If you thought the Nintendo Switch 2 would be the only big handheld of the year, Xbox had other things in mind. During the Xbox Showcase of the Summer Game Fest, Xbox unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, two handheld platforms coming this year. While there were a few rumors here and there and even some speculation, no one expected this double surprise, which won’t take long to hit the shelves. So, if you skipped the Nintendo Switch 2, these handhelds might be an even better choice.
Xbox Ally & Xbox Ally X Set to Launch This Holiday Season
First things first: the release date. There isn’t a specific one yet. All that the official website says is that the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are coming sometime during the holiday season of 2025. Still, we’re halfway through the year already, so we don’t have to wait that long. And now, the technical stuff.
Just like the consoles, these handheld devices will have two versions. The Xbox Ally seems, by its description, to be the most accessible one. Think of it like the Xbox Series S. While it will let you play the same games, it has different specifications. The Xbox Ally X seems to be the more powerful one, featuring larger storage space, more memory, and even better storage space. Here’s a more in-depth list of the specs:
| Xbox Ally | Xbox Ally X | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm 670g | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm 715g |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
The great thing about the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X is that they will feature the same games as their console counterparts. That means that even day-one launches will be playable on the handheld platforms. So, if you want to take your Xbox library outside of your home and play all that there is on Game Pass, these devices are the perfect options. Now, we just have to wait for a release date to hopefully get our hands on them.
