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Asus and Microsoft Set October 16 Launch for ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds

Microsoft will debut a Handheld Compatibility Program to flag games optimized for portable play.

Asus ROG Xbox
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Overview

  • Two models will ship: the ROG Xbox Ally with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and 60Wh battery, and the ROG Xbox Ally X with a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 80Wh battery, and a built‑in NPU.
  • Games will carry Handheld Optimized or Mostly Compatible badges, with a Windows Performance Fit indicator to set expectations on controls, UI legibility, resolution, and performance.
  • Advanced shader delivery will let the Xbox app preload shaders during downloads, with Microsoft claiming supported titles can launch up to 10x faster and use less power on first run.
  • The Ally X’s NPU will power system‑level AI features such as Automatic Super Resolution upscaling and auto‑generated highlight reels, slated to arrive early next year.
  • Pricing and preorders remain unannounced, though outlets cite unconfirmed U.S. figures around $549–$599 for the base model and $899 for the Ally X, and launch availability includes the United States and key markets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.