The ROG Xbox Ally is a powerful handheld gaming device powered by the brilliant minds at Microsoft and ASUS. It’s the first proper Xbox handheld, and we’ve got details on all the differences between the standard ROG Xbox Ally and the upgraded ROG Xbox Ally X.
The hype for the ROG Xbox Ally models is real. After the release details were finally revealed, pre-orders for the new consoles/computers poured in and sold out on the Xbox store. The price tag is clearly not affecting consumers, as orders for the devices are filling up fast.
If you want to know what you’re getting for your money and can’t decide between the two, this guide is what you need.
How is the ASUS ROG Ally Different From The ASUS ROG Ally X?
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a more powerful version of the ROG Xbox Ally—effectively making it the better of the two consoles. It has longer battery life, an improved processor, more variations in its ports, nearly double the storage, a lot more memory, and added Impulse Triggers.
A key thing to note is that both devices have the same display and almost identical dimensions (the X is marginally heavier). This means that even if you opt for the regular Ally, it will output the same display as the X on the same 7″ FHD (1080p) screen.
However, the more expensive X model features upgrades across the board: Processor, memory, storage space, and battery life. If you want to run multiple applications or enjoy some of the most demanding titles, it will benefit you to make the upgrade and opt for the X.
How Much is the ROG Xbox Ally Compared to the ROG Xbox Ally X?
The ROG Xbox Ally X costs $999.99 or £799.99, whereas the ROG Xbox Ally will still cost a pretty penny at $599.99 or £499.99.
The competition for handhelds is as tough as ever. The Nintendo Switch has been succeeded by the Switch 2—which is already selling well—and the Steam Deck is one of the most accessible devices for portable PC gaming. But both of the ASUS hardware come in strong with fairly steep US prices and an equally steep UK cost.
If you want the most expensive Steam Deck, it will set you back $649.99, whereas the Nintendo Switch 2 is $449.99. It all depends on what you’re looking for from a handheld experience, as everyone offers something different. The Xbox Ally is the most powerful unit, but at a steep cost.
All ROG Xbox Ally Vs ROG Xbox Ally X Specs Differences
Below, we’ve listed all the specs for both consoles (thanks to Xbox) and tried to order them to highlight the key features first—and thrown in the price for good measure again.
If you’re weighing up each device, this might help you.
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally Specs | ROG Xbox Ally X Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.99 / £499.99 | $999.99 / £799.99 |
| Operating Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions & Size | -290.8*121.5*50.7mm -670g | -290.8*121.5*50.7mm -715g |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Display | -7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 -120Hz refresh rate -FreeSync Premium -Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | -7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 -120Hz refresh rate -FreeSync Premium -Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Ports | -2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 -1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) -1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | -ROG Xbox Ally X1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible -1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 -1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) -1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Configuration | -Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. -ABXY buttons -D-pad -L & R impulse triggers -L & R bumpers -Xbox button -View button -Menu button -Command Centre button -Library button -2x assignable back buttons -2x full-size analogue sticks -HD haptics -6-Axis IMU | -Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. -ABXY buttons -D-pad -L & R Hall Effect analogue triggers -L & R bumpers -Xbox button -View button -Menu button -Command Centre button -Library button -2x assignable back buttons -2x full-size analogue sticks -HD haptics -6-Axis IMU |
| Accessories | -ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand | -ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand |
Are you sold on either device? Does one model stand out to you more than the other? Or are they both too expensive in today’s climate and the ever-increasing gaming market? Let us know your thoughts and feedback on the units through the Insider Gaming forum.
For more tech news, check out Steam’s new VR Headset possibly having a new name, and a rumor that the Steam Deck 2 may not arrive until 2028.
