Microsoft unveils Windows powered ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds: Here's everything you need to know
Microsoft, in collaboration with ASUS has unveiled two new Windows powered ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds. Named ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, the two new gaming handhelds offer an 'immersive Xbox full screen experience', a new feature that is optimised specially for handheld gaming.
The ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor whereas the performance oriented ROG Xbox Ally X packs the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. Both gaming handhelds sport a 7-inch 120Hz FullHD LCD screen that offers 500 nits of brightness. As it turns out, the handhelds are protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus, have an anti-reflection coating and also support AMD's Freesync Premium technology, which helps reduce screen tearing.
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X have the same button layout as previous generation handhelds from Asus. Featuring a completely redesigned chassis, Asus says its new handhelds offer a more comfortable grip, redesigned palm rest and texturing patterns, which makes it easy for gamers to play all day long.
While the ROG Xbox Ally X has hall effect triggers, the ROG Xbox Ally X, Asus seems to have included 'impulse triggers'. which it says improves 'the haptics in supported games.' The ROG Ally comes with 16GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, whereas the ROG Ally X has up to 25GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Another difference between the two is that the former is backed by a 60Wh battery while the latter has 80Wh battery.
Instead of the familiar Windows desktop and taskbar, users will be greeted with the Xbox full-screen experience on the new Asus Xbox Ally handhelds. Microsoft says this reduces the performance overhead on these handhelds and makes them faster, but you can exit the full-screen mode anytime to go back to the familiar Windows desktop and taskbar interface. Also, Microsoft is bringing the AI powered Gaming Copilot to the Game Bar, making it easy for gamers to do things like learn new skills, talk to others and more.
As for availability, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X will be coming this 'holiday season' 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, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.
And while Asus and Microsoft have clarified that the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available in other countries as well where the company sells gaming handhelds, there is no word on how much it will cost.
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