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“Project Kennan” was a pre-reveal codename; the retail products Microsoft and ASUS announced are the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. They are Windows 11 handheld PCs developed with Xbox and launched on October 16, 2025. Xbox announced US estimated retail prices of $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X on September 25, 2025; those historical US estimates do not establish current prices in other regions or today’s local deals.
What is Project Kennan?
“Kennan” is a historical codename used before Microsoft and ASUS publicly revealed the products. Secondary reporting identified the codename; the official retail names are ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. The companies revealed the handhelds on June 8, 2025, as a collaboration between ASUS and Xbox. [Windows Central reporting] [Xbox reveal]
They are ASUS-built Windows handheld PCs, not Xbox consoles in a portable shell. Xbox described the devices as “two new handhelds crafted in collaboration with ASUS that combine the power of Xbox with the freedom you expect from Windows,” in an article by Roanne Sones, CVP Gaming Devices and Ecosystem at Xbox. [Xbox reveal]
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How much does the Xbox Ally cost?
On September 25, 2025, Xbox announced US estimated retail prices (ERPs) of $599.99 for ROG Xbox Ally and $999.99 for ROG Xbox Ally X. The same announcement set October 16, 2025, as the global launch date and said preorders would be available in 38 countries, with regional prices announced as preorders opened. [Xbox preorder announcement]
#1 Best Overall
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
Those figures are announced US ERPs, not a verified October 2026 price, a worldwide price list, or a guarantee of current inventory. Xbox said both devices became available worldwide through the ASUS eShop and participating retailers on October 16, 2025, while noting availability could vary by retailer and device. Check a local retailer for current pricing, stock, and promotions. [Xbox launch announcement]
ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X: specs compared
Microsoft’s developer resource lists the following specifications for the two models. The displays and wireless specifications are the same; the main listed differences are processor, memory, storage, weight, and controls. [Microsoft developer specifications]
Rank #2
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB M.2 2280 SSD | 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS; 500 nits; 16:9; 120 Hz; FreeSync Premium; Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflection | 7-inch FHD (1080p) IPS; 500 nits; 16:9; 120 Hz; FreeSync Premium; Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflection |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (2 × 2), Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 × 2), Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm |
| Listed weight | 670 g | 715 g |
| Announced US ERP | $599.99 (announced September 25, 2025) | $999.99 (announced September 25, 2025) |
What the differences mean
- Processor: The Ally X is listed with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, while the standard Ally uses AMD Ryzen Z2 A. The specifications establish different processors, but they are not independent benchmark results and do not by themselves establish real-world frame rates or battery life.
- Memory and storage: The Ally X has 24 GB of memory and 1 TB of built-in SSD storage, compared with 16 GB and 512 GB in the Ally. Microsoft describes the Ally X as having increased RAM and double the storage. Both internal drives are listed as M.2 2280 and described as easier to upgrade; that does not guarantee compatibility with every replacement SSD or specify an installation procedure. [Microsoft developer specifications]
- Weight and controls: The listed Ally X weight is 715 g versus 670 g for the Ally. Microsoft’s developer page identifies impulse triggers on the Ally X; Microsoft’s Store listing identifies Hall Effect analog triggers on the standard Ally. [Microsoft developer specifications] [Microsoft Store listing]
Can the Xbox Ally play Xbox games?
Yes, through several distinct routes, but that does not mean the full Xbox console library runs locally on the handheld. Xbox says the devices boot into a full-screen Xbox experience powered by Windows 11, with a dedicated Xbox button, an aggregated game library, an enhanced Game Bar overlay, and Armoury Crate integration. The interface can surface Xbox games, Game Pass where available, and installed games from Battle.net and other PC stores. [Xbox reveal]
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- Xbox Play Anywhere: Play eligible titles where the feature is supported.
- Remote play: Stream games from an Xbox console you own over a network.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Stream supported games where the service is available and applicable account or subscription requirements are met.
Xbox also said thousands of games would carry “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” labels at launch. Those labels describe compatibility guidance, not a promise that every Xbox console game is natively playable. [Xbox reveal]
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
When did the ROG Xbox Ally launch?
- June 8, 2025: Microsoft and ASUS revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, targeting holiday 2025 in select markets. [Xbox reveal]
- September 25, 2025: Xbox announced the October 16 global launch date, preorder availability in 38 countries, and the US ERPs. Its announcement said: “Launching globally on October 16, the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally offer two unique versions to match your individual playstyle.” [Xbox preorder announcement]
- October 16, 2025: Xbox announced that both handhelds were available worldwide through ASUS eShop and participating retailers, subject to variation by retailer and device. [Xbox launch announcement]
Which accessories did Xbox announce?
Xbox’s preorder announcement named three separately sold accessories. The published capacities and speed are claims about the specific SanDisk accessory, not a guarantee for every card or drive. Check the exact current product listing for fit, compatibility, installation requirements, and availability. [Xbox preorder announcement]
Quick Recap
- SanDisk microSD card: Up to 2 TB capacity and advertised read speeds up to 200 MB/s.
- Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD: Announced in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB configurations.
- ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Carrying Case: Xbox said it fits Xbox Ally handhelds and has a water-repellent exterior, fleece lining, and detachable charger pouch.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
