The handheld gaming space is about to get even more crowded. The Xbox Ally, built on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 APU series, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated portable gaming devices of the year — and now we have a clearer picture of what’s coming.
It won’t just be one model either. Microsoft’s handheld strategy splits the Ally into two very different tiers: a premium version packing the latest Zen 5 CPU and RDNA 3.5 graphics, and a more affordable variant using older Zen 2 and RDNA 2 hardware — much like the Steam Deck.
A Gamescom Reveal and October Launch
According to French outlet Dealabs, the ROG Xbox Ally will make its big announcement at Gamescom on August 20, with a European release set for October 16.
Unlike some Xbox-branded gear, this won’t be a Microsoft Store exclusive. Retailers like Micromania, Boulanger, and Amazon are expected to carry it — at least in France, where the leak originated. A wider rollout through similar outlets in other countries is likely.
Pricing: Competitive or Controversial?
The leaked price for the entry-level Z2A model is €599. That’s a bold move considering it lacks an OLED screen, a feature the Steam Deck has made standard in its latest revision.
The top-tier Z2E variant, powered by the new Zen 5c cores and RDNA 3.5 GPU, is rumored to cost €899. In its price bracket, there’s less direct competition, with rivals including the MSI Claw A8 and MSI Claw 8 AI+ — both of which are still hard to find globally and often sell at a premium.
AMD Ryzen Z2 Series: Slow but Steady Arrival
The AMD Ryzen Z2 series was announced months ago but has taken its time reaching the market. Right now, only three devices feature the Z2 Extreme: the ROG Xbox Ally, MSI Claw A8, and Lenovo Legion GO 2.
Meanwhile, niche handheld makers are skipping the Z2 line entirely in favor of more powerful options like the Strix Point APU (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370) or Ryzen AI MAX+ 395.
Xbox Ally Models and Specs
ROG Xbox Ally
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OS: Windows 11 Home
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Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor – 4C/8T (Zen 2), 8CU (RDNA 2)
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RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
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Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)
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Display: 7-inch FHD IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
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Ports: 2× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0), UHS-II microSD, 3.5mm audio jack
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
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Battery: 60Wh
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Weight: 670g
ROG Xbox Ally X
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OS: Windows 11 Home
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Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor – 8C/16T (Zen 5c), 16CU (RDNA 3.5)
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RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
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Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)
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Display: Same as Ally
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Ports: USB4 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 compatible), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, UHS-II microSD (UHS-I DDR200 mode), 3.5mm audio jack
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
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Battery: 80Wh
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Weight: 715g
Who It’s For — And What to Expect
The base Z2A model will compete directly with the Steam Deck in pricing, though it’s trading away OLED visuals for a higher refresh rate. The Z2 Extreme version feels more like a showcase product, aimed at buyers who want the best portable performance available without compromise.
With its official reveal just weeks away at Gamescom, and its October release lining up for the holiday season, the Xbox Ally could be a key player in 2025’s handheld gaming landscape — if it can hit the right balance of price, performance, and availability.
