Everything you need to to know about ROG XBOX Ally
A quick look at ROG Xbox Ally and how it compares with steam deck pricing!
GAME NEWSARTICLES
Spawn
6/10/20253 min read
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are two new handheld gaming devices announced on June 8, 2025, during the Xbox Games Showcase, developed in collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS. These devices aim to combine the power of Xbox with the flexibility of Windows 11, positioning them as premium competitors to the Steam Deck and other handheld gaming PCs.
Bad news for Xbox gamers is that it will not run all the native Xbox games you own. Read more to find answers to all questions related to it.
Can the ROG Xbox Ally play Xbox console games natively?
Confusion exists about whether these handhelds can play Xbox Series X|S exclusives natively or rely on PC versions and cloud streaming.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are Windows 11 devices that natively run PC games, including Xbox Play Anywhere titles (e.g., Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves), which sync progress across Xbox and PC. They do not run Xbox Series X|S console games natively, as these are built for a different architecture. So if a game is part of Xbox play anywhere catalog, only then you can play it on handheld. Which means that if you own games like Elden Ring and Diablo 4 on Xbox console, you will not be able to play them handheld without repurchasing them for windows.
For console-exclusive games, the devices support Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and Remote Play, allowing streaming from an Xbox console or the cloud. This requires a stable internet connection, and performance may vary.
X posts highlight disappointment among some users hoping for native Xbox 360 or classic Xbox game support
What are the key hardware specifications of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?
Both devices support AMD’s performance-enhancing technologies (FSR, RSR, AFMF) for improved visuals and frame rates.
The ROG Xbox Ally X’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip targets high-performance gaming, while the base Ally’s Ryzen Z2 A is optimized for efficiency and less demanding titles.
Both models feature the same display specifications, ensuring consistent visual quality across the lineup.
For more detailed comparison, refer the below table.0
How does the Xbox-optimized Windows UI improve the handheld experience?
Windows 11’s clunky interface on handhelds like the original ROG Ally has been a major criticism and Xbox is trying to address it in this new handheld.
The ROG Xbox Ally series boots directly into a full-screen Xbox app UI, designed to mimic a console-like experience with controller-friendly navigation. This disables non-essential Windows 11 processes (e.g., Desktop), freeing up to 2GB of RAM and reducing idle power consumption by up to one-third, improving frame rates and battery life.
The Xbox Game Bar integrates ASUS’s Armoury Crate for performance tweaks, input customization, and quick access to settings via a dedicated Xbox button. Users can still access the full Windows 11 desktop for tasks like modding or running non-Xbox apps.
This UI is exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally series until 2026, after which it may roll out to other Windows handhelds.
What is the expected price, and how does it compare to the Steam Deck?
Pricing: Official pricing hasn’t been announced, but estimates suggest:
ROG Xbox Ally: $500–$699, targeting a more affordable entry point for casual gamers.
ROG Xbox Ally X: $800–$1,000, reflecting its premium specs and performance.
Steam Deck Comparison:
Steam Deck (original): $399–$649; OLED model: $549–$649.
The base ROG Xbox Ally may compete closely with the Steam Deck OLED (512GB, $549), while the Ally X is significantly more expensive, targeting enthusiasts willing to pay for top-tier performance.
Value: The Ally series offers superior hardware and broader game compatibility, but the Steam Deck provides better value for budget-conscious users due to its lower price and optimized SteamOS.
When and where will the ROG Xbox Ally be available, and how can I pre-order?
Release Date: Holiday 2025 (likely November–December).
Availability: Initial launch in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, and US, with more markets to follow.
Pre-orders: Not yet live, but interested users can sign up for notifications on the ROG Xbox Ally family page (rog.asus.com) or Xbox Wire. Pricing and accessory details will be announced closer to launch.
Context: The holiday launch aligns with major gaming seasons, but potential tariff impacts may delay pricing announcements.
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