During the recent Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest, Microsoft officially unveiled its collaboration with ASUS’ ROG division, confirming the long-rumored gaming handheld devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. While the company has yet to disclose pricing details, it is anticipated that these devices will be priced similarly to the current ROG Ally systems, which can reach up to 0 for the ROG Ally X. Further information regarding costs, pre-orders, and accessories will be shared in the near future.
Availability and Game Compatibility
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch this holiday season, with initial availability in a wide array of countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, among others. Xbox head Sarah Bond emphasized that every game showcased will be playable on the Xbox Ally, although it remains unclear if all titles will run natively on the devices. Notably, the reveal trailer highlighted Hollow Knight: Silksong, reaffirming its release within the year.
Importantly, Microsoft and ROG are not restricting these devices to Xbox games alone. Users will have the flexibility to play titles from various platforms, including Battle.net, Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. The integration of Game Pass and support for the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative allows for seamless gameplay across multiple devices, ensuring that progress is synchronized after a single purchase.
Innovative Features and User Experience
In a significant development, Microsoft has partnered with Roblox to enable native gameplay on a handheld for the first time. The company is also collaborating with third-party developers to identify games optimized for handheld play, akin to the Steam Deck’s approach. For those new to Game Pass, a complimentary trial will be available for Xbox Ally and Ally X purchasers.
The handhelds feature a full-screen Xbox user interface, complete with a dedicated physical Xbox button that opens a Game Bar overlay for easy navigation between apps and games. Accessibility features from Xbox consoles and PCs will be included, enhancing the overall user experience.
Technical Specifications and Design
Both models run on Windows 11, optimized for handheld use, and provide straightforward access to device controls via ASUS’ Armoury Crate. The Xbox Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, while the more powerful Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Each device includes a microSD card reader, alleviating concerns about proprietary storage costs.
Both handhelds share a seven-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and supporting FreeSync Premium. The systems also feature “HD haptics,” with the Xbox Ally incorporating hall effect analog triggers and the Xbox Ally X offering impulse triggers for enhanced control. Both models are designed with ergonomic grips inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller.
Dimensions and Connectivity
In terms of size, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X measure 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm, weighing in at 670g and 715g respectively. While they are heavier than competitors like the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation Portal, their ergonomic design aims to provide a more comfortable gaming experience. Both systems support video output to a TV or monitor through two USB-C ports, with the Xbox Ally X featuring a ThunderBolt 4 compatible port and a larger battery capacity of 80Wh compared to the Xbox Ally’s 60Wh.
Microsoft’s venture into the handheld gaming market marks a strategic expansion of the Xbox ecosystem, aiming to compete with established players like PlayStation and Nintendo. As the gaming landscape evolves, the Xbox Ally and Ally X promise to bring a new level of versatility and accessibility to gamers around the world.
