Xbox ROG Ally X and Ally gain ground at Gamescom

Hands on with the new handhelds shows upgraded AMD chips and a streamlined Windows experience aimed at competing with Steam Deck.

Xbox ROG Ally X and Xbox Ally arrive with stronger hardware at Gamescom

Microsoft and Asus unveiled two new handhelds at Gamescom, the Xbox ROG Ally and the Xbox ROG Ally X. They are not true Xbox consoles; they run PC games either natively or via cloud streaming, and they introduce a refreshed Windows-based experience with a unified Xbox launcher and Asus Armoury Crate middleware. The models share a similar chassis, but the Ally X carries a larger battery and extra features such as impulse triggers and higher RAM options. The devices aim to improve performance with a newer AMD Z2 family chip and a 7-inch 1080p display at 120 Hz with VRR.

During hands on sessions, engineers explained that you can boot into Windows for full desktop use but with background services disabled to boost gaming performance. The software is designed so you can launch games from most storefronts directly in the Xbox launcher, reducing the need to touch Windows for common tasks. However, early demo units showed glitches like pauses in Forza Horizon 5 and occasional touch gesture quirks, suggesting the software still needs polishing before launch on October 16.

The pair signals a broader shift in handheld gaming toward Windows powered devices that blend PC flexibility with console like UX. By prioritizing a gamepad centric interface and a single launcher, Microsoft and Asus aim to reduce setup friction and attract Steam Deck users who want Windows compatibility. If the October 16 release holds, the devices could reshape the midrange handheld market, but the price, availability, and long term battery life will decide how big the impact is.

Yet the strategy carries risk. The reality of subpar software on first demos, potential battery drain, and a complicated Windows under the hood raises questions about durability, support, and real world performance. The pairing of Xbox branding with Asus hardware creates a compelling narrative, but the success will depend on how quickly pre orders open, how prices are set, and how developers embrace the platform.

Highlights

As the launch window approaches, clarity on pricing and availability will shape early reception.