Microsoft and Asus have been working together over the past year to create some seriously amazing tech, the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, part of the Project Kennan effort, marks the company's first Xbox-branded handhelds, unveiled recently at the Xbox Games Showcase. They are built for gaming on the go, giving a dedicated experience. A key feature is the ability to play Xbox exclusives through Steam on these new handhelds, offering broad game access. And a gaming setup specifically optimised for handheld play, designed to hide the complexity of Windows and focus on gaming.
Both models share the same 7-inch 1080p screen, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support, offering 500 nits peak brightness. Asus equips the panels with FreeSync Premium technology for reduced screen tearing, and they come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection along with a DXC anti-reflection coating.
However, the white ROG Xbox Ally is designed for 720p gaming and runs on a previously unannounced AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, combined with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and 512GB of M.2 2280 SSD storage. The more powerful black ROG Xbox Ally X targets 900p to 1080p gaming on the go. It carries an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with an upgraded 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD.
The handhelds also feature a new grip design that resembles an Xbox Wireless Controller, providing contoured grips for a wider range of hand sizes. A new Xbox button gives players quick access to chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay. The Xbox Ally uses Hall effect triggers, while the Xbox Ally X gets upgraded impulse triggers.
Microsoft has made tweaks to Windows 11 that minimise background activities and defer non-essential tasks, freeing up system resources for gameplay. You can stream games with Xbox Cloud Gaming as well.
The devices come with an upgraded Game Bar, integrating Asus's Armoury Crate for quick access to controls and advanced device options. Microsoft plans to launch the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld PCs in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, the US, and 21 other markets this holiday season (September onwards). These handhelds will be made available in other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold later, suggesting a future launch in India. The ROG Ally is equipped with a 60Wh battery, and the ROG Xbox Ally X has an 80Wh battery, both shipping with a 67W charging stand. More details about pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-orders will be revealed in the coming months, so you'd better stay tuned!