Microsoft confirms release date for ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X handhelds: Here’s everything you need to know

Microsoft, in collaboration with Asus, will launch the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Ally X handheld gaming consoles globally on October 16, with release in the Indian market scheduled for a later date. However, the pricing and pre-order details have not been announced.

After a string of leaks and teasers, Microsoft has officially announced the release date of its Xbox-branded Republic of Gamers (ROG) Ally handhelds. These devices will attempt to bring the Xbox console experience to a portable device and will be powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 chipsets. Moreover, both consoles will give users access to Game Pass and other Microsoft services.

Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Ally X: Release date, availability

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will launch on October 16 in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and several other regions. However, these new Xbox Ally handhelds will be available at an unspecified later date in additional markets where ROG Ally series products are sold, including Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The pricing and pre-order details for the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X have not yet been announced. Citing current “macro-economic conditions,” Microsoft did not reveal prices for the devices at the event.

Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Ally X: Specifications, features

The ROG Xbox Ally X is intended for 1080p gaming, while the Xbox Ally is made for 720p gaming. These handhelds will have a similar 7-inch 1080p screen, like the previous Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate. The Xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and 512GB of M.2 2280 SSD storage. On the other hand, the ROG Ally X features AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 1TB SSD, and 24GB RAM.

Xbox has also announced the Handheld Compatibility Program for these handhelds, which labels games in the library as either Handheld Optimised or Mostly Compatible. It aims to ensure smoother play without requiring manual gameplay adjustments. Moreover, compatible games will also display a Windows Performance Fit indicator to provide an idea of expected performance.