Microsoft simply introduced the Xbox handheld I’ve at all times wished

At Xbox’s 2025 Games Showcase, Microsoft and Asus revealed two Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds that function extra highly effective AMD processors and improved integration with the Xbox app. Each ROG Xbox Ally portables are set to launch this coming vacation, however it’s unclear how a lot both will value. For context, the ROG Ally X is at the moment priced at $800 and the ROG Ally prices $500, so it is doubtless these new handhelds shall be priced above their predecessors.

Past the interior chip energy bump, the ROG Xbox Ally contains a barely completely different design with Xbox controller-like arms for a greater grip. Since I discover the ROG Ally X fairly uncomfortable and picked up dbrand’s Killswitch caseto attempt to remedy the difficulty, I am fascinated by seeing if this transformation makes the ROG Xbox Ally line simpler to carry.

Not a lot is understood about both Xbox-branded ROG handheld but past the leap from the ROG Ally X/ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor (the sooner model of the ROG Ally options the AMD Ryzen Z1). Beneath is a full record of every handheld’s specs:

• Dimensions

  290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm

  Model

  Asus

  Weight

  25oz (715g)

  Chipset

  AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Excessive Processor

  RAM

  24GB LPDDR5X-8000

  Storage

  1TB M.2 2280 SSD for simpler improve

  
  

• 

  Dimensions

  290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm

  Model

  Asus

  Weight

  23oz (670g)

  Chipset

  AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor

  RAM

  16GB LPDDR5X-6400

  Storage

  512GB M.2 2280 SSD

  
  

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I wasn’t expecting the ROG Ally X to outshine the Steam Deck quite this much

Each gaming handhelds have particular strengths and weaknesses, however usually, the ROG Ally X reigns supreme.

The brand new handhelds are the ROG Ally 2 in the whole lot however title

It is unclear what advantages the deeper Xbox integration presents

The brand new handhelds function a local Xbox app that enables customers to entry their Xbox video games and cloud libraries. Since you possibly can already set up the Xbox app on the ROG Ally and Ally X, it is unclear what benefits are supplied by the ROG Xbox Ally line past the devoted Xbox app button on the left facet.

In an Xbox Wire post, Microsoft says that you may swap between numerous apps like Discord, Battlenet, and “different main PC storefronts.” Once more, you possibly can already do that on the usual ROG Ally, so it is unclear what’s completely different with the Xbox ROG line. Asus says that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds function impulse triggers, customizable buttons, upgraded battery, and “deep Xbox integration.”

Rumors surrounding Microsoft’s partnership with Asus have been swirling for months, with the handhelds being officially teased just a few weeks ago. Additionally they practically completely leaked in a Federal Communications Commission filing. Extra not too long ago, experiences of Xbox video games showing within the Xbox PC app began to floor, prompting hypothesis that Microsoft is making a unified platform to entry Xbox video games from each consoles and PCs, together with the combination of different platforms like Steam.

Whereas I nonetheless have many questions on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, particularly concerning what the Xbox integration presents past the present ROG Ally, the affordable spec bump and extra ergonomic design look promising. In a number of methods, this feels just like the Xbox handheld I’ve at all times wished the tech large to make. If current rumors are correct, it is a good factor as a result of Xbox’s long-rumored dedicated handheld is reportedly on hold.

Following the Xbox Video games Showcase, Microsoft printed an in-depth have a look at the creation of the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X, which yow will discover above.

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This $95 ROG Ally X accessory is expensive, but I promise it’s worth it

So far as defending your ROG Ally X goes, dbrand’s Killswitch case is by far one of the best on the market.