Some within the Xbox gaming world have been buzzing with excitement following the recent leaked images of the Xbox-branded Asus ROG Ally. These images, originating from regulatory filings, add concrete to Microsoft’s growing interest in handheld gaming, potentially paving the way for a dedicated first-party Xbox handheld in the future.
Breaking Down the Two Models
The leaks reveal two versions of the Asus ROG Ally 2:
- Xbox-Branded Model (RC73X1)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (8-core, 36W)
- Memory: 64GB LPDDR5X
- Display: 7-inch 120Hz LCD
- Ports: Two USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack
- Design: Black body with dedicated Xbox button
- Standard Asus ROG Ally 2 (RC73YA)
- Processor: AMD Aerith Plus (4-core, 20W)
- Memory: Expected to be lower than 64GB
- Display: 7-inch 120Hz LCD
- Ports: Similar to the Xbox-branded model
- Design: White body with no Xbox branding
The Xbox-branded version appears to be the premium model, boasting a higher-performance processor and more memory, making it a powerhouse for gaming on the go.
Microsoft’s Handheld Strategy
Microsoft has long been rumored to be working on a first-party Xbox handheld, but instead of rushing into hardware development, they seem to be partnering with Asus to test the waters. This collaboration allows Microsoft to:
- Expand the Xbox ecosystem beyond traditional consoles.
- Leverage existing PC gaming hardware while refining their own handheld strategy.
- Integrate Xbox Game Pass into a portable device, making cloud gaming more accessible.
While the Xbox-branded ROG Ally 2 isn’t a fully first-party Xbox handheld, it could serve as a stepping stone toward Microsoft’s eventual entry into the handheld gaming market.
With Computex 2025 around the corner, we may soon get official confirmation of these devices and Microsoft’s broader handheld gaming ambitions.
What do you think—could this be the beginning of a new era for Xbox gaming?
