ASUS ROG Xbox Ally (Ryzen Z2 A)

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally (Ryzen Z2 A)

A lower-cost Windows handheld that is comfortable to hold but delivers only Steam Deck-class performance.

  • AMD Ryzen Z2 A (4 cores, 8 threads, RDNA 2 graphics)
  • 7"
  • 120 Hz
  • 60 Wh
  • 670 g

PCPR score

7.1

Fair

Best price we’ve seen

$600Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

R1

The short version

The ROG Xbox Ally is ASUS's lower-cost Windows handheld, with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory, a 512GB SSD and a 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz IPS screen with FreeSync Premium. Tom's Hardware liked the comfortable grips and Xbox full-screen interface, but found sleep and wake bugs and performance close to the Steam Deck OLED. It suits buyers who want a Windows handheld at the lowest current price and accept modest speed.

Pros

  • Comfortable, ergonomic shell shared with the ROG Xbox Ally X
  • Xbox full-screen interface improves on using the Windows 11 desktop
  • Among the lowest-priced modern Windows handhelds, per Tom's Hardware
  • 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz IPS screen with FreeSync Premium

Cons

  • Tom's Hardware reports sleep and wake problems
  • Performance is close to the older Steam Deck OLED's, per Tom's Hardware
  • Screen trails the Steam Deck OLED's, per Tom's Hardware
  • No carrying case in the box

Best for

  • Budget-minded Windows handheld buyers
  • Xbox Game Pass players who want a simple handheld

SYS1

Configurations

ConfigurationProcessorGraphicsMemoryStoragePrice
Ryzen Z2 A · 16GB · 512GBAMD Ryzen Z2 AAMD Radeon RDNA 2 (integrated)16 GB512 GB$600

J5

What you can upgrade later

Memory

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t publish its slot layout. Check before buying more memory.

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Storage

Unconfirmed

Free storage slots aren’t published for this model.

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Graphics card

Unconfirmed

Maximum card length isn’t published.

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Processor

Unconfirmed

A drop-in upgrade depends on the socket and the maker’s BIOS. Check the board before buying a CPU.

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Power supply

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t say whether the PSU is standard.

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Motherboard

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t say whether the board is standard.

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J3

Full specifications

Core

Processor
AMD Ryzen Z2 A (4 cores, 8 threads, RDNA 2 graphics)

Display

Screen size
7"
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Panel
IPS
Variable refresh rate
Yes

Memory

Memory
16 GB
Storage
512 GB

Power

Battery
60 Wh

Physical

Weight
670 g

Software

Operating system
Windows 11 Home

Compatibility notes

  • 16GB of LPDDR5 is soldered on board; storage is a 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
  • Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, plus a UHS-II microSD reader

P1

Where to buy

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.

AV1

Video reviews

No verified video reviews yet

We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.

AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Tom's Hardware

    Mixed

    Found it comfortable and cheaper than rival Windows handhelds with a good Xbox interface, but flagged sleep and wake bugs and performance barely ahead of the older Steam Deck OLED.

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

How does the ROG Xbox Ally compare to the Steam Deck OLED?

Tom's Hardware found performance close to a Steam Deck OLED, with the Deck's screen ahead, but the Ally is sold in stock more readily.

Is the Z2 A chip faster than the Ally X's Z2 Extreme?

No. The Z2 A has 4 cores and 8 threads with RDNA 2 graphics, while the Ally X's Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has 8 cores and 16 threads, so it costs less but performs lower.

J9Alternatives

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