🎮 ROG Xbox Ally vs Ally: Which One’s Worth Your Wallet?
🎤 The Showdown Starts Now
The handheld PC market has been evolving fast — but nothing has shaken things up like the reveal of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, the 2025 refresh designed with deep Xbox integration and next-gen Windows gaming features.
But here’s the big question everyone’s asking:
Is the new Xbox Ally actually better than the original ROG Ally… or is it just a rebrand?
Today, we’re breaking them down side-by-side with ZERO fluff, so you know exactly which one is worth your money in 2025.
Let’s get into it.
This is the Ultimate Portable Gaming Showdown.
Quick Verdict
If you love Game Pass, Xbox features, cleaner UI, and improved Windows usability →
👉 The new ROG Xbox Ally is 100% the better buy.
If you want value, don’t care about Xbox integration, and are fine with older hardware →
👉 The original ROG Ally still plays like a beast (especially if you can grab it on sale).
But for most buyers in 2025, the winner is clear…
➡️ ROG Xbox Ally.
Performance & Display
- Both handhelds run Windows 11 with AMD Ryzen Z-series processors and feature a 7″ 1080p 120 Hz touchscreen for smooth, crisp gameplay.
- Play from Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, GOG — your full PC library in a handheld form factor.
- The ROG Xbox Ally (2025) uses an improved Ryzen Z2 A chip for better efficiency, smoother performance under load, and more stable frame pacing compared to the original Ally’s Z1/Z1 Extreme options.
- The original ROG Ally (2023) still performs extremely well, but the Xbox Ally’s firmware + chip refinements give it a noticeable edge in consistency and responsiveness.
The Xbox Experience on Windows (What It Is—and Isn’t)
Microsoft and ASUS are introducing a more polished Xbox-style experience to the 2025 ROG Xbox Ally, making handheld Windows gaming feel smoother and more console-like:
- Xbox-style dashboard optimized for thumbstick and touch navigation.
- Game Pass hub built-in for quicker browsing, downloads, and cloud play.
- Cloud saves & cross-progress between console, PC, and handheld.
- Party chat, achievements, and Xbox social features integrated more tightly into the OS.
Important: This is not a full Xbox console. You can’t install your entire Xbox library on either device — only Windows PC versions or titles available through
Game Pass Cloud Gaming.
The result:
✔ The Xbox Ally feels more intuitive, faster, and less “desktop-clunky.”
✔ The Original Ally still works great, but navigation requires more manual Windows tweaking.
Battery & Build
- Battery life:
- ROG Ally (2023): ~1.5–3 hours for AAA games depending on settings.
- ROG Xbox Ally (2025): improved efficiency thanks to firmware updates + Z2 A chip, giving slightly longer real-world use.
- The 2025 Xbox Ally also benefits from better standby stability, sleep/wake reliability, and smoother power-state transitions.
- Both devices are lightweight and comfortable, but the Xbox Ally has refined ergonomics and slightly improved thermal management.
- Fan noise is reduced on the Xbox Ally, especially during sustained heavy loads; headphones make both units quiet in practice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally (2025) | ROG Ally (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 w/ Xbox UI enhancements | Windows 11 standard |
| Xbox Integration | Deep integration: Xbox dashboard, Game Pass hub, cloud saves, party chat | Standard app support only |
| Display | 7” FHD 1080p 120Hz / VRR | 7” FHD 1080p 120Hz |
| Battery Life | Improved efficiency vs original Ally | Less efficient under heavy load |
| Fans & Cooling | Optimized firmware (quieter) | Louder under high GPU load |
| Weight | Slightly revised, more ergonomic | Original design |
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally (2025) if you want:
- The smoothest Xbox + Windows handheld experience
(Xbox-style dashboard, better Game Pass integration, faster navigation) - Improved performance consistency
thanks to the refined Ryzen Z2 A chip and updated firmware - Quieter operation and better heat management
- More stable sleep/wake behavior and fewer Windows quirks
- A device made for 2025 and beyond, with ongoing support and UI improvements
- A more console-like feel while keeping full Windows freedom
This is the best choice for most gamers in 2025.
Choose the Original ROG Ally (2023) if you want:
- The cheapest way to get into handheld PC gaming
(often discounted and still powerful) - Strong performance for the price
especially the Z1 Extreme variant - A Windows handheld that you don’t mind tweaking
- Full access to all PC storefronts just like the new Ally
- A great device for emulation, indie titles, and esports games
- A proven design that still holds up extremely well
Best choice for budget-focused buyers who prefer raw value.
Ready to Play Anywhere?
Grab the one that fits your playstyle and budget:
- XBOX EXPERIENCE BROUGHT TO LIFE BY ROG The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG’s decades of premium hardware design in the ROG …
- XBOX GAME BAR INTEGRATION Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platf…
- ALL YOUR GAMES, ALL YOUR PROGRESS Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC g…
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Octa-Core Processor
- 1920 x 1080 FHD 120Hz Display
- 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM
Final Showdown Winner:
ROG Xbox Ally (2025)
For most people, the decision is simple:
The Xbox Ally gives you a noticeably better experience every single time you turn it on.
Better UI. Better performance tuning. Better thermals. Better everyday usability.
