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A groundbreaking collaboration between ASUS ROG and Xbox has yielded the ROG Xbox Ally, a new handheld gaming console unveiled at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany. The device, optimized for the Xbox experience on Windows 11, arrives in two distinct models designed to cater to a wide range of gamers and budgets.
The ROG Xbox Ally aims to redefine portable gaming, offering a compelling alternative within the premium handheld market. According to a company release, the device represents a full integration of the Xbox ecosystem into a portable form factor.
Two Models to Suit Every Gamer
The ROG Xbox Ally will be available in two variants. The standard model is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, featuring a four-core Zen 2 architecture and eight threads, paired with eight RDNA GPU cores. This configuration boasts 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, a 512GB M.2 SSD, and a 60Wh battery, positioning it as an affordable entry point into the handheld gaming space.
For users demanding peak performance, the ROG Xbox Ally X utilizes the latest AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. This premium variant features an eight-core/16-thread Zen 5 APU, a 16-core RDNA 3.5 GPU, and an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The NPU will power AI-based features, including Automatic Super Resolution, slated for release in early 2026, promising improved visual quality and frame rates, particularly in lower-resolution games.
The Ally X is further equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, a 1TB M.2 SSD, and an 80Wh battery, ensuring superior performance for the latest AAA titles and extended playtime on the go.
Windows 11 Optimized for Gaming
Windows 11 on the ROG Xbox Ally has been specifically optimized to prioritize gaming performance. A senior official stated that the operating system minimizes background processes, maximizing system power allocation for games. The integration extends to a dedicated game library, special Xbox buttons, and enhanced game features for streamlined navigation and access.
The Armoury Crate Special Edition software allows users to customize power profiles, joystick sensitivity, and control settings. Xbox’s Handheld Compatibility program further enhances the experience, categorizing games as “Optimized Handheld” for those ready to play flawlessly, or “Most Compatible” for titles requiring minimal adjustments.
Advanced Features for a Seamless Experience
Xbox is also developing advanced shader delivery, a feature that pre-loads game shaders during the download process. This innovation promises faster game launches and smoother performance, initially available for select titles and expanding over time.
The ROG Xbox Ally offers versatile gameplay options: local downloads and installations, cloud streaming, and remote play from another Xbox console. Support for new games will be continuously updated, ensuring compatibility with future releases.
Gamescom 2025 Launch and Availability
The launch of the ROG Xbox Ally at Gamescom 2025 on August 20th was a star-studded event, featuring appearances by Grand Theft Auto V actors Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the device firsthand at the ROG booth, while Xbox hosted a concurrent online broadcast.
Both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are scheduled for global release in the final quarter of 2025. The device will soon be available in the Indonesian market, with further details accessible at https://rog.asus.com/id/content/rog-xbox-ally/.
The ROG and Xbox collaboration presents a compelling alternative in the premium handheld gaming market, offering a fully integrated Xbox ecosystem in a portable package.
