Microsoft simply introduced the Xbox handheld I’ve at all times needed

At Xbox’s 2025 Games Showcase, Microsoft and Asus revealed two Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds that function extra highly effective AMD processors and improved integration with the Xbox app. Each ROG Xbox Ally portables are set to launch this coming vacation, but it surely’s unclear how a lot both will value. For context, the ROG Ally X is at the moment priced at $800 and the ROG Ally prices $500, so it is probably these new handhelds might be priced above their predecessors.

Past the inner chip bump, the ROG Xbox Ally includes a barely completely different design with Xbox controller-like arms for a greater grip. Since I discover the ROG Ally X fairly uncomfortable and picked up dbrand’s Killswitch caseto attempt to remedy the difficulty, I am concerned with seeing if this alteration makes the ROG Xbox Ally line simpler to carry.

Not a lot is understood about both Xbox-branded ROG handheld but past the leap from the ROG Ally X/ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor (the sooner model of the ROG Ally options the AMD Ryzen Z1), however we do know a couple of key specs, which you could find beneath:

ROG Xbox Ally X

• AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive GPU
• 24GB of RAM
• 1TB of storage

ROG Xbox Ally

• AMD Ryzen 2a
• 16GB of RAM
• 512GB of onboard storage

The brand new handhelds are the ROG Ally 2 in the whole lot however title

It is unclear what advantages the deeper Xbox integration gives

The brand new handhelds function a local Xbox app that permits customers to entry their Xbox video games and cloud libraries. Since you’ll be able to already set up the Xbox app on the ROG Ally and Ally X and do that, it is unclear what benefits are provided by the ROG Xbox Ally line past the devoted Xbox app button on the left facet.

In an Xbox Wire post, Microsoft says that you would be able to swap between varied apps like Discord, Battlenet, and “different main PC storefronts.” Once more, you’ll be able to already do that on the usual ROG Ally, so it is unclear what’s completely different with the Xbox ROG line. Asus says that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds function impulse triggers, customizable buttons, upgraded battery, and “deep Xbox integration.”

Rumors surrounding Microsoft’s partnership with Asus have been swirling for months, with the handhelds being officially teased just a few weeks ago. Additionally they almost fully leaked in a Federal Communications Commission filing. Extra just lately, stories of Xbox video games showing within the Xbox PC app began to floor, prompting hypothesis that Microsoft is making a unified platform to entry Xbox video games from each consoles and PCs, together with the combination of different platforms like Steam.

Whereas I nonetheless have many questions on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, particularly relating to what the Xbox integration gives past the present ROG Ally, the affordable spec bump and extra ergonomic design look promising. In a number of methods, this feels just like the Xbox handheld I’ve at all times needed the corporate to make. If latest rumors are correct, this can be a good factor as a result of Xbox’s long-rumored dedicated handheld is reportedly on hold.

Following the Xbox Video games Showcase, Microsoft printed an in-depth have a look at the creation of the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X, which you could find above.

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This $95 ROG Ally X accessory is expensive, but I promise it’s worth it

So far as defending your ROG Ally X goes, dbrand’s Killswitch case is by far the perfect on the market.