Microsoft and Asus Unveil the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

The portable gaming market is rapidly evolving, and Microsoft and Asus' latest entrants—the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X—are poised to shake things up. These upcoming handheld devices are designed to bring your entire PC game library right into the palm of your hand, combining powerful hardware with a customized Windows experience tailored specifically for gaming. Announced amid a growing crowd of portable consoles, these devices aim to carve out a unique space for gamers who want to take their PC titles on the go.

Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

Both the ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X feature a 7-inch display, sporting similar physical dimensions but catering to different performance needs:

• ROG Xbox Ally

  • White finish
  • 720p gaming capability
  • AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB storage
  • 1.48 lb (670 g) weight

• ROG Xbox Ally X

  • Black finish inspired by Xbox controllers
  • Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip (10%-15% faster than Steam Deck’s processor)
  • 24 GB RAM
  • 1 TB storage
  • Slightly larger battery
  • USB 4 and Thunderbolt output
  • Impulse Triggers with haptic feedback
  • 1.58 lb (715 g) weight

Both models include a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness, promising a crisp and smooth gaming experience. The Ally X, in particular, integrates Xbox controller-inspired ergonomics, including an Xbox button to swiftly access your game library and essential functions.

Hardware That Packs a Punch

The ROG Xbox Ally X’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor is expected to deliver about 10% to 15% more performance compared to the Steam Deck’s CPU, according to tech reviewer Dave2D. This boost, combined with 24 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, positions the Ally X as a potent handheld option for gamers who want more graphical fidelity and speed.

Additionally, Asus and Microsoft have optimized the custom Windows OS to be three times more energy efficient in standby mode than traditional Windows, promising longer battery life and more gameplay between charges. The Ally X also supports modern connectivity options like USB 4 and Thunderbolt, expanding possibilities for peripherals and external displays.

A Customized Windows Experience Tailored for Gaming

Unlike the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS or other Windows-based handhelds that run full desktop versions of Windows, the ROG Xbox Ally devices run a heavily modified Windows version optimized for gaming:

• Boots directly into the Xbox gaming interface, bypassing the traditional desktop
• Supports a shared game library, pulling titles from Microsoft Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and other storefronts
• Enables instant game resumption upon power-on
• Includes Xbox Game Bar overlay for performance stats and chat
• Maintains Xbox achievements and accessibility options across the library
• Supports streaming games from Xbox consoles and the cloud
• Runs non-gaming apps like Discord without issues

This streamlined interface promises to deliver a more player-focused experience, reducing the bloat typically associated with Windows and potentially improving performance and battery life compared to other Windows-based portables.

Navigating the Crowded Portable Gaming Landscape

The announcement of the ROG Xbox Ally devices comes at a time when the handheld gaming market is bursting with options. Here’s a quick look at the current ecosystem:

1. Steam Deck and SteamOS-based Devices

   • Valve’s Steam Deck remains a popular choice for portable PC gaming.
   • Other manufacturers like Lenovo (Legion Go S) are introducing more SteamOS-based portables.
   • SteamOS is known for delivering up to 75% better performance in certain games compared to standard Windows.

2. Windows-based Handhelds

   • Devices like the original Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw 8 AI+ run full Windows, but often face challenges with performance and battery life due to OS overhead.
   • Many Windows-based handhelds allow installing SteamOS for improved performance.

3. Nintendo Switch 2

   • Priced around $450, this device offers powerful hardware with exclusive games and AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
   • Backward compatibility with original Switch games enhances its appeal.

How to Choose Your Next Portable Console

With so many options, deciding on the right handheld can be tricky. Here are some general guidelines for casual gamers considering a purchase in 2024:

• If you love Nintendo franchises and exclusive titles:

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 is your best bet, offering a vast library of unique games and improved hardware.

• If you want access to a broad PC game library:

  • Wait for the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X to launch this holiday season. These devices will provide Xbox-optimized Windows with access to virtually any PC game.

• If you want a handheld now and aren’t picky about game variety:

  • Consider the Steam Deck OLED ($550) or Lenovo Legion Go S ($600). Both offer mature SteamOS support with a growing number of compatible titles.

The Verdict

Microsoft and Asus’ entry into handheld gaming with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X is exciting, especially given their unique approach of a custom Windows experience optimized for gaming. While the devices promise solid performance and a seamless gaming interface, the competition is fierce, with many strong alternatives already available or coming soon.

Pricing details for the Ally duo are still under wraps, and it’s wise to wait for hands-on reviews and performance benchmarks before making a final decision. For now, the ROG Xbox Ally series represents a bold step towards bringing the full PC gaming experience into a portable form factor, potentially redefining what we expect from handheld consoles.

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Key Takeaways:

• The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X bring a custom Windows gaming experience to handheld devices.
• Ally X offers higher performance with Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip and more RAM/storage.
• Both devices support a shared game library from multiple PC storefronts and Xbox cloud streaming.
• The handhelds face stiff competition from Steam Deck, SteamOS devices, and Nintendo Switch 2.
• Gamers should consider their preferred game libraries and hardware needs when choosing a portable console.

As portable gaming continues to evolve, Microsoft and Asus are betting big on a customized Windows platform to deliver a streamlined, versatile gaming experience. Whether the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will become your next go-to gaming companions remains to be seen—but their arrival certainly adds a thrilling new chapter to the world of handheld gaming.