Microsoft, working in collaboration with ASUS, has officially taken the wraps off its latest handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. The company has set the price of the standard ROG Xbox Ally at $599, while the Ally X will be available for $999 in the United States. Both models are heading for a global launch on October 16, which also includes India in the rollout. Pre-orders are already open in several markets.
Key Takeaways
- The ROG Xbox Ally costs $599, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999.
- Both handhelds will launch in India on October 16.
- The devices run on Windows 11 and feature the new Xbox Full Screen Experience.
- The Ally X comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and an 80Wh battery.
- The standard Ally includes an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 60Wh battery.
Both versions have been designed to deliver a flexible gaming experience. Players will be able to access their PC libraries from platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store, while also enjoying console titles through Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud gaming. To get users started, Microsoft is bundling a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass with every purchase.
The ROG Xbox Ally X, being the higher-end option, is aimed squarely at performance-focused gamers. It packs in an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD for storage. One of the most notable upgrades is its 80Wh battery, which is effectively double the capacity of the first ROG Ally. ASUS has also reworked the chassis for better ergonomics, adding more comfortable grips, improved cooling, and two USB-C ports, one of which supports Thunderbolt 4.
The standard ROG Xbox Ally, meanwhile, is meant to be a more affordable entry point. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, it comes with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 60Wh battery. Despite being the base model, it still offers the same 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium.
Both handhelds adopt a user interface inspired by the Xbox console experience. There’s even a dedicated Xbox button that instantly opens up an enhanced Game Bar for quick access to a user’s library, chat functions, and other essentials. Microsoft has also introduced a new Handheld Compatibility Program to help players identify which titles are optimized for handheld play, a move that might make choosing games for these devices much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the prices of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X?
A. The ROG Xbox Ally is priced at $599, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999. Indian pricing is expected to be announced soon.
Q. When will the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X be available in India?
A. Both devices will be launched in India on October 16. Pre-orders are expected to start soon on the ASUS eShop and other retailers.
Q. What is the main difference between the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X?
A. The ROG Xbox Ally X has a more powerful processor, more RAM (24GB vs 16GB), more storage (1TB vs 512GB), a larger battery (80Wh vs 60Wh), and a redesigned body with two USB-C ports. The standard ROG Xbox Ally is a more budget-friendly option with slightly lower specifications.
Q. Can I play PC games on the ROG Xbox Ally?
A. Yes, both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X run on Windows 11, so you can install and play PC games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and others. They also support Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Q. Do the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X come with Xbox Game Pass?
A. Yes, both devices include a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
