In the fast-evolving world of handheld gaming PCs, ASUS and Microsoft are pushing the boundaries of what portable gaming can be. Their partnership has given rise to two exciting devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and its more advanced counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X — the latter is available through an exclusive retail partnership with Best Buy Canada. Together, they redefine the balance between console-like ease of use and PC-grade power. Offering gamers a choice between streamlined simplicity and uncompromising performance.
Having spent time with both models, I’ve seen firsthand how each caters to a distinct kind of player. Whether you’re after a seamless Xbox-integrated gaming experience or a portable powerhouse capable of handling the most demanding titles, here’s a head-to-head breakdown to help you decide which Ally truly belongs in your hands, let’s dive in.
A comparison of the design and ergonomics of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X
While playing, both devices feel great in my hands, especially with the new contoured grips that take design cues from the Xbox controller. That said, the base ROG Xbox Ally weighs in at 670 grams (1.48 lbs), making it the lighter of the two handhelds. The ROG Xbox Ally X tips the scales slightly higher at 715 g (1.58 lbs). The extra weight is primarily from a larger battery. This allows the Ally X to deliver longer, high-fidelity gaming sessions without constantly needing to reach for the charger. In my time with both devices, I’ve found them to be solid and well-built, though the standard Ally remains the lighter companion for truly on-the-go gaming.
Grip and controls comparison
Both models feature new grips inspired by Xbox controllers, with subtle microprinting and texture for better grip. One advantage the Ally X introduces is impulse triggers; they enhance haptics in supported games, which is a nice touch. While the Xbox Ally does have vibration feedback, it doesn’t have as defined a feel as the Xbox Ally X.
All the standard inputs, like ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, triggers and bumpers, are the same on both models. The connectivity options, such as USB-C and microSD, are well thought out and remain consistent across both models. If you prioritize a lighter device, the ROG Xbox Ally wins in comfort. If you want deeper tactile control and don’t mind the extra weight, the Ally X is the premium feel.
Power and performance: AMD muscle, tuned for Xbox
The ROG Xbox Ally is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 APU, delivering great performance for casual and mid-tier gaming. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM (6400MHz) and 512GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage, striking a nice balance between speed and efficiency.
The Ally X, on the other hand, goes all-in on power and performance. It features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. The result? Faster load times, smoother multitasking, and greater headroom for demanding AAA titles. If you’re the type to tweak settings, the Ally X clearly takes the performance crown and offers some exciting features for the future.
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X comparison chart
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
| Processor / APU | AMD Ryzen Z2 A (4 cores, up to ~3.8 GHz) | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (8 cores + NPU, up to ~5.0 GHz) |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 (dual-channel) | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 (user-upgradable) | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 (also user-upgradable) |
| Battery | 60 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Thermal & TDP | 5–15 W operating range (efficient mode) | Up to ~35 W on Turbo / plugged-in mode (for heavier loads) |
| Extras | N/A | Built-in NPU for future AI features, enhanced cooling, higher sustained performance |
Display and integration: Console simplicity meets PC freedom
The display looks great on both models, and they feature the same 7-inch Full HD IPS display. The panels offer a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 7ms response time while offering crisp visuals and fluid gameplay across all titles.
Gaming under one roof
Each device integrates Armoury Crate SE directly into the Xbox Game Bar, offering quick access to your games, settings, and performance modes. Whether you’re jumping into Xbox Game Pass, Steam, or Epic Games Store, you’re just a tap away from your entire library.
Battery life and efficiency on the ROG Xbox Ally family of consoles
Battery life is a key difference between the two models. The ROG Xbox Ally comes with a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X bumps that up to 80Wh, providing significantly longer gaming sessions on the go. This can vary depending on your graphical settings, but the bottom line is that both devices have bigger batteries and better power management.
The Ally focuses on efficiency and balance, perfect for portable gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Ally X prioritizes endurance and power, giving you more playtime even with demanding titles.
Ecosystem and features
Both devices offer identical Xbox-integrated experiences: the full-screen Xbox interface, Game Bar overlay, integrated Game Pass and cloud streaming, Xbox labels (Handheld Optimized, etc.), and the freedom to install other game launchers.
Where the Ally X leads, though, is in future AI-centric features. Its built-in NPU is expected to power capabilities like Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) upscaling, driver-level upscaling (RSR, FSR), and highlight reel generation—features that may not perform as well (or at all) on the base Ally due to hardware constraints.
Final thoughts: ROG Xbox Ally or Ally X?
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X both deliver console-quality gaming in the palm of your hands, but each caters to a distinct type of player. The ROG Xbox Ally is designed for those who prioritize simplicity, portability, and great performance without overcomplicating things. It’s a lightweight, accessible entry point into handheld PC gaming that offers the best of both worlds: Xbox console convenience combined with the flexibility of Windows.
The ROG Xbox Ally X, meanwhile, is designed for gamers who demand more power and performance. With its upgraded processor, expanded memory, and larger battery, it provides the muscle to handle intensive games and multitasking. The refined ergonomics and impulse triggers make it an ideal choice for players who spend long sessions playing. It offers a truly premium portable experience that feels both powerful and comfortable.
Whether you prioritize lightweight convenience or next-level performance, the ROG Xbox Ally lineup ensures your entire Xbox and PC game library is always within reach, wherever you choose to play.
Both consoles will be available at Best Buy Canada on October 16, but you can pre-order now if you don’t want to wait.
