The annual Xbox Games Showcase 2025 has concluded, revealing not only numerous new Xbox platform projects but also portable gaming consoles - the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in partnership with ASUS. Previously known under the codename Project Kennan, these devices represent Microsoft's first foray into handheld gaming hardware.

As expected, the portable consoles are built on AMD's latest Z2-A and Z2 Extreme chips respectively, promising excellent performance and battery life for their form factor.

The ROG Xbox Ally consoles will run full Windows 11 but feature a new version of the Xbox app with a dedicated full-screen mode similar to Steam's Big Picture. This isn't just a simple full-screen adaptation - the special mode reduces Windows 11's power consumption by three times (in standby) and frees up approximately 2GB of RAM for games by disabling background processes.

Users will retain full access to standard Windows 11 functionality when needed.

↑ Model Differences

↑ ROG Xbox Ally

The ROG Xbox Ally appears positioned as the more budget-friendly mainstream option, featuring 16GB RAM and an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor. This chip emphasizes power efficiency while including an NPU for AI features like image upscaling and frame generation.

↑ ROG Xbox Ally X

The flagship ROG Xbox Ally X boasts AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor for premium performance. Microsoft demonstrated Gears of War: Reloaded running at 1080p/60FPS on the device. Expected to retail above $1000.

↑ Technical Specifications

	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
OS	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home
CPU	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X-6400	24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage	512GB M.2 2280 SSD (user-replaceable)	1TB M.2 2280 SSD (user-replaceable)
Display	7" 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC anti-glare coating
GPU	AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3	AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 with AI Boost
Battery	60Wh	80Wh
Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader, 3.5mm combo jack	1x USB4 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD (DDR200), 3.5mm combo jack
Networking	Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Audio	Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling mic
Dimensions/Weight	290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7mm, 670g	290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7mm, 715g
Release	Late 2025
Price	TBA	TBA

↑ Design and Ergonomics

The ROG Xbox Ally series combines ASUS ROG's signature aesthetic with Xbox design elements, including logo placement, ABXY button fonts, and controller-inspired trigger/stick shapes. Significant ergonomic improvements include better weight distribution for extended play sessions, redesigned grips for comfortable bumper/trigger access, and additional rear buttons.

↑ Game Compatibility

Important note: The ROG Xbox Ally devices cannot run Xbox console games. They exclusively support PC games from Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and other PC storefronts.

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