Microsoft unveils Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds with AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 chips
It looks like Microsoft is getting serious about the mobile gaming space.
#microsoft #asus #gaming
From Top: ROG Xbox Ally X, ROG Xbox Ally. Image: Microsoft
Microsoft has just unveiled two new ROG Ally gaming handhelds under the Xbox brand, which were designed in partnership with ASUS ROG. Dubbed the ROG Xbox Ally X and the ROG Xbox Ally, both devices sport hand grips that extend outward in the style of the Xbox Wireless Controller, complete with coloured rings around the sticks and a dedicated Xbox home button. These tweaks are designed to offer a more console-like feel, something Microsoft clearly wants to normalise for PC gaming on handhelds.
The two models share a similar footprint and general design, but it’s the Xbox Ally X that brings the more serious hardware to your hands (haha). ASUS has packed in AMD’s new flagship Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme mobile gaming chip, paired with a generous 24GB of LPDDR5X (rated at 8000MHz) memory and a 1TB SSD. The regular Xbox Ally on the other hand, comes with the also-new Ryzen Z2 A mobile processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X (rated at 6400MHz) RAM and a smaller 512GB SSD. Compared to the original, non-Xbox branded, ROG Ally (2023 model) and Ally X (2024 model), both have noticeable spec bump – even if their memory and storage size remain the same. It’s also not a stretch to assume that ASUS has reworked the internals for better cooling and battery lifespan.
Image: AMD
Display-wise, both models stick are sticking with the 7-inch 1080p with 120Hz refresh rate LCD panel, complete with Gorilla Glass Victus and DXC anti-reflective coating. It’s a bit odd Microsoft and ASUS have skipped OLED, but perhaps this was taken with battery life conservation in mind – since OLED are quite the power guzzler compared to LCD. Since the ROG Xbox Ally X and non-X models are running on AMD’s silicon, FreeSync Premium is supported as well. Both also offer USB 4 support, which opens the door to external GPU connectivity.
Image: Microsoft
Image: Microsoft
Interestingly, and perhaps the most welcoming update for gamers, the Xbox Ally X and Ally come with a custom version of Windows 11. It comes with a new Xbox full-screen experience that is designed for use with a controller. Don’t be mistaken though; it’s not a stripped-down Windows 11 but Microsoft says a lot of the non-essential Windows tasks are not booted up like your traditional Windows do, so more system resources can be allocated to the games. This is
Microsoft is also introducing a new initiative to help players identify games that run well on such handheld PCs and is similar to Valve’s Steam Deck Verified programme. There isn’t a name for it yet, but the goal is the same – to steer players towards titles that are controller-friendly and lightweight enough to run smoothly on these portable devices.
Both the ROG Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally are slated for a holiday season launch in territories where Xbox is available and supported, and this includes Singapore. Pricing also hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s safe to expect a premium tag – especially for the Xbox Ally X.
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