Introduction
The world of handheld gaming is evolving faster than ever, and 2025 might be its most revolutionary year yet. At the highly anticipated Summer Game Fest 2025, Microsoft in collaboration with ASUS officially revealed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. This isn’t just another gaming device—this is Microsoft’s first true entry into handheld gaming hardware, built on Windows 11 and loaded with features that give it a distinct edge over rivals like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch OLED.
In this comprehensive article, we break down everything you need to know about the ROG Xbox Ally X—features, specs, pricing across major regions, and whether this next-gen machine is worth your money.
The Birth of a New Xbox Era
For years, Xbox fans have dreamed of a portable console that could deliver a true Xbox experience on the go. Steam Deck and ROG Ally showed it’s possible, but Microsoft took it to the next level with the Ally X. The company didn’t just slap the Xbox name onto a portable PC. Instead, they worked hand-in-hand with ASUS to deliver a system that combines PC flexibility with Xbox simplicity, all inside a sleek, powerful, and gamer-first design.
The ROG Ally X runs full Windows 11, but with Xbox Game Bar, Quick Resume, and Game Pass Ultimate deeply integrated—making it feel more like an Xbox than a PC.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Ally X retains much of what made the original ROG Ally impressive, but with a refined touch. The body feels more solid and ergonomic, thanks to better weight distribution. ASUS made slight adjustments to the grip and buttons, making it more comfortable for long sessions.
- Weight: 678g
- Dimensions: 280 x 111 x 21.2 mm
- Matte black finish
The front is dominated by a 7-inch FHD IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, making games look vibrant and sharp even under direct light.
Hardware and Performance
This is where the Ally X truly shines. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, the system features RDNA 3 graphics and a dedicated AI engine that helps optimize performance and battery life dynamically.
Key Performance Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Graphics: AMD RDNA 3 GPU
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Display: 7″ FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz
- Battery: 80Wh (33% larger than original Ally)
- Operating System: Windows 11 (Xbox-tuned UI)
Benchmark leaks suggest performance improvements of up to 30% over the Steam Deck in many AAA titles, especially when combined with the Windows-based ecosystem.
True Xbox Integration
Unlike traditional Windows handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts full Xbox-style UI and software integration:
- Xbox Game Bar for quick access to performance tools and social features
- Quick Resume lets you hop between multiple games
- Xbox Cloud Gaming support
- Native support for Xbox accessories like controllers and headsets
Whether you want to play Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, or even stream Starfield from your Series X—Ally X handles it all.
Comparison: ROG Ally X vs. ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck OLED
| Feature | ROG Ally | ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z1/Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme | AMD APU Zen 2 |
| GPU | RDNA 3 | RDNA 3 + AI Boost | RDNA 2 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 24GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB | 1TB | 512GB – 1TB |
| Display | 120Hz IPS | 120Hz IPS | 90Hz OLED |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh | 50Wh |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Xbox UI | SteamOS |
| Game Pass Support | Yes | Native | Web Only |
| Price | ~$699 | $899 (est.) | ~$649 |
Estimated Pricing by Region
As of now, official pricing is yet to be fully confirmed, but based on credible sources and ASUS’ typical pricing strategies, here’s what you can expect:
| Country | Estimated Price (ROG Ally X) |
| 🇺🇸 USA | $799 – $899 USD |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | €849 – €999 EUR |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ¥114,800 – ¥128,000 JPY |
| 🇮🇳 India | ₹74,999 – ₹84,999 INR |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | Rs. 124,999 – Rs. 139,999 NPR (Unofficial import) |
Prices may vary depending on taxes, shipping, and regional retailer policies.
Games and Ecosystem Compatibility
Thanks to its full Windows 11 OS, the Ally X is capable of running:
- Xbox Game Pass games
- Steam games
- Epic Games Store
- Battle.net, EA Play, GOG and more
This makes it one of the most versatile handheld gaming devices ever built. And unlike the Steam Deck, you don’t need to worry about compatibility layers or Linux workarounds.
Battery Life
The upgraded 80Wh battery allows:
- 4–8 hours of gameplay depending on settings
- Up to 12 hours in power saver + cloud gaming mode
With smart thermal management, ASUS has also improved fan noise and cooling. The Ally X remains cool and quiet even during intense gaming.
Should You Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X?
If you want the ultimate Xbox handheld that also functions as a full Windows gaming PC, the Ally X is a no-brainer. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros
- Seamless Xbox + PC hybrid gaming
- Gorgeous 120Hz screen
- Huge performance boost
- Best battery in its class
- Access to every major game library
Cons
- Pricier than Steam Deck
- Windows 11 still not fully optimized for touch UI
- No cellular/5G variant
Where to Buy
The ROG Ally X will be available at launch through:
Pre-orders are expected to go live in late Q3 2025.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft and ASUS have redefined what handheld gaming can be. The ROG Xbox Ally X brings together the best of both worlds—the power of a PC and the simplicity of a console. With Game Pass baked in, premium specs, and sleek design, it’s clear this device isn’t just here to play—it’s here to win.
Whether you’re a casual gamer, Game Pass addict, or a tech enthusiast—this is the handheld to watch in 2025.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I play PlayStation or Nintendo games on it?
Yes, through emulation or cloud platforms.
Q2: Will it support VR?
It has the power for basic PC VR, but it’s not the intended use.
Q3: Can I use it for work?
Absolutely. It runs Windows 11, so you can install Office, browse, and multitask.
Q4: Is it upgradeable?
Storage is likely upgradeable; RAM is soldered. External GPU support possible via USB4/Thunderbolt.
Q5: Is this better than the Steam Deck?
For Xbox fans and Windows gamers—yes. For Linux/open-source users—maybe not.