Abstract
- Asus and Microsoft have joined forces to launch the ROG Xbox Ally collection of handheld online game consoles.
- The ROG Xbox Ally is a souped-up variant of the prevailing ROG Ally, with an all-new set of software program optimizations that promise to consolize the cell PC gaming expertise.
- It is clear that the 2 tech corporations have been working collectively intently, and that they’re in alignment relating to high-end gaming on the go.
Again at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, I acquired to expertise the ROG Xbox Ally collection in a hands-on capability for the very first time. This all-new handheld gaming PC line — which consists of the usual ROG Xbox Ally and the premium-tier ROG Xbox Ally X — is a joint shopper product push from each Asus and Microsoft.
Externally, these new Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds look like iterative upgrades over Asus’ current ROG Ally and Ally X PCs, however there’s much more beneath the floor than meets the attention. Enhanced by barely extra performant inner {hardware} parts and a extra snug grip design, a pivotal retooling of the software program expertise has additionally occurred.
…a pivotal retooling of the software program expertise has additionally taken place.
Microsoft’s Home windows 11 group has labored intently with its Xbox group to institute a set of overarching platform optimizations that ought to lead to higher efficiency per watt, longer stamina, much less warmth technology, extra dependable standby, and a extra seamless gaming expertise from begin to end. In different phrases, the corporate has taken the required measures to strip Home windows again, consolidating its interface and energy profile to attain parity with different purpose-built consoles like Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Swap 2.
“…it is sort of a big step in a path the place individuals can get and really feel a bit of bit extra nearer to their gaming experiences that they are on the lookout for, particularly when you come from console and also you’re used to UIs in gaming, the place you are capable of say: “I can now go straight from turning it on, into gaming.” So, I really feel like these are vital enhancements within the expertise,” says Gabriel Meng, Director of Product, Gaming at Asus.
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- Dimensions
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290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
- Model
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Asus
- Weight
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23oz (670g)
- Chipset
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AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor
- RAM
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16GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage
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512GB M.2 2280 SSD
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- Dimensions
-
290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
- Model
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Asus
- Weight
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25oz (715g)
- Chipset
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AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Excessive Processor
- RAM
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24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage
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1TB M.2 2280 SSD for simpler improve
The perfect of ROG and Xbox in a single, highly effective bundle
Asus’ {hardware} prowess and Microsoft’s software program aptitude are an bold pressure to be reckoned with
When talking about Asus’ determination to collaborate with Microsoft specifically, Meng says the great half in regards to the partnership is the flexibility to protect the advantages of versatile PC gaming whereas on the go, whereas additionally intuitively becoming in with the prevailing Asus mantra of “play all of your video games.”
“What I’ll say is, I do assume this can be a main step for us. We recognize the partnership. We perceive its worth. As corporations, we’re very like-minded, and we all know that the longer term gadgets we need to convey, we need to convey the flexibility for individuals to do what they love with their gadget. Now, ROG as a model is huge about customizability, proper? We such as you to open your gadget, improve your issues. And so these are great tenants that we share with Microsoft that we need to convey to those gadgets,” says Meng.
…all arms are on deck to showcase Home windows 11’s new and improved gaming mode on the ROG Xbox Ally.
On the time of writing, we do not but have concrete particulars on pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and its premium Ally X counterpart. We do, nevertheless, know that the gadgets are primed for launch on October 16 this yr, with broad availability throughout quite a lot of areas and territories.
It is troublesome to say whether or not Asus and Microsoft will strike lightning in a bottle with the ROG Xbox Ally collection — the decision continues to be out on simply how efficient the latter firm’s software program optimizations are at facilitating a gaming-first expertise — however I certain have my hopes up.
Microsoft, for its half, has been pretty tight-lipped relating to its roadmap for unleashing this new Xbox-enhanced Home windows 11 variant into the gaming PC market. Xbox Company VP of Gaming Units and Ecosystem Roanne Sones beforehand confirmed that “related full-screen Xbox experiences shall be rolling out to different Home windows handhelds, beginning subsequent yr,” (by way of The Verge), which could nicely be alluding to rival Home windows-based PC handhelds just like the Lenovo Legion Go S and the MSI Claw.
…all arms are on deck to showcase Home windows 11’s up-and-coming gaming mode by means of the {hardware} vessel that’s the ROG Xbox Ally.
Asus, too, has confirmed plans to convey “related updates” to its broader ROG Ally portfolio “over time,” however the firm has no extra particulars to share on the timing of any potential software program rollouts. Quite, all arms are at the moment on deck to showcase Home windows 11’s up-and-coming gaming mode by means of the {hardware} vessel that’s the ROG Xbox Ally.
“…collectively, ASUS and Microsoft are working arduous to push handheld gaming ahead by bringing collectively ASUS {hardware}, Xbox companies, and Home windows 11. I imagine we’ve created one thing that feels each acquainted and utterly new. Our collaboration is targeted on delivering actual advantages for gamers from day one and persevering with to evolve the class collectively,” says Meng.
