Microsoft and ASUS have officially revealed their latest innovation in portable gaming: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X. These two new handheld gaming PCs are part of Project Kennan, and they promise to revolutionize the mobile gaming space by combining high-end hardware with the power of Xbox and Windows.
A New Era of Portable Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X mark a significant leap in the evolution of portable consoles. Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, both devices feature a redesigned Xbox interface tailored for Windows 11, delivering an intuitive and fluid user experience on a 7-inch display.
The base model, ROG Xbox Ally, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes performance up a notch with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. Both models include a 7-inch 1080p screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR support, ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay.
Redesigned Xbox Interface with Full Game Store Access
One of the biggest innovations is the new Xbox app and Game Bar, completely redesigned to enhance navigation and accessibility. Players can control the entire system using the controller—logging in, launching games, switching apps, and adjusting settings—without ever touching the screen.
With a dedicated Xbox button, users instantly access the Xbox home interface, just like on a traditional console. At startup, the console opens directly into the Xbox app, showcasing a vast library of titles from Xbox Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, and others.
Additionally, both consoles support Xbox Cloud Gaming and remote play from an Xbox Series X, giving users access to an even broader range of titles from anywhere.
Ally X: The Premium Experience
For hardcore gamers and tech enthusiasts, the ROG Xbox Ally X brings more than just better specs. This version introduces advanced features such as haptic trigger feedback, mimicking the sensation of modern Xbox controllers. It also offers a USB-C 4 port with Thunderbolt 4, enabling external GPU connectivity for even more powerful gaming at home.
Another standout feature is the UHS-II card reader, making it easier to expand storage or transfer files quickly. When it comes to battery life, the Ally X leads with an impressive 80 Wh battery, while the standard Ally features a still-respectable 60 Wh capacity—both of which rank among the best in the portable gaming console category.
Designed for the Future
The collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS aims to push the boundaries of what portable gaming PCs can achieve. Not only are these devices powerful, but they also offer complete flexibility for players who want access to a variety of game ecosystems, including Xbox, Steam, and Epic Games.
The Xbox-themed interface gives the console a familiar yet fresh look, aligning it with Microsoft’s strategy of unifying the gaming experience across platforms. This could also be seen as a potential shift toward a future where Xbox gaming becomes even more hardware-agnostic.
Release and Availability
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are scheduled for release in winter 2025. While pricing details have yet to be announced, both companies have confirmed that more information will be released as the pre-order window approaches.
This move places Microsoft and ASUS in direct competition with other players in the handheld gaming market, such as Valve’s Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go. However, with deep Xbox integration, premium hardware, and a sleek design, the ROG Ally series might just set a new standard for mobile gaming.
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