Asus ROG Xbox Ally Pre-Orders: Latest News, Price, Specs

Handheld gaming has gone through a serious glow-up. Nintendo set the pace, Valve pushed boundaries with the Steam Deck, and now ASUS has teamed up with Xbox to drop what might be the most ambitious portable yet: the ROG Xbox ally. 

This isn’t a stripped-back console or a gimmicky tablet. It’s a full Windows handheld PC with the soul of an Xbox. With Xbox Game Pass integration, a high refresh rate display, and dedicated performance optimisation software, it’s shaping up to be the next-gen gaming handheld every eSports fan and travelling gamer has been waiting for. 

And the best part? You can already secure your unit. This blog will cover everything you need to know about the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally including pre-order details, specifications, and everything else. So, without further ado, let’s get to it. 

The Hype Around the Launch: 

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally 2025 release date is locked in for 16 October 2025, with pre-orders having opened in late September. Early interest across the UK has been strong, and initial listings show that stock is expected to be limited at launch. 

At Box, the ROG Xbox Ally RC73YA-NH002W is already available to secure. Pre-ordering ensures you’ll be among the first to experience ASUS’s most advanced portable gaming device yet, with units expected to ship from launch day. 

Order Xbox Ally

Designed for Convenience: 

The Ally isn’t just a handheld gaming console. It feels like an Xbox pad that grew a screen. The ergonomic controller design mirrors official Xbox controllers, right down to the trigger feedback. Textured grips keep it steady during sweaty clutch moments, and the lightweight chassis (under 700 g) makes marathon sessions easier on the hands. 

It’s an immersive gaming experience in a compact frame, no compromises on comfort, no weird layouts, just pure Xbox familiarity in a portable form. 

Specs That Matter:

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally’s spec sheet isn’t just about big numbers. Each part directly affects how games feel in your hands. Here’s what the key hardware choices mean when you’re actually playing: 

• Screen Size & Refresh Rate: 7-inch Full HD display at 120 Hz. This isn’t just numbers; it means buttery smooth aim tracking in Valorant or CS2. 
• Processor Speed & GPU Performance: Ryzen Z2 A CPU (base) or Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (X model), backed by a dedicated graphics processor. This means AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 finally run properly on a handheld. 
• Storage Capacity: 512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSDs mean no juggling installs every weekend. Plus, microSD expansion for more memory. 
• Battery Life Optimisation: 60 Wh (base) or 80 Wh (X) batteries. Switch between Silent Mode for long RPG grinds or Turbo Mode for competitive eSports gaming. 
• Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, dual USB-C, and docking support for full PC setups. 

It’s not just spec sheet fluff. It’s power designed to make your portable sessions feel like proper PC gaming, not a mobile downgrade. 

Unmatched Cooling & Performance: 

Handhelds usually get toasty fast, and nobody wants a hand heater mid-raid. ASUS answers this with an advanced cooling system featuring dual fans, anti-dust tunnels, and a vapor chamber. This integrated cooling system means the Ally runs consistently, whether you’re grinding through Baldur’s Gate 3 or running benchmarks to push the limits. 

On top of hardware, the Ally ships with performance optimisation software. Armoury Crate SE lets you tweak fan speeds, CPU/GPU profiles, and even monitor temps in real time. It’s like having your own dynamic pit crew. 

Xbox Game Pass & Cross-Platform Support: 

The biggest flex? Seamless Xbox Game Pass integration. Whether you want to stream via cloud gaming support or download titles locally, the Ally plays nice. 

Picture this: you start Halo Infinite on your Series X, continue the campaign on your Ally while commuting, then finish the session on your desktop rig. That’s cross-platform gaming done right. 

And because it’s a Windows-based handheld, you’re not locked into Xbox. Steam, Epic, Battle.net, it’s all there. The Ally is freedom dressed up as a console. 

How the ROG Xbox Ally Stacks Up Against Other Handhelds: 

The handheld gaming scene is more competitive than ever, with three big names standing alongside the ROG Xbox Ally. Here’s how they compare in the areas that matter most to gamers: 

Performance & OS: 

• ROG Xbox Ally: Runs Windows 11, meaning access to Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and more. Supports high frame rate gaming up to 120 Hz. 
• Steam Deck: Powered by SteamOS, great for Steam library loyalists but less flexible for cross-platform gaming. Limited to 60 Hz unless modded. 
• Nintendo Switch: Runs Nintendo’s closed ecosystem, great exclusives but lacks raw CPU/GPU horsepower for AAA ports. 
• Lenovo Legion Go: Also Windows-based, with similar flexibility to the Ally, but performance varies depending on settings and the device’s larger display. 

