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

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

Past the interior chip energy bump, the ROG Xbox Ally contains a barely totally 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 concerned about seeing if this transformation makes the ROG Xbox Ally line simpler to carry.

Not a lot is thought about both Xbox-branded ROG handheld but past the soar 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 checklist 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

  
  

Associated

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 every thing however identify

It is unclear what advantages the deeper Xbox integration provides

The brand new handhelds characteristic a local Xbox app that permits 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 provided by the ROG Xbox Ally line past the devoted Xbox app button on the left facet.

In an Xbox Wire post, Microsoft says you could 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 totally different with the Xbox ROG line. Asus says that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds characteristic 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. In addition they almost fully leaked in a Federal Communications Commission filing. Extra just lately, studies 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 mixing 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 provides 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 needed the tech big 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 you could find 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.