.

7. How has Windows 11 been optimized for these handhelds?
Windows 11 has been optimized to be easy to use from the moment the device powers on. This includes a retooled Xbox app UI that provides a full-screen, console-like experience, and adjustments to the lock screen and task switcher for controller navigation. There's also an exclusive version of Windows 11 and the Xbox app that offers significant performance improvements and reduced OS overhead, though these features are exclusive to the Xbox Ally devices initially.

8. What unique Xbox-specific features are integrated into the handhelds?
The ROG Xbox Ally devices feature a dedicated physical Xbox button that provides access to an enhanced Game Bar overlay, allowing quick switching between apps and games, and access to chat and settings. They also come with contoured grips designed with Xbox Wireless Controller principles and optimized accessibility features from Xbox consoles and PCs.

9. Can I play my existing Xbox games on the ROG Xbox Ally?
Yes, you can. The devices support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning a single purchase allows you to play with synced progress and achievements across Xbox console, PC, and the Xbox Ally. You can also access your full Xbox console library through Remote Play.

10. Do these handhelds support Xbox Game Pass?
Absolutely. There is deep Game Pass integration, and both editions can natively play the full PC Game Pass library. New purchasers may also receive a free Game Pass trial.

11. Can I play games from other PC storefronts besides Xbox?
Yes, the ROG Xbox Ally is not locked to the Xbox ecosystem. It is fully compatible with Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts, allowing you to access an aggregated gaming library.

12. Does the ROG Xbox Ally support cloud gaming?
Yes, the ROG Xbox Ally supports Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), allowing you to stream games without needing to install them, provided you have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a stable internet connection. Cloud gaming can also lead to longer battery life as the device isn't performing intensive local processing.

13. What are the benefits of cloud gaming on the ROG Xbox Ally?
Cloud gaming offers several advantages, including instant access to a massive and diverse library of games without lengthy downloads or installations, reduced reliance on the handheld's internal storage, and the ability to play graphically demanding AAA games without needing the best local hardware. It also consumes less power, potentially extending battery life.

14. Are there any limitations or requirements for cloud gaming?
The primary limitation is the need for a stable and high-speed internet connection, as slower connections can lead to lag, stuttering, or disconnections. You also cannot change graphic settings when playing games via cloud streaming.

15. When will the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X be released?
Both handhelds are slated to launch during Holiday 2025 in select markets, with additional markets to follow.

16. How much will the ROG Xbox Ally cost?
Pricing details have not yet been revealed by Microsoft or ASUS.

17. What kind of battery life can I expect from these devices?
The ROG Xbox Ally comes with a 60Wh battery, while the ROG Xbox Ally X features a larger 80Wh battery, indicating potentially longer playtimes for the premium model. Microsoft highlights that the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor in the standard Ally balances performance and power consumption to maximize battery life.

18. Can I expand the storage on the ROG Xbox Ally?
Yes, both models include a microSD card reader for additional storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X's reader supports UHS-II and UHS-I (via DDR200). Additionally, the internal SSD can be swapped out for a larger M.2 2280 drive, which is a more common slot on the new Xbox Ally compared to the original ROG Ally.

19. What connectivity options do they offer?
Both ROG Xbox Ally models feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. They also have two USB-C ports with support for DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0. The Xbox Ally X further distinguishes itself with one of its USB-C ports being compatible with Thunderbolt 4. A 3.5mm combo audio jack is also present.

20. Do the ROG Xbox Ally devices have haptic feedback and motion controls?
Yes, both systems boast "HD haptics." The standard Xbox Ally has hall effect analog triggers, while the Xbox Ally X features "impulse triggers for enhanced control," similar to PlayStation's DualSense. They also include a 6-axis IMU, suggesting support for gyro controls.

21. Are there any dedicated buttons or controls beyond the standard Xbox layout?
Beyond the dedicated Xbox button, the handhelds have four additional option buttons: View, Menu, Library, and Commander Center. They also include two remappable back buttons.

22. Can I connect the ROG Xbox Ally to an external display?
Yes, both models support outputting video to a TV or monitor via their USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 support.

23. Will all games from the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 be playable on the ROG Xbox Ally?
Xbox head Sarah Bond confirmed that every game shown at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 will be playable on the Xbox Ally, though it was not explicitly stated if all would run natively or if some would require cloud streaming.

24. How does the ROG Xbox Ally compare to the original ASUS ROG Ally?
While both run Windows 11 and can access the same PC storefronts, the ROG Xbox Ally benefits from Microsoft's deep integration and optimization of the Xbox experience, including a dedicated Xbox button and a retooled UI. The new models also feature improved grips and a more common M.2 2280 SSD slot for easier upgrades. Performance-wise, the original ROG Ally with the Z1 Extreme processor might be more powerful than the base Xbox ROG Ally's Z2 A, but the Xbox Ally X with its Z2 Extreme processor is expected to be a performance powerhouse.