The Xbox Ally X is a new handheld gaming PC created by Microsoft and Asus. It runs on Windows and is built with Xbox fans in mind. The device is part of the ROG Ally lineup but now comes in two versions: the standard white Xbox Ally, and the high-end black Xbox Ally X.

Both versions feature a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The design is sleek and modern, with curves and grips that feel just like an Xbox controller. The thumbsticks are full-sized, and the new impulse triggers let you feel in-game actions like shooting or driving. It’s built for comfort during long gaming sessions.

The Ally X model includes more advanced features. It has a USB-C 4 port (Thunderbolt 4), a USB-C 3.2 port, and a microSD slot. The base Ally has two USB-C 3.2 ports. Both models aim to be powerful yet portable, giving you console-quality gaming wherever you go. So, amazing things like the Xbox Ally X and https://www.norgesspill.com have arrived this year for gaming lovers. Now, let’s read more about the Xbox Ally.

Powerful Specs for Serious Gamers

Under the hood, these devices are impressive.

The base Xbox Ally uses a Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. The Ally X takes it further. It runs on the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, with 24 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. That’s a big upgrade over the original ROG Ally from 2023.

Battery life also gets a major boost. The Ally X packs a massive 80Wh battery – one of the largest in any handheld gaming PC. The standard Ally still gets a solid 60Wh battery, which is 50% bigger than the original model.

Asus and Microsoft focused heavily on efficiency. They’ve worked on reducing heat, noise, and battery drain. With the new Xbox mode in Windows, standby power use drops to a third of what it was before. That means longer play sessions and quicker wake-up times.

You can also connect the Ally X to an external GPU using the optional XG Mobile dock. This lets you turn the handheld into a full desktop gaming rig when needed.

Xbox Meets Windows: A Seamless Experience

One of the most exciting parts of the Xbox Ally X is the software. It runs Windows, but with a special Xbox-first mode. When you turn it on, it boots directly into a full-screen Xbox-style interface. No need to deal with a Windows desktop if you don’t want to.

There’s a dedicated Xbox button. Tap it once to open quick settings. Hold it to switch between apps, like Alt+Tab on a PC. You can launch games from Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and more – all from one screen.

Microsoft has optimized this mode to free up more RAM for games – about 2 GB more compared to regular Windows mode. It also hides things like the wallpaper and taskbar by default. It’s clean and console-like.

You can still exit to full Windows if you need to. But for most gamers, the Xbox mode will be enough. It makes the handheld feel like a real Xbox, not just a mini PC.

There’s more: you can log in using just the controller, stream games through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and even play titles from your home console using Remote Play. Microsoft is also testing a “Verified for Handheld” label, so you’ll know which games work best on the go.

Blending Console and PC Worlds

This device is part of a bigger shift. Microsoft wants to combine the best of Xbox and Windows. They’ve updated the Xbox app and Game Bar to work better with handhelds. You can manage your settings, launch apps like Discord, and control performance – all with your controller.

The Verge reports that Microsoft is building a full library view inside the Xbox app. That means you’ll be able to see and launch all your PC and Xbox games from one place – even on regular Windows PCs in the future.

This is a big move toward merging the Xbox and PC experience. It’s also Microsoft’s answer to Valve’s Steam Deck, which runs on Linux and uses SteamOS. With Ally X, you get a familiar Xbox look and feel, plus the power and flexibility of Windows.

Competing in the Handheld Market

The Xbox Ally X enters a crowded field. The Steam Deck made handheld PC gaming mainstream. Devices like Lenovo’s Legion Go also offer powerful specs and big screens.

But the Ally X stands out in key areas.

It has a compact 7-inch screen with high refresh rate, an 80Wh battery, and Thunderbolt 4 support. That’s rare in handhelds. While the Legion Go has a larger 8.8-inch QHD display, the Ally X focuses on performance, battery life, and Xbox integration.

The Steam Deck runs on Linux and leans into Steam’s ecosystem. The Ally X runs Windows and supports a wider range of games, including titles outside Steam.

If you’re already in the Xbox ecosystem, the Ally X may feel like a natural fit. It’s designed for comfort, has great battery life, and offers console-like convenience with PC-level flexibility.

Xbox Ally X Is a Game-Changer?

The Xbox Ally X is more than just another handheld gaming PC. It’s Microsoft’s first real attempt to bring the Xbox experience to portable Windows hardware.

It’s fast, powerful, and built for gamers. Whether you’re a PC player or an Xbox fan, this device gives you the best of both. You can enjoy your full game library on the go, without dealing with complex setups or bulky gear.

In our Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC review for 2025, it’s clear: this is one of the most polished handhelds yet. With deep Xbox integration, a compact design, and real PC specs, the Ally X could set the new standard for portable gaming.

As the holiday release approaches, gamers will be watching closely. If Microsoft continues to improve this Xbox-Windows fusion, the Ally X may be the future of handheld gaming.