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Announcing the New ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Ally X Gaming Handhelds
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Introduction
ASUS is back with a bang — and this time, it’s doubling down on portable gaming. Say hello to the ROG Xbox Ally and its new, enhanced sibling, the ROG Ally X. These Windows-based gaming handhelds are the latest additions to a rapidly evolving market that’s redefining how and where we play.
Whether you’re a mobile-first gamer, a PC enthusiast looking for flexibility, or someone just tired of being tethered to a desk, the ROG Ally lineup promises power, portability, and premium performance. Let’s explore what’s new, what’s better, and why these devices might just be 2025’s most exciting handhelds yet.
Why the Handheld Gaming Market Is Booming
Before diving into specs, it’s worth asking: why the explosion in handheld PC gaming?
- Cloud gaming is more accessible
- Players want PC power without a full rig
- Decks, Ally, and Legion Go sparked mainstream interest
- Windows compatibility brings unmatched game library access
💡 With Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and cloud platforms available, handhelds like the Ally series are becoming true gaming Swiss Army knives.
ROG Xbox Ally vs ROG Ally X – What’s New?
Let’s break down the evolution from the original Ally to the enhanced Ally X:
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Same, slightly better thermals |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Battery | 40 Wh | 80 Wh (double!) |
| Cooling | Dual-fan system | Enhanced fan + heat dissipation |
| Weight | ~608g | Slightly heavier (~678g) |
| Color | White | Stealth Black |
| Software | Armoury Crate SE | Updated UI, faster boot |
| Compatibility | Windows 11, Xbox App, Steam | Same (plug-and-play) |
🧠 Summary: The Ally X doesn’t reinvent — it refines. Bigger battery, more RAM, and storage make it the version power users were waiting for.
Design & Build: Sleek Meets Functional
- Both models sport a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz touchscreen
- Gorilla Glass DXC adds anti-glare and scratch resistance
- Thumbsticks and D-pad feel responsive and sturdy
- Ergonomic rear grips improved on the Ally X for longer play
🎨 The matte stealth black of the Ally X appeals to gamers who want something more low-profile than the original white.
Battery Life: Finally, a True Upgrade
The biggest complaint about the original ROG Ally was its battery — under 2 hours for demanding titles. The Ally X addresses that head-on:
- 80 Wh battery (double the original)
- Up to 6–8 hours for indie or 2D titles
- Around 3.5 hours of AAA gaming on balanced settings
- USB-C fast charging supported
🔋 For a handheld running full Windows and AAA titles, this is a notable leap forward.
Performance in Games: What Can It Run?
✅ With the AMD Z1 Extreme chip, you can comfortably run:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Elden Ring
- Starfield
- Forza Horizon 5
- Hades II
- Valorant (w/ tweaks)
- Cloud games like Halo Infinite, CoD MWIII via Xbox Game Pass
🧠 Most titles hit 40–60 FPS at 720p–1080p with settings adjusted. Upscalers like FSR 3.0 improve visuals and framerate simultaneously.
Upgrades That Matter: Ally X Advantages
Here’s what sets the ROG Ally X apart:
- 24GB RAM allows smoother multitasking (stream, Discord, browser tabs)
- 1TB SSD means fewer sacrifices on game installs
- Thermal redesign = quieter fans + cooler chassis
- Battery lets you game away from a charger for longer
🎯 For creators, multitaskers, and heavy gamers, the X hits the sweet spot.
What About Xbox Integration?
Despite the name, the « ROG Xbox Ally » isn’t a console — but it’s Xbox-approved:
- Comes pre-installed with Xbox App & Game Pass
- Supports Cloud Gaming and remote play
- Recognized as a verified Xbox controller in Windows
- Seamlessly connects to Xbox Cloud saves and achievements
🎮 It’s a full Xbox experience — in your hands.
Streaming, Docking, and Beyond
Yes, you can turn your Ally into a full PC:
- Use a USB-C dock to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse
- Pair with OBS Studio for live streaming
- Add an external SSD or GPU (via USB 4.0 dock, not eGPU)
🖥️ It’s a handheld, a console, and a PC — all in one.
Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X?
✅ Ideal for:
- Gamers who want Windows flexibility on-the-go
- Those who missed the Steam Deck OLED restock
- Streamers or multitaskers needing more RAM
- Content creators on a mobile workflow
- Students, travelers, commuters who want gaming + productivity
❌ Maybe skip if:
- You’re only into retro or cloud gaming
- You already own a Steam Deck OLED
- You want ultra-high-end desktop performance
Conclusion: ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X — Mobile Gaming, Leveled Up
The ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t just build on its predecessor — it fixes its most criticized points. Double the battery, more RAM, bigger storage, and better cooling make this the true flagship of handheld Windows gaming.
In 2025, this isn’t just a competitor to the Steam Deck or Legion Go — it’s a serious contender for the future of portable computing.
💡 Whether you want to game, create, or stream anywhere, the ROG Ally X might be your next favorite companion.
FAQ – ROG Ally vs Ally X
Is the Ally X more powerful than the Ally?
Technically, the chip is the same. But with better cooling, RAM, and battery, real-world performance is smoother.
Can I upgrade the SSD myself?
Yes, both models allow SSD replacement — up to 2TB Gen 4 M.2 2230.
Do both models support Xbox Game Pass?
Absolutely. Xbox integration is built in via Windows 11.
What’s the screen refresh rate?
120Hz on both models — great for smooth gameplay and cloud streaming.
Do I need a dock to connect it to a monitor?
Yes, via USB-C or a 3rd party dock. ROG sells official accessories too.