Design & Controls: 

• ROG Xbox Ally: Familiar ergonomic controller design modelled on Xbox controllers, light and portable at under 700 g. 
• Steam Deck: Heavier, with touchpads for mouse-style control, a plus for strategy fans but bulkier overall. 
• Nintendo Switch: Detachable Joy-Cons make it versatile, but not as comfortable for competitive eSports gaming. 
• Lenovo Legion Go: Huge 8.8-inch display is great for immersion but adds bulk; detachable controls give it flexibility. 

Battery & Cooling: 

ROG Xbox Ally: 60 Wh (base) or 80 Wh (X), supported by an advanced ASUS cooling system for efficient thermal management. 

Steam Deck: Battery life can dip under 2 hours on demanding titles, with noticeable fan noise. 

Nintendo Switch: Best endurance for casual play but weaker hardware means fewer demanding titles. 

Lenovo Legion Go: Larger battery (49.2 Wh) but struggles with cooling efficiency under heavy load compared to ASUS’s system. 

Price & Value: 

• ROG Xbox Ally: Starting around £499.99, with the Ally X expected near £799. Designed as a premium gaming handheld with Xbox synergy. 
• Steam Deck: Cheaper entry point (~£349–£569) but fewer high-end features. 
• Nintendo Switch: Still the most affordable (~£259–£309), but in a different performance class. 
• Lenovo Legion Go: Around £699, aiming at the same enthusiast market but lacks the Xbox ecosystem advantage. 

So, who wins? 

If you want cross-platform gaming with both PC and Xbox libraries, high refresh rate display, and performance optimisation software, the ROG Ally is in a league of its own. Steam Deck is great for Valve loyalists, Switch dominates casual and family play, and Legion Go offers raw screen size, but the Ally balances power, polish, and ecosystem better than any rival. 

Accessories & Ecosystem 

The ROG Xbox Ally is a powerful handheld on its own, but the right extras can make your gaming sessions even smoother, more immersive, or more versatile. Here are a few options worth considering: 

• Extra Control for Multiplayer: Pair it with official Xbox controllers if you’re hosting local co-op sessions or prefer a full-size joystick when docked. 
• Immersive Sound: Good gaming headsets can add depth to your experience, whether that’s catching footsteps in shooters or getting lost in a soundtrack-heavy RPG. 
• Hybrid Setups: If you like the idea of switching between handheld and desktop play, consider docks or stands. They make it easy to hook the Ally up to a monitor, keyboard, or even a portable gaming PC for a more complete workstation. 
• Travel-friendly Extras: Carry cases, portable power packs, and microSD cards are small upgrades that can make long trips smoother without weighing you down. 
• Visual Upgrades: Hook the Ally up to an external monitor or TV for couch co-op or big-screen RPG sessions. A high refresh rate external display can make competitive shooters feel even sharper. 

With a range of accessories available, it’s easy to shape the Ally around your own gaming style, whether that means going portable, playing socially, or creating a home-hybrid setup. 

Wrapping Up: 

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally isn’t just another handheld. It’s sleek, powerful, and designed for gamers who demand the best, a genuine fusion of console convenience and PC power. 

With pre-orders already live and launch day around the corner, securing the ROG Xbox Ally RC73YA-NH002W early is the smartest move. This is more than a gadget drop. It’s the start of a new era in portable performance. 

FAQs – ASUS ROG Xbox Ally: 

1. What’s the release date for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally? 
   It’s set for 16 October 2025, with pre-orders already live. 
2. How much does the ROG Xbox Ally cost in the UK? 
   The price for the base model is set to £499.99, with the Ally X expected to be closer to £799. 
3. Does the ROG Xbox Ally support Xbox Game Pass? 
   Yes, both cloud and local Game Pass titles are supported out of the box. 
4. How does it compare to the Steam Deck? 
   The Ally runs Windows, supports Xbox integration, and offers a faster 120 Hz display, giving it the edge for flexibility and performance. 
5. Is the Ally worth the upgrade from the original model? 
   Yes, with improved processor speed, cooling efficiency, and battery life, the 2025 version is a significant leap forward.