Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft - IGN
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 5:55 pm
**Xbox Ally X: A New Contender in the Handheld Gaming Arena**
The gaming handheld market is about to get a new player with the upcoming release of the Xbox Ally X, a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. Designed specifically for the Xbox platform, the device aims to address common shortcomings found in existing handheld gaming PCs. The Xbox Ally X is the top-tier model, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, powered by an 80Wh battery. A base model, the Xbox Ally, will also be available, with a scaled-down configuration. Both models share a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, supporting variable refresh rate (VRR) and FreeSync.
The Xbox Ally X promises a streamlined user experience. It runs a modified version of Windows, designed to optimize performance for gaming. The Xbox app is integrated, offering a centralized hub for games from various storefronts. The device also boasts an ergonomic design, aiming for comfort and performance.
While the Xbox Ally X's performance with demanding games is yet to be fully tested, initial hands-on experience with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p with high settings and a smooth 60 fps indicates promising capabilities. The device's bulkiness is a trade-off for its controller-style grips. The price point remains a key factor, with the cost of the device not yet released.
BNN's Perspective: The Xbox Ally X appears to be a promising entry into the handheld gaming market, with its focus on performance, user experience, and ergonomics. The success of the device will depend on its price point and how well it can deliver on its promises. The potential impact on the broader handheld gaming ecosystem is also noteworthy, as it could drive innovation and improvements across the industry.
Keywords: Xbox Ally X, gaming handheld, Asus, Microsoft, AMD Ryzen AI, PC gaming, handheld gaming PC, Xbox app, Windows, ergonomics, 1080p, 120Hz, VRR, FreeSync, Gears of War: Reloaded, performance, user experience, price.