Which ROG Xbox Ally is Right for You?

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In October 2025, Microsoft and ASUS released two new portable gaming devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. If you’re looking for a handheld PC gaming option, these are both great choices – but which one is right for you this holiday season?

Both devices have a 7-inch, 1080p screen that refreshes at 120Hz for smooth visuals. They run Windows 11 and include the Xbox full-screen experience, which optimizes performance for gaming by reducing unnecessary background tasks. You can access games from Xbox, Game Pass (if available), Battle.net, and other popular PC game stores all in one place. Plus, each device comes with a 3-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass*. The main differences between the two models are how powerful they are, their design, and how long they last on a single charge.

As Black Friday and the holidays approach, we’re here to help you choose the perfect portable device.

ROG Xbox Ally: Compact and approachable

At $599, the ROG Xbox Ally is a more budget-friendly choice. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which makes it less powerful than the Ally X, but still able to handle most games from Xbox Game Pass and PC. This handheld is perfect for all types of players, especially those who want a portable device for gaming on the go and don’t necessarily need the highest possible performance.

As a gamer, I’m really impressed with how well this runs. It’s set to 720p by default, which is smart because it saves battery life and keeps things running smoothly. But the good news is the screen can actually go up to 1080p at 120Hz if you want even better graphics! I also love how simple the full-screen Xbox interface is. And with the recent improvements to Xbox Cloud Gaming, streaming feels more reliable than ever. They’ve really upped the quality too – it supports up to 1440p resolution at 60 frames per second, and even boosted the bitrate. That means games look fantastic and feel super responsive, even when you’re playing something really demanding over a stream.

This device is a great option for people who want a portable gaming experience connected to the Xbox world, without spending a fortune.

ROG Xbox Ally X: Performance and endurance

The ROG Xbox Ally X, costing $999, is designed for serious gamers who want a powerful handheld device that can last through long gaming sessions. It features a fast 1TB solid-state drive, 24GB of RAM, and a powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, resulting in noticeably improved performance. Demanding games like Forza Horizon 5 and Cyberpunk 2077 run smoothly at high settings, and the large 80Wh battery provides plenty of playtime.

Similar to the ROG Xbox Ally, this device features comfortable, curved grips that feel just like an Xbox controller, making it ideal for extended gaming. It provides a full-screen Xbox experience for a console-like interface and combines games from various PC stores – including Game Pass, Steam, and Epic – into a single, easy-to-access library.

Head-to-head specs

Category
ROG Xbox Ally X
ROG Xbox Ally

Choosing the right ROG Xbox Ally for you

Both devices offer the complete Xbox experience when you’re away from home. The best choice depends on your priorities. If you want something lightweight and budget-friendly, the ROG Ally is a great option. But if you’re looking for the best possible performance and longest battery life, the ROG Ally X is the way to go.

If you mostly game on a console or PC and only plan to use handheld mode sometimes, the ROG Ally will be more than enough for your needs.

If you’re constantly traveling and want the best possible handheld gaming experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X is the top choice available.

With the holidays and Black Friday just around the corner, both options let you enjoy Xbox games on the go. You can pick up right where you left off with cloud saves, play with friends on different devices, and access your games from any of your devices.

An internet connection is needed, and standard data charges from your internet provider will apply. Products aren’t available everywhere, and pictures shown are for example only. Full details and specifications can be found on the product pages, and these details are subject to change depending on the specific model.

To claim your offer, do so within 30 days of activating your device and have a valid payment method on file. Your subscription will automatically renew each month unless you cancel it. See full terms at xbox.com/subscriptionterms. If you already have an Xbox Game Pass Essential membership, it will be upgraded to Premium. Existing Ultimate members will receive a code with a conversion rate detailed at xbox.com/code-conversion. The available games change regularly and vary depending on your location, device, and subscription plan. Find more information at xbox.com/gamepass. Game Pass Premium has its own terms and exclusions. Xbox Cloud Gaming requires a Game Pass subscription and a compatible device (both sold separately). While some games aren’t included with Game Pass, they may be available in the future. You can stream games directly on your Xbox console or use the Xbox app or visit xbox.com/play on supported devices. Availability varies by region (xbox.com/regions) and device (xbox.com/clouddevices). See the cloud gaming catalog at xbox.com/play. Terms and exclusions apply.

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2025-11-28 15:20