Microsoft unveils new Xbox handheld gaming console – All the details
Microsoft and ASUS have announced two new portable gaming consoles – the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
The ROG Xbox Ally is aimed at the mainstream gaming market, catering to everyone from more casual gamers to enthusiasts. The ROG Xbox Ally X is a high-performance device with more impressive specifications designed to appeal to avid gamers.
These new devices promise to bring the best of Xbox gaming to a handheld form factor, allowing players to play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their home Xbox console.
Both devices run Windows 11, which Microsoft said it has optimised to be performant and easy to use from the portable devices. The operating system includes support for an aggregated gaming library, with players able to access their games from leading PC storefronts, not just the Xbox app.
As they run Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are able to use apps like Discord, navigate browser interfaces, and a host of other applications that can run on standard Windows PCs.
All your PC games in one place
By default, the portable consoles will boot into a full-screen Xbox interface, which provides access to an aggregated gaming library that includes the titles you have installed from other platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games store.
“With this new feature, your Xbox library, hundreds of Game Pass titles (membership required), and all your installed games from other PC game stores are always at your fingertips,” Microsoft said.
“We’re also making handheld gaming more seamless through our investment in Xbox Play Anywhere. With support for over 1,000 games, a single purchase means you can play with Xbox, including your progress and achievements, across Xbox console, PC and Xbox Ally—at no additional cost.”
While there is no pricing or launch date announced for the new devices yet, users can sign up for pre-orders from the Xbox website.
As an indication of how much these new consoles could potentially cost, the previous-generation ROG Ally and ROG Ally X currently sell for roughly £500 and £800, respectively.
Below are images of the new consoles and a comparison of their specifications.
ROG Xbox Ally
ROG Xbox Ally X
Specifications Comparison
| Specifications | 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 |
