Leaked ASUS handheld seems to mirror Xbox’s console approach with the Series X and S, but for portable gaming
Could ASUS’s next ROG Ally be Xbox’s way to become a true competitor to dedicated gaming consoles?
ASUS’s upcoming ROG Ally handheld has surfaced in leaks, revealing two distinct models: a black variant with higher-end specs and a white variant with toned-down hardware. The differences between these models closely resemble Xbox’s Series X and Series S approach, leading to speculation that the black version may serve as a premium Xbox handheld, and the white one a more budget-friendly option.
Black vs. white: key differences
According to leaked certification documents, the black model features:
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (8 cores, 36W TDP)
- 64GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory
- Xbox-style button layout
Meanwhile, the white model is equipped with:
- AMD Aeirth Plus APU (4 cores, 20W TDP)
- 16GB RAM
- Same button layout, but missing Xbox logo in leaks
While early leaks suggested that only the black model had an Xbox button, closer inspection reveals that both models likely feature it (it’s just not printed on the white version in the leaked images). Additionally, the right-side buttons match Xbox’s classic controller layout, reinforcing the idea that both models will have Xbox integration—and speculation suggests a dedicated Xbox OS or interface as well.
ROG Ally 2 leaks: new design, larger screen and Xbox version videocardz.com/newz/asus-ro...
— Wario64 (@wario64.bsky.social) 7 de mayo de 2025, 1:19
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How does it compare to the original ROG Ally and Ally X?
The ROG Ally builds upon the foundation of the original model, which debuted with AMD’s Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme APUs. While the first version was praised for its performance and Windows gaming capabilities, it lacked deep Xbox integration. The black model in the new version appears to address this by offering a more Xbox-centric experience, potentially making it a true competitor to dedicated gaming consoles.
Compared to the ROG Ally X, the new black model offers higher RAM capacity (64GB vs. 24GB) and a more powerful APU, whereas the Ally X focuses on battery life (80Wh vs. 40Wh in the original Ally, but unknown in this versions so far), improved cooling, and ergonomic enhancements. The Ally X is a refinement of the original Ally, while the new ROG Ally introduces a tiered hardware approach more in line with Xbox’s strategy—so they will probably coexist.
Comparison to Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck
The Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck have dominated the handheld gaming space, each offering unique advantages:
- Legion Go features a larger 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and Windows OS, making it a versatile hybrid between a handheld and a mini-PC.
- Steam Deck prioritizes PC gaming with SteamOS, offering deep integration with Valve’s ecosystem and a more affordable entry point.
Compared to these, the ROG Ally’s black model could be the first true Xbox handheld—especially if it does have a dedicated interface—, bridging the gap between console and PC gaming. Meanwhile, the white model may serve as a more affordable alternative, similar to how the Steam Deck’s lower-tier models cater to budget-conscious gamers.
Possible Computex 2025 reveal
While initial rumors pointed to a Summer 2025 announcement, recent FCC and Indonesian certifications hint that ASUS may unveil the new ROG Ally at Computex 2025, which takes place in early June.
With ASUS preparing to launch two versions of the ROG Ally, the black model’s Xbox branding and high-end specs could signal a new direction for handheld gaming. Whether this device will be a true Xbox handheld or simply a Windows-based gaming system with Xbox integration remains to be seen.
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