Portable Gaming PC "ROG Xbox ALLY" Series Launches October 16th, Featuring Ryzen Z2 and Optimized Windows 11
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/047/G004755/20250924065/
Editorial Department: Chiba Daisuke | 2025/09/26 00:01 (UTC)
On September 26, 2025, ASUS Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of ASUSTeK Computer (hereinafter “ASUS”), announced that it would launch the handheld gaming PCs “ROG Xbox ALLY” and “ROG Xbox ALLY X” in Japan on October 16, with pre-orders now open.
The new models feature a redesigned chassis compared to previous products such as the “ROG ALLY” and “ROG ALLY X”. A key highlight is the adoption of a newly optimized version of Windows 11 specifically tailored for handheld gaming PCs.
The suggested retail prices (including tax) are 89,800 yen and 139,800 yen, respectively.
ROG Xbox ALLY X Thumbnail image No.001 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
The ROG Xbox ALLY series is a handheld gaming PC jointly announced by ASUS and Microsoft in June 2025 (related article).
According to ASUS, the company conducted surveys during development of this new handheld model. Results indicated a clear divide among users: some wanted high-performance handhelds capable of running major games, while others preferred lightweight devices for less demanding titles.
To address both user needs, ASUS has launched two models: performance-focused ROG Xbox ALLY X and more balanced ROG Xbox ALLY.
The lineup includes two distinct models: ROG Xbox ALLY X (left) and ROG Xbox ALLY (right) Thumbnail image No.003 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Both models feature a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz—consistent with previous products.
Display specifications Thumbnail image No.006 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
However, as mentioned earlier, the standout feature is the significantly redesigned chassis. The new design incorporates elements from the “Xbox Wireless Controller,” including pronounced grips and vibration-capable “Impulse Triggers.” The distinctive grip features a textured finish for improved grip and reduced hand fatigue during extended use.
The large-sized grip includes anti-slip texturing Thumbnail image No.004 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11 Thumbnail image No.005 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
The gamepad features the traditional asymmetrical Xbox-style layout. Notably, a new button has been added next to the left analog stick to launch Windows’ “Xbox Game Bar”—another indicator of close integration with Microsoft.
ROG Xbox ALLY series gamepad Thumbnail image No.007 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11 Thumbnail image No.008 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Another key feature of the ROG Xbox ALLY series is the use of AMD’s new “Ryzen Z2” lineup, announced by AMD in January 2025.
The ROG Xbox ALLY X model uses the top-tier “Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme,” which integrates an 8-core/16-thread CPU and a next-generation RDNA 3.5 GPU. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU combines three high-performance cores based on Zen5 architecture with five high-efficiency cores based on Zen5c architecture, achieving both strong performance and extended battery life.
Overview of Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme Thumbnail image No.010 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Additionally, it integrates an NPU capable of 50 TOPS of AI processing performance—meeting Microsoft’s requirements for “Copilot+ PC” devices. According to ASUS, ultra-high-resolution AI technologies utilizing AI will be available on the ROG Xbox ALLY X starting early 2026.
The ROG Xbox ALLY model uses the power-efficient “Ryzen Z2A,” which integrates a 4-core/8-thread CPU based on Zen2 architecture and an RDNA 2-generation GPU. This combination is identical to the custom APU used in the “Steam Deck”.
Overview of Ryzen Z2A Thumbnail image No.011 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Although the ROG Xbox ALLY has specifications comparable to those of a product launched in 2022, ASUS claims that even when operating in silent mode—prioritizing noise reduction and power efficiency—it outperforms the original ROG ALLY.
In conjunction with the launch of the ROG Xbox ALLY series, Microsoft is also launching a compatibility verification program for handheld gaming PCs called the “Handheld Compatibility Program.” This initiative resembles Steam’s Steam Deck compatibility program. Games playable on the ROG Xbox ALLY series will be categorized into four levels: “Handheld Optimized,” “Mostly Compatible,” “Unsupported,” and “Not tested.”
Handheld Compatibility Program Thumbnail image No.012 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Other differences between the two models include: RAM capacity of 24GB for ROG Xbox ALLY X and 16GB for ROG Xbox ALLY, internal storage of 1TB and 512GB respectively, and battery capacities of 80Wh (ROG Xbox ALLY X) and 60Wh (ROG Xbox ALLY).
Both models share the same interface configuration: two USB Type-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm mini-pin headset jack. However, ROG Xbox ALLY X features one USB4 port and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, while ROG Xbox ALLY has two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports.
Interfaces are concentrated on the top side Thumbnail image No.009 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
Another significant aspect of the ROG Xbox ALLY series is its adoption of a Windows 11 version specifically optimized for handheld gaming PCs. This customized Windows 11 introduces Microsoft’s new user interface called “Xbox Full-Screen Experience.”
With the Xbox Full-Screen Experience, installed game titles and games available via Xbox Game Pass are displayed in a unified library, while PC operations can be performed directly using the gamepad.
Xbox Full-Screen Experience Thumbnail image No.013 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
The interface also displays installed games, owned titles, and cloud-playable games in a single list Thumbnail image No.014 / Handheld gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series launches on October 16. Equipped with Ryzen Z2 & optimized Windows 11
When using the Xbox Full-Screen Experience, background processes are minimized and unnecessary tasks are deferred, potentially reducing memory usage by up to 2GB.
Although the main RAM capacity of ROG Xbox ALLY X (24GB) may seem slightly limited for a current-generation handheld gaming PC, ASUS likely concluded that leveraging the optimized Windows 11 makes it unnecessary to increase physical memory.
Additionally, Microsoft is currently developing a new feature called “Advanced Shader Delivery” designed to shorten game launch times on gaming PCs—including the ROG Xbox ALLY. Many modern AAA games require lengthy shader compilation during first launches, often resulting in long wait times before gameplay can begin.
Advanced Shader Delivery works by collaborating with hardware manufacturers to database pre-compiled shader data for specific titles. By delivering this data alongside the game, the initial compilation step during launch is eliminated. According to Microsoft, Advanced Shader Delivery reduced the first-launch time of the fantasy RPG “Avowed” by up to 85%.
Furthermore, Microsoft plans to roll out additional features for the ROG Xbox ALLY series over the coming months.
The usability of the optimized Windows 11 and the Xbox Full-Screen Experience is highly anticipated. We look forward to hands-on testing with actual devices soon.
ASUS will showcase the ROG Xbox ALLY series at Tokyo Game Show 2025, which takes place from September 25 at Makuhari Messe. Those interested are encouraged to visit the ASUS booth at TGS 2025.