The portable gaming scene is about to get a serious contender. The ROG Xbox Ally X – the latest result of the ongoing Microsoft Asus collab – has been officially revealed, and it’s already turning heads across the gaming world. What do we know so far?
Design And Ergonomics: Small Tweaks, Big Difference
At first glance, the ROG Xbox Ally X looks very similar to the original ROG Ally from 2023. It’s still a sleek, compact Xbox handheld, with a central screen and familiar button layout. But the improvements lie in the details – and they’re all good news.
https://twitter.com/Xbox/status/1931760780816638381
The new model is slightly heavier and thicker, mostly due to a much larger battery. The grips have been redesigned – deeper, more contoured, and just better to hold. Port placement has also been adjusted, now sitting at the back instead of on top, making portable gaming while charging much more comfortable.
Same Great Screen – And That’s Not A Bad Thing
The Ally X sticks with a 7-inch 1080p LCD display running at 120Hz. Sure, some were hoping for OLED, but Asus chose a reliable option that still shines – offering excellent brightness, colour clarity, and smooth animations. And with FreeSync Premium support, visuals stay crisp and fluid even during rapid frame rate swings.
Introducing the new ROG Xbox Ally Series.
Learn more: https://t.co/i90NJtn9Re@Xbox pic.twitter.com/lYPezDxzq5— ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) June 8, 2025
Battery Life That Finally Lives Up To The Promise
The most noticeable upgrade? The battery. The ROG Xbox Ally X comes with an 80Wh cell – double the capacity of the previous model. In real terms, that means roughly 6-8 hours of gameplay, depending on what you’re playing and how you’ve got the system configured.
It’s a huge improvement over the original, which often struggled to last through longer sessions. Now, this Game Pass device can finally compete with the Steam Deck not just in power, but in true portability.
Seamless Xbox Ecosystem Support
One of the ROG Xbox Ally X’s biggest strengths is its deep integration into the Xbox ecosystem. Running on Windows 11, it gives you instant access to Xbox Game Pass right out of the box. No need for workarounds, extra apps, or buying your games all over again.
This isn’t just convenient – it’s a major advantage over the Steam Deck, which, while excellent, is centred around Steam. With the Ally X, your save data and game progress sync effortlessly between your handheld console, your Xbox, and your PC. That kind of cross-device experience makes this the ultimate Game Pass device.
Ally X vs. The Competition
Compared to the upcoming standard ROG Ally, the Ally X clearly pulls ahead when it comes to battery life and comfort. The 80Wh battery gives you nearly double the playtime (6-8 hours versus around 3-4 on the base version), and the improved ergonomics make a noticeable difference during long sessions.
The screen is the same 7-inch, 1080p LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate – still a solid display, though admittedly not as flashy as the OLED in the latest Steam Deck.
Release Date And Pricing
Microsoft and Asus haven’t confirmed an exact release date yet, but all signs point to a launch in late fall 2025.
Rumours suggest a price around $799 – a step up from the $599 base Ally or the Steam Deck, but one that reflects stronger hardware, better usability, and smoother Xbox ecosystem access wherever you go.
Should You Wait For It?
The Xbox Ally X doesn’t just fix the issues of its predecessor – it pushes Xbox handheld gaming to the next level. With longer battery life, refined design, and full Game Pass integration, it might just be the best portable gaming device of 2025.
If you’re after a handheld console that doesn’t compromise – one that feels like a true part of the Xbox family – the ROG Xbox Ally X deserves a top spot on your wishlist! Seems like Xbox next-gen strategy is getting stronger each weak.