By Vinod Ram 
This week, Microsoft broke its longstanding absence in portable gaming with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, two handheld Windows 11 devices co-developed with ASUS under the codename Project Kennan. Announced during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, these new handhelds aim to create a seamless “Xbox anywhere” experience, integrating PC storefronts, Game Pass, and cloud gaming.
Hardware Specs & Variants
The ROG Xbox handheld lineup includes two models: the standard Xbox Ally (white) and the more powerful Xbox Ally X (black). The base Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2-A chip featuring a 4-core/8-thread CPU and 12 RDNA2 GPU cores. In contrast, the Ally X packs an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a more advanced RDNA 3.5 GPU architecture delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI performance. The RAM configuration starts at 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 on the base model, while the Ally X gets a bump to 24 GB of faster LPDDR5X-8000 memory. Storage-wise, the Ally includes a 512 GB M.2 SSD, and the Ally X doubles that to 1 TB—both of which are upgradeable.
Both models feature a vibrant 7-inch 1080p display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and VRR support. For battery life, the standard Ally comes with a 60 Wh battery, whereas the Ally X sports a larger 80 Wh pack for extended gaming sessions. Connectivity is solid across the board, with two USB-C ports (one of which is upgraded to USB-4/Thunderbolt 4 on the Ally X), a microSD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. In terms of weight, the Ally tips the scale at about 670 grams, while the Ally X adds a bit more heft at 715 grams due to the larger battery and enhanced components.
Software & Experience
- Full‑screen Xbox UI: Users boot into a streamlined Xbox interface (not just a UI overlay) that minimizes power drain, reduces background processes, and frees up to 2 GB of RAM.
- Aggregated game library: Unified access to Xbox titles, Game Pass, cloud-streamed games, and PC storefronts like Steam, Epic, Discord, and Battle.net.
- Windows 11 tweaks: Enhanced Game Bar, Armoury Crate integration, controller-based navigation, and streamlined app multitasking.
- Handheld optimization: Ergonomic Xbox-style grips and impulse triggers based on Xbox controller design for comfort during long sessions.
- Certification system: Similar to Steam Deck Verified, Microsoft plans to label games optimized for handheld use.
Strategic Significance
- Market positioning: With Sony launching the Portal, Nintendo debuting Switch 2, and Valve continuing with Steam Deck, Microsoft is now fully in the handheld fray.
- Console + PC unification: Microsoft evolves its “Play Anywhere” philosophy—blurring the lines between Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming.
- Windows enhancement push: The Ally’s Windows 11 modifications are also set to roll out to existing Windows handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go, boosting performance across the board.
- Internal pivot: Microsoft seems to have paused its own hardware handheld project to support OEM partnerships instead.
Launch & Pricing
- Release window: Anticipated Holiday 2025.
- Pricing: Not officially announced yet. Early reports suggest Ally may be mid-range (~$599), Ally X could target “premium” pricing up to $999 indiatimes.com.
Pros & Considerations
Strengths
- Strong hardware capable of native and cloud AAA gaming.
- Xbox-flavored Windows streamlining.
- Seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass and PC stores.
- Ergonomically refined for handheld comfort.
Challenges
- Battery life vs. performance trade-offs in real scenarios.
- Pricing comparison with Steam Deck and Switch 2.
- Whether Xbox’s game certification will ensure a polished experience.
Conclusion
The ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X mark Microsoft’s decisive leap into premium handheld gaming—leveraging deep Xbox‑Windows integration and ASUS’s hardware finesse. By merging full‑fat Windows with a console‑like user experience, Microsoft may well redefine the handheld PC landscape.
For Xbox fans, PC gamers, and portable enthusiasts alike, Holiday 2025 can’t come soon enough.
