Level Up Your Handheld Game: Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally X

The world of portable PC gaming just got a significant power-up. ASUS ROG, in collaboration with Xbox, has unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally X, a premium handheld that takes the acclaimed Ally formula and pushes it to “X-treme” new heights. This isn’t just a slight refresh—it’s an overhaul based on community feedback, designed to deliver a truly uncompromising mobile gaming experience.

Launching on October 16, 2025, the ROG Xbox Ally X promises longer battery life, more memory, better storage, and a suite of quality-of-life improvements. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this device the next must-have for gamers on the go.

More Power, More Playtime: The Core Upgrades

ASUS ROG listened closely to its dedicated community, and the biggest changes directly address the most requested features:

• Double the Battery: The original Ally’s battery life was a common point of feedback. The Ally X smashes this barrier with a massive 80Wh battery, roughly double the capacity of its predecessor. Get ready for marathon gaming sessions without being glued to a power outlet.
• Next-Gen Processing: The Ally X is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, which not only delivers next-level performance for demanding AAA games but also includes an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), positioning the device for future AI-enhanced gaming experiences.
• Unprecedented Memory: Gaming handhelds are increasingly VRAM-hungry. The Ally X comes equipped with a hefty 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, allowing for a generous VRAM allocation while keeping plenty of system memory for Windows 11 and background processes.
• Simplified Storage Upgrades: Say goodbye to specialized SSDs. The Ally X upgrades the internal storage to a spacious 1TB M.2 2280 SSD and, critically, supports the more common 2 2280 form factor. Upgrading your game library storage just became significantly easier.

Ergonomics and Control Refined

The console-inspired design of the Ally gets a subtle but crucial facelift for the ‘X’ model, making those long gaming stretches even more comfortable:

• Refined Ergonomics: The Ally X features contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers and a slightly deeper body for a more substantial and secure feel in your hands.
• Enhanced Controls: Expect a more robust and tactile experience. The Ally X boasts Impulse Triggers for enhanced feedback, a redesigned D-pad for fighting game enthusiasts, and a slightly shrunken size for the rear macro buttons to reduce accidental presses.
• Improved Connectivity: The Ally X replaces the proprietary XG Mobile port with dual USB Type-C ports, one of which is a full-featured USB4 port with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. This offers greater versatility for docking and connecting high-speed peripherals.

The Xbox Connection

The ROG Xbox Ally X is built on a strong foundation of partnership. It runs on Windows 11 Home, but integrates a custom Xbox full-screen experience at boot, giving you a console-like user interface optimized for handheld controls.

• Seamless Xbox Integration: The dedicated Xbox button provides instant access to the Game Bar for quick settings, friends lists, and more.
• Play All Your Games: Thanks to Windows 11, the Ally X isn’t limited to a single store. Access your libraries on Xbox Game Pass (which includes a 3-month trial), Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and more.
• Ready for Any Playstyle: Whether you’re playing natively, utilizing Remote Play from your Xbox console, or streaming with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), the Ally X is ready to be your mobile gaming hub.

Pricing and Availability

The ROG Xbox Ally X is available for pre-order now with an Estimated Retail Price (ERP) of $999.99 USD, launching globally on October 16, 2025.