ASUS Republic of Gamers has partnered with Xbox to introduce the next generation of portable gaming: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. These premium handheld devices merge console-quality performance with PC versatility in an ergonomic design, setting a new standard for gaming on the go.

The new series features a completely reimagined chassis designed for extended play sessions, with comfort-focused ergonomics inspired by Xbox controllers. The flagship Ally X model takes immersion to the next level with advanced impulse triggers that deliver precise haptic feedback, mirroring the premium console gaming experience.

Powering these devices are cutting-edge AMD processors tailored for handheld gaming. The standard Ally model features the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, while the high-end Ally X boasts the more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor. Both chipsets are engineered to balance performance and efficiency, enabling smooth gameplay across all genres while optimising battery life.

Running on Windows 11 with a customised Xbox interface, the devices offer the best of both worlds: seamless access to Xbox Game Pass alongside the full flexibility of a Windows PC. The optimised software environment provides quick access to games and settings, creating a console-like experience while maintaining the open ecosystem PC gamers expect.

The ROG Xbox Ally series represents a significant evolution in portable gaming technology, combining Xbox’s gaming expertise with ASUS ROG’s hardware innovation. Gamers in the UAE can look forward to the devices launching later this year, with regional pricing and availability details to be announced in the coming months.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for handheld gaming, offering players unprecedented freedom to enjoy their favorite games anywhere without compromising on performance, comfort, or game library access. The ROG Xbox Ally series demonstrates ASUS’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology in the Middle East and worldwide.

AMD today announced its new Ryzen Z2 Series Processors, designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for handheld PC gaming. The new series, introduced in a press deck released in June 2025, emphasizes exhilarating speed, extended battery life, and breathtaking graphics for on-the-go gaming. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Series aims to provide elite performance for handheld PC gaming, allowing users to play their favorite PC games with incredible portable performance and visual fidelity.

The flagship of the new lineup is the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. This chip is built for ultimate performance with integrated AI capabilities , featuring 16 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3.5), 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 5”), a configurable TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15-35W, and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with a peak of 50 AI TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme also boasts compatibility with Copilot+PC features. The Ryzen AI is defined as the combination of a dedicated AI engine, AMD Radeon graphics engine, and Ryzen processor cores that enable AI capabilities.

Another processor in the series, the AMD Ryzen Z2 A, is optimized for long-lasting handheld PC gaming. Its specifications include 8 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 2), 4 CPU Cores / 8 Threads (“Zen 2”), and a configurable TDP of 6-20W. The Z2 series also includes other processors to cater to different performance tiers. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme offers ultimate performance for elite handheld PC gaming, featuring 16 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3.5) and 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 5”), with a configurable TDP of 15-35W.

The AMD Ryzen Z2 delivers high performance for handheld PC gaming, equipped with 12 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3) and 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 4”), with a configurable TDP of 15-30W. Lastly, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Lenovo Exclusive) provides performance for handheld PC gaming, with 12 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 2) and 4 CPU Cores / 8 Threads (“Zen 3+”), with a configurable TDP of 15-30W. Memory speeds across the Z2 Series range from LPDDR5-6400 up to LPDDR5X-8000 (up to).

Several handheld PC gaming devices are already slated to feature the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, including the ROG Ally X, MSI Claw A8, and Lenovo Legion Go S.

Microsoft has officially unveiled its new handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally, confirming years of industry speculation. Developed in partnership with Asus, the device is designed to provide mobile access to a user’s Game Pass subscription library.

The ROG Xbox Ally, a collaboration with Asus’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) division, marks Microsoft’s entry into the handheld gaming hardware market. Asus has been involved in the handheld gaming device sector since 2023 with its existing ROG Ally line. The new Xbox-branded models, which include the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, are slated for release during the 2025 holiday season. Pricing for both variants has not yet been disclosed.

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will run on Windows 11, with Microsoft stating that the operating system has been optimised for these devices. Users will boot directly into a full-screen Xbox experience designed for handheld gaming. This includes an upgraded Game Bar, which integrates with Asus’s Armoury Crate software for quick access to controls and settings. The devices also feature a unified game library that aggregates titles from various PC storefronts, such as Steam, Battle.net, and GOG, alongside Xbox and Game Pass titles.

A key feature for Game Pass subscribers is the native support, allowing members immediate access to hundreds of titles from their subscription library directly on the handheld device. Microsoft confirmed that titles showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase will be playable on the new Xbox Ally models.

This announcement follows Nintendo’s launch of the Switch 2 just three days prior. The Switch 2, like its predecessor, functions as a hybrid gaming device, capable of both portable play and TV connectivity. Its market success, and that of Valve’s Steam Deck, a handheld PC offering access to PC game libraries, established a competitive landscape in the portable gaming sector. The Steam Deck, released in 2022, provides access to a user’s Steam library, though not all titles are optimised for the device.

Microsoft has previously explored handheld gaming concepts over more than a decade, with various projects being initiated and subsequently shelved. The ROG Xbox Ally represents the company’s latest effort to establish a presence in this segment. While Microsoft enters a market with established rivals, the direct integration with Game Pass is positioned as a significant advantage for its subscriber base, which currently exceeds 34 million.

The ROG Xbox Ally features a 7-inch full HD (1080p) IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium technology. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with a DXC Anti-Reflection coating. The standard ROG Xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X, targeting more demanding users, includes an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1TB of storage.

Both models feature contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers and a dedicated Xbox button. They also include two USB-C ports (one with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility on the Ally X), a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. The Ally model has a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has an 80Wh battery. Both devices are capable of outputting video to external displays.