Meet the Xbox Branded ROG Ally and Ally X: Gaming on the Go Just Leveled Up

What Are the Xbox‑Branded ROG Ally Devices?

At the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, Microsoft and ASUS unveiled two new handheld gaming PCs: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, codenamed Project Kennan. These are not separate consoles they are special versions of the ASUS ROG Ally, customized for Xbox.

Key Features & Specs

Both devices offer a premium handheld experience with Windows 11 and a full-screen Xbox interface:

Display: 7″ FHD (1080p) IPS touch screen, 120 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus
Xbox Ally (White): AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 60 Wh battery; targets 720p gameplay
Ally X (Black): AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh battery; supports up to 1080p rendering
Comfort grip: Redesigned controller-style grips and impulse triggers for better ergonomics
Ports & expansion: USB‑C / Thunderbolt 4 on Ally X, standard USB‑C on base unit, plus microSD slot

Xbox-Optimized Windows Experience

These devices feature a new full screen Xbox app mode that minimizes background Windows processes to boost performance and battery life. Highlights include:

Boot into Xbox interface with controller shortcuts
Game Bar improvements: quick app switching, toggles, Gaming Copilot support
RAM savings and efficiency: freeing - GB for gaming and reducing background power draw by ⅓
Unified game library: access Xbox, Steam, Epic, GOG, and more

Game Access & Play Anywhere

Support for Xbox Play Anywhere titles cross-save and cross-play between PC and console
Built-in compatibility for cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play
Streamlined for Roblox, launching optimized for handheld play day one
Third-party titles made easy through built-in libraries like Steam no more app switching

Release Window & Pricing

Launch: Holiday 2025 across global markets including US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, and more
Price: TBD, but likely higher than original ROG Ally ($599–699); expect premium pricing for Ally X

Why It Matters

These handhelds mark Xbox’s bold entry into PC gaming on the go combining Windows flexibility with Xbox integration. Instead of building their own mobile hardware, Microsoft is optimizing the backend to support affordable third-party devices, accelerating competition with Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go

Final Thought

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X promise to bring PC level handheld gaming to Xbox fans, with a polished, efficient mobile Xbox experience built on Windows 11. If the performance holds up in real-world tests, they could reframe portable gaming in the 2025 holiday season.