The dream of a true Xbox handheld has hovered over the gaming community for years, but an official on-the-go console from Microsoft still hasn’t materialized. Instead of waiting indefinitely, Asus has stepped in with a compelling alternative. Working directly with Microsoft, Asus has refreshed its popular handheld and introduced the Asus ROG Xbox Ally—a portable gaming PC that blends in the Xbox design language. Even more surprising is that this recently released device is already seeing a meaningful price cut.
Launched only about three months ago, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally originally carried a $600 price tag.It’s now available for $500, reflecting a 17% discount and a $100 savings shortly after release. Price drops this soon are rare for new hardwa…
The dream of a true Xbox handheld has hovered over the gaming community for years, but an official on-the-go console from Microsoft still hasn’t materialized. Instead of waiting indefinitely, Asus has stepped in with a compelling alternative. Working directly with Microsoft, Asus has refreshed its popular handheld and introduced the Asus ROG Xbox Ally—a portable gaming PC that blends in the Xbox design language. Even more surprising is that this recently released device is already seeing a meaningful price cut.
Launched only about three months ago, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally originally carried a $600 price tag.It’s now available for $500, reflecting a 17% discount and a $100 savings shortly after release. Price drops this soon are rare for new hardware. Heck, the trend lately has been seeing console prices go *up *after release—not down.
At the core of this updated handheld is a new AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, which delivers improved performance and efficiency compared to earlier models. Asus has also worked with Microsoft to implement a redesigned Windows-based interface that prioritizes controller navigation and usability. The result is a smoother experience not just during gameplay, but also while browsing menus, launching titles, and switching between apps—areas where handheld gaming PCs have traditionally felt clunky.
Hardware-wise, the ROG Xbox Ally is well-equipped for modern gaming. It includes 16GB of dual-channel RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD, offering fast load times and smooth multitasking. For players with large libraries, the internal storage can be upgraded as your collection of games grows.
Rather than locking players into a single ecosystem, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally can play games from nearly every major PC gaming platform. Beyond Xbox titles, the handheld supports Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other PC storefronts. Through the updated Xbox App interface, users can launch games directly from their library, stream titles from an Xbox console, or access Microsoft’s cloud gaming service. A dedicated Xbox button on the left side brings up the Xbox Game Bar instantly, the same way the Xbox button on the core controller opens up the menu on an Xbox console.
Feels Great to Play
The 7-inch display delivers a sharp 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, making gameplay feel fluid and responsive. Weighing just under 1.5 pounds, it remains portable without feeling flimsy or cramped.
Comfort has also been improved through a redesigned chassis inspired by Xbox wireless controllers. The contoured grips are built for longer play sessions, reducing hand fatigue whether you’re gaming on the couch, commuting, or traveling. Dual USB-C ports allow the device to connect to external displays, making it easy to transition from handheld play to a TV or monitor setup.
Powering all of this is a 60Wh battery. Fast charging support means that just 30 minutes plugged in can restore up to 50% battery life.