Asus Teams Up with Microsoft to Launch ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Gaming Handhelds

Sure, let’s dive in.

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Alright, so here it goes. Microsoft and Asus decided to do this thing. A handheld Xbox. Sort of. Well, they called it the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. Confused yet? Me too. But stick with me. This was all part of something fancy they showcased somewhere—apparently called Xbox Games Showcase.

These gadgets look kind of Xboxy with their grips. Big and curvy? Not sure why that stuck with me, but it did. Maybe it’s how they’re like Xbox controllers but aren’t. Asus says they mashed up feedback from older models—you know, the ROG Ally and Ally X—and rolled it into this new gizmo.

What’s actually fascinating (or not) is they added this textured pattern. Makes you feel things, literally. Like haptic feedback. Touchy, feely stuff with the triggers, you know?

Now, you’re thinking, “So they’re heavy and thick, huh?” You got it. Asus claims these are the most “immersive” things ever. Even bulkier than before or something like that Steam Deck thing. But, hey, they say it’s comfy. Like your favorite chair—just heavier.

Get this: the joysticks. Yep, still there and almost identical to the old Ally X. Except there’s a new Xbox button, just chilling by the left joystick. Game Bar pops up with it. Magic? Maybe.

Oh, right! AMD also slid in with some announcement. You’ve got the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset inside. It’s got this hardcore CPU, graphics cores, and AI stuff—like it’ll think for you or something. Okay, I’m joking, but seriously, it’s powerful and fast. Faster than your morning coffee making skills, at least.

Ports! Can’t skip ’em. One of those USB-Type C ports got a promotion to USB 4. Fancy, eh? Batteries? An 80Wh unit—you know, a powerhouse. Well, it’ll last… longer, they say.

So, specs were thrown in like candy. You’ve got screens, refresh rates…mostly similar. A budget option exists, too. Called ROG Xbox Ally. Less pizzazz but still a player. Specs get trimmed down—like a haircut, sort of.

You can get crazy with this: giant specs table, and then twist your brain around the software talk. Oh! They kept a Windows 11 vibe, secretly under the hood—like a secret handshake—but inviting game launchers. ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition: sounds like a secret spy gadget.

Pricing? Not a whisper yet. But believe it or not, it’s going global during the holidays—in 28 countries, like a world tour, kind of? Anyway, so watch for ’em wherever the ROG Allies are having a party already.

Follow tech news, hit buttons online, and stay tuned. All this for some gaming action in your hands. Or whatever.

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That’s the scoop.