Every gamer would want to carry around their virtual worlds with them, no matter where they go. After all, why should we all be confined to our setups to experience the best of gaming? And this is exactly what Asus and Microsoft seem to have in mind with their latest handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally series. Both the ROG Xbox Ally and the more premium ROG Xbox Ally X were recently showcased at an event in New Delhi, and the devices are the talk of the town currently. Powered by AMD Ryzen processors, the handhelds will launch on 16 October 2025, and are up for pre-order right away. I spent some time with the ROG Xbox Ally at the showcase event, and here are my initial impressions.
The first thing that I could think of when I picked up the ROG Xbox Ally was how premium and refined it feels. You get the same broad silhouette that we’ve come to associate with the original Ally, but everything about it feels just that bit more superior and intentional. The buttons feel solid, and the Xbox-style contoured grips result in a better experience. The moment I held the device and started driving around the gorgeous world of Forza Horizon 5, I was reminded of my Xbox controller that I use at home while playing games on my PC.
Another thing that stood out about the design was how the Xbox Ally X doesn’t try to be too flashy. Asus could have gone for RGB overkill or aggressive design flourishes, but instead, they’ve kept things mature. This is a device that feels just as at home in a professional’s carry-on as it does in a teenager’s gaming room.
That balance between gaming identity and everyday practicality might be its biggest design win. The ergonomics have also been slightly tuned compared to the earlier model, and though I didn’t get hours of playtime, the short session was enough to tell that comfort has been given serious thought. Buttons are tactile, thumbsticks responsive, and the triggers feel satisfyingly firm.
This is a device clearly made for those who want to carry their gaming with them, whether that means a weekend trip, a long flight, or simply moving between rooms. It’s compact enough to slip into a bag without worry, and the weight feels balanced rather than cumbersome. In short, it feels like a portable console that promises hours of entertainment.
While you will hear in detail about technical benchmarks once our full review is out, it’s clear that the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor inside the Ally is designed to handle serious workloads. Pair that with 512GB of storage, and you’re looking at a handheld console that can easily double as a travel-ready gaming PC. For players who like to keep multiple AAA titles installed (Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 5, or Baldur’s Gate 3, etc.), that storage makes a world of difference.
Now, let’s take a moment to talk about the display as it ultimately determines how immersive a handheld gaming experience can be. During my brief hands-on, I fired up Forza Horizon 5, and that’s when the Ally really came alive. The game’s sweeping landscapes, glinting reflections, and bright skies looked gorgeous on the screen. The colour calibration felt spot-on, vivid but not oversaturated, and the refresh rate made the action feel smooth even during high-speed drifts and collisions.
What surprised me even more was how well it held up when connected to an external display. Many handhelds tend to lose some of their visual fidelity when projected to a larger screen, but the Ally maintained its punchy visuals and crisp motion. This is not just a device for quick on-the-go sessions but can easily anchor a full gaming setup when docked.
Asus has priced the ROG Xbox Ally at Rs 69,990 and the Ally X at Rs 1,14,990 in India. Pre-orders are already live, and both models will hit stores starting 16 October 2025, across India. Both models will be available through Asus Exclusive Stores, the Asus eShop, Vijay Sales, and Amazon.
For a detailed review of the device, keep watching this space. We will be sharing our thoughts with you super soon.
Also read: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X pre-orders are live in India, price starts from Rs 69,990
