Xbox's Gaming Handheld Surprise: Ally and Ally X Unveiled by Asus
Xbox's forthcoming handheld device exhibits impressive power, yet a significant concern arises for me:
Gaming enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Xbox has unexpectedly ventured into the handheld gaming market, unveiling not just one but two new devices: the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. These devices are being developed by Asus and will sport a custom Xbox experience on top of Windows.
Despite numerous leaks in recent months, this dual announcement still leaves us scratching our heads. Not only are there two models rather than the original expectation, but their screen size is somewhat on the smaller side for a portable gaming PC.
One of the biggest surprises? These devices, featuring a dedicated Xbox front-end, are technically running on Windows. Cue the apprehension.
Having sampled numerous gaming handhelds, from budget Linux-based retro devices and Android variations like the Odin 2 Portal and Ayaneo Pocket Evo, to full-fledged PC alternatives such as the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S, we've often encountered mixed experiences with Windows. Whether it's the operating system's fiddly nature on a smaller display, the potential for performance or battery life curbs, or the sheer bloat, many handheld gamers can relate.
However, we're told that the Windows-based Xbox experience on the ROG Ally handhelds will differ, with most background processes suspended when the device is running. Let's just hope it lives up to the hype. Only time, and a full run-down of each device, will tell.
Meanwhile, the idea behind these handhelds is intriguing. Although their design might seem odd when compared to other PC handhelds, there's an ergonomic touch to them—a welcome contrast to the cumbersome Nintendo Switch 2 I recently got my hands on.
Xbox Ally Specifications
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are no slouches when it comes to hardware. The base-level ROG Ally runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and boasts 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. There's 512GB of SSD storage on board, too.
The Ally X ramps up the performance with a more powerful CPU (the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme), doubles the RAM (24GB, faster than the entry-level model), and offers 1TB of storage. In some ways, the Xbox Ally is the portable equivalent of the Xbox Series S, while the Ally X takes the top spot, akin to the Series X.
Both sport a 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support. However, their screen size is smaller than several other handhelds, such as the Switch 2, and it's a pity an OLED panel wasn't chosen. This might affect the price when each device is revealed.
It's an exciting development, and with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass, the handhelds will launch with a massive library of games, with little additional outlay. However, it all comes down to the Xbox-Windows 11 Home experience—that's what will seal the deal.
We'll learn more as each handheld approaches its "holiday 2023" release window.
Subscribe to our newsletter for smart living insights!
Stay updated on the latest news, reviews, deals, and buying guides on fantastic tech, home, and active products from our experts!
Gaming enthusiasts may be apprehensive about the new Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld devices, as they run on Windows, an operating system that has presented mixed experiences with its fiddly nature, potential performance or battery life curbs, and bloat, when used on portable gaming devices.
Regarding technology, the new handhelds are not slouches when it comes to hardware, with the base-level Xbox Ally sporting an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Ally X boasts a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and 1TB of storage, making them comparable to the Xbox Series S and Series X, respectively.
