The ROG Ally: A Foundation for Xbox Gaming
The original ASUS ROG Ally, powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors, brought PC gaming to a portable form factor. Its 7-inch Full HD 120Hz display, ergonomic design, and Windows 11 operating system made it a versatile device. A key highlight was its native support for Xbox Game Pass, bolstered by a bundled 3-month trial of Game Pass Ultimate.
This allowed players to download and play hundreds of Xbox titles, from AAA blockbusters like Forza Horizon 5 to indie gems like Vampire Survivors, directly on the device. The ROG Ally’s Armoury Crate SE software unified game libraries from Xbox, Steam, Epic, and other storefronts, simplifying access. Cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) also enabled streaming, turning the Ally into a “Game Pass Portable” as Microsoft dubbed it.
Performance was a standout, with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and RDNA 3 graphics delivering solid frame rates for many Xbox titles. For example, Forza Horizon 5 ran smoothly in cloud mode, with responsive controls and impressive audio from the device’s speakers.
However, battery life posed challenges, often lasting 2-3 hours for demanding 3D games in Turbo mode, though lighter titles stretched closer to 6 hours in Silent mode. Despite Windows 11’s clunky navigation on a handheld, the Xbox app and Armoury Crate mitigated this, offering a console-like interface for launching games.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X: Tailored for Xbox Fans
Announced on June 8, 2025, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X elevate this foundation with Xbox-specific enhancements. These handhelds, a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft, launch in holiday 2025 across markets like the US, UK, Japan, and more. The base ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, paired with a 60Wh battery.
The premium ROG Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery for longer playtime. Both share a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display with FreeSync Premium, ensuring smooth, vivid visuals.
Design-wise, they adopt contoured grips inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, complete with ABXY buttons, a D-pad, and a dedicated Xbox button for quick access to the Game Bar. The Ally X adds impulse triggers for immersive feedback, akin to those in Forza games, and both models include customizable back buttons and HD haptics. Weighing 670g and 715g respectively, they’re heavier than the Nintendo Switch 2 (534g) but prioritize ergonomics for long sessions.
Xbox Games on the ROG Ally Ecosystem
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are built to maximize Xbox gaming. They boot directly into a revamped Xbox app, offering a full-screen, console-like experience that aggregates games from Xbox, Steam, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts. Native play lets you download the full PC Game Pass catalog, while Xbox Cloud Gaming (with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription) streams titles over Wi-Fi. Remote Play also connects to your Xbox Series X|S, letting you play console games from anywhere in your home. Xbox Play Anywhere support ensures progress syncs across devices, so you can start Hollow Knight: Silksong—a launch title for the Ally X—on your console and continue on the handheld.
Not all Xbox games are fully optimized, but Microsoft is partnering with developers, including Roblox, to enhance compatibility. A new program will flag titles tailored for these handhelds, ensuring smooth performance. Games like Gears of War: Reloaded reportedly run at a stable 1080p 60 FPS on the Ally X, showcasing its power. The 24GB RAM and AI-capable Z2 Extreme processor in the Ally X also hint at future AI features, potentially integrating Copilot for enhanced functionality.
Performance and Challenges
The original ROG Ally impressed with games like Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Last Case of Benedict Fox, but demanding titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora struggled, even at low settings. The Ally X’s upgraded specs—double the storage, more RAM, and a larger battery—address this, promising better performance for AAA games. Battery life improves, with the 80Wh capacity lasting longer than the original’s 3 hours for heavy titles, though the 120Hz display consumes power quickly.
Windows 11 remains a hurdle. While the Xbox app minimizes background tasks, freeing up to 2GB of RAM for gaming, navigating the OS without a mouse or keyboard can frustrate. The touch screen and Armoury Crate help, but it’s not as seamless as SteamOS on the Steam Deck. Still, the freedom to play non-Xbox titles, mod games, and use apps like Discord or Twitch sets these devices apart.
Impact and Outlook
The ROG Ally and its Xbox-branded successors bridge console and PC gaming, challenging the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2. For Xbox fans, native Game Pass support and cross-platform play make them ideal. The Ally X, with its premium specs, targets hardcore gamers, while the base model offers value for casual players. Pricing remains unconfirmed, but estimates suggest the Ally X could near $799, akin to the 2024 ROG Ally X.
These handhelds empower players to enjoy Xbox games anywhere—on a commute, at home, or connected to a TV via USB-C and DisplayPort 2.1. They’re not perfect, with battery and OS quirks, but they redefine portable Xbox gaming. As Microsoft and ASUS refine software and expand game optimization, the ROG Xbox Ally line could lead the handheld market into 2026 and beyond.
Conclusion
The ROG Ally, ROG Xbox Ally, and ROG Xbox Ally X bring Xbox games to your hands with power, versatility, and style. From the original’s solid start to the 2025 models’ tailored Xbox experience, they offer native, cloud, and remote play options for a vast library. Whether racing in Forza Horizon 5 or exploring Hollow Knight: Silksong, these devices deliver. For gamers seeking a portable Xbox solution, the ROG Ally family is a game-changer.