ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds announced

Microsoft and ASUS have announced a new range of ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This includes the new ROG Xbox Ally X and the ROG Xbox Ally. These devices combine ASUS’s hardware with an updated Windows software experience for handhelds.

Starting with the hardware part, the new ROG Xbox Ally X will run on the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor while the ROG Xbox Ally gets a new Ryzen Z2 A processor. The Ally X 24GB of LPDDR5X 8000MHz memory while the Ally has 16GB LPDDR5X 6400MHz. There’s 1TB storage on the Ally X while the cheaper model makes do with 512GB.

Both feature a peculiar design that Microsoft claims is using the same design principles as the Xbox Wireless Controller. This results in hand grips that stick out the side rather than be integrated within the main body.

On the front, the controls are similar to the previous Ally models, which themselves borrowed the layout from the Xbox controller. There is also a new Xbox button here not present on the older Ally models. The controls are similar on both models but the Ally X gets impulse triggers instead of standard hall effect analog triggers on the Ally.

Both models get a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD with FreeSync Premium. There’s Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top with DXC Anti-Reflection coating. It would have been nice to see an OLED option here but it seems ASUS is sticking with its LCD panels.

Both models have a two USB-C ports but while both ports support USB 3.2 Gen 2 on the Ally, the Ally X replaces one of them with USB 4. There’s also a UHS-II microSD card slot and a headphone jack. Both also get Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.4. Finally, the Ally X has a 80Wh battery while the Ally gets 60Wh.

Now on to the topic of software, the ROG Xbox Ally models will ship with what is essentially a custom version of Windows. This includes a new Xbox full screen experience, which is designed for use with a controller. This also minimizes background activity and defers non-essential Windows tasks so more resources can be allocated to the games. The Xbox full screen experience doesn’t just list Microsoft Store titles but also games from other stores such as Steam and Epic Games.

Microsoft has announced that it is working closely with developers on a new program that helps players identify games that are optimized for handhelds, much like Valve’s Steam Deck verified logo.

Those who purchase the Xbox Ally devices will get Game Pass subscription for an indeterminate period. Microsoft has also worked with Roblox for a version that is optimized for gaming handhelds, which will be launching alongside these devices. Finally, there will also be Gaming Copilot, but nobody cares about that.

The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will be available this holiday season in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

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