Best handheld gaming console in India 2026: What makes the ROG Xbox Ally a top choice

Table of content

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X The power of Xbox with Windows Everything you need to know: specs, design, and performance What makes ROG Xbox Ally special? To sum up FAQs

Quick read

The ROG Xbox Ally is a small portable computer that plays all your favorite PC and Xbox games anywhere you want to go. You can choose the regular Ally for ₹69,990 or the super-powerful Ally X for ₹114,990, depending on your gaming needs. 7-inch Full HD screen with 120 Hz refresh rate and 500nits brightness - enjoy buttery smooth visuals whether you’re indoors or gaming in bright sunlight. 60Wh battery (80Wh in Ally X) delivers hours of non-stop gaming without constantly searching for a charger. Lightweight at just 670g (715g for Ally X) with Xbox-style controls, Dolby Atmos speakers, and thumbsticks built to last 5 million rotations.

The ROG Xbox Ally is changing how we think about portable gaming. This isn't just another handheld game console – it's a full Windows 11 PC that fits in your hands. You can play all your favorite PC games while commuting, traveling, or relaxing on your couch. ASUS has partnered with Xbox to create one of the best handheld gaming consoles available today, combining console simplicity with PC power in a device you can take anywhere.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X

ROG Xbox Ally (2025) - The smart choice

The ROG Xbox Ally delivers excellent gaming performance at a great price point. It runs on the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. This gaming console is super light at just 670 grams, which makes it easy to carry anywhere. It comes with a battery that lasts long enough for solid gaming sessions. 

The 7-inch screen is sharp and clear, and because it has a fast 120Hz refresh rate, your games will look incredibly smooth. Whether you’re racing through Forza Horizon 5, or diving into the indie favorites like Hollow Knight, this handheld gaming PC handles them beautifully. You can also enjoy popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fall Guys with ease. For gamers looking for a high-quality handheld gaming console at a great value, this model offers everything you need for enjoyable portable gaming.

Feature	Specification
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X
Storage	512GB SSD
Display	7" FHD 120Hz
Battery	60Wh
Weight	670g
Price	₹69,990

ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) - The power beast

The ROG Xbox Ally X offers enhanced performance for demanding gamers. It packs the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage for handling the most intensive games. The larger 80Wh battery extends your gaming sessions even further, and the impulse triggers add extra feedback during gameplay. 

At 715g, it remains comfortable for long sessions. This model also includes an NPU chip ready for future AI-powered gaming experiences. Push the limits with graphically demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Experience fast-paced action in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and tackle competitive multiplayer in Apex Legends. Gamers looking for maximum performance from their best handheld gaming PC will appreciate the extra power this model brings.

Feature	Specification
Processor	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
RAM	24GB LPDDR5X
Storage	1TB SSD
Display	7" FHD 120Hz
Battery	80Wh
Weight	715g
Price	₹1,14,990

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change, kindly visit the product website for actual costing.

Complete Specifications Comparison

	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
Software	Windows 11 + Xbox full screen experience	Windows 11 + Xbox full screen experience
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with built-in NPU
Battery	60Wh	80Wh
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe (2280)	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe (2280)
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X-6400	24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Display	7-inch 1080p 120Hz 500 nits	7-inch 1080p 120Hz 500 nits
Chassis	White with ergonomic handles	Black with ergonomic handles
Joysticks	5 million cycles with tighter springs	5 million cycles with tighter springs
D-Pad	8-way indicators	8-way indicators
Face Buttons	Flat dome with improved tactility	Flat dome with improved tactility
Macro Buttons	2x smaller rear buttons	2x smaller rear buttons
I/O Ports	1x 3.5mm audio combo jack 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps) 1x UHS-II microSD card reader	1x 3.5mm audio combo jack 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps) 1x USB4 1x UHS-II microSD card reader
Speakers	Louder front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos	Louder front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Cooling	Improved Zero Gravity Cooling System with dual 77-blade fans and more ventilation	Improved Zero Gravity Cooling System with dual 77-blade fans and more ventilation
Max Charging Speed	65W (charger included)	100W (65W charger included)

The power of Xbox with Windows

Xbox full screen experience

As soon as you turn on your ROG Xbox Ally, you're taken straight to the Xbox interface, without having to do any difficult setup. Everything is designed for controller use, so you can navigate menus, launch games and adjust settings without touching the screen. The interface feels natural and familiar, just like using an Xbox console. This simplicity makes it one of the best handheld consoles for gamers who want hassle-free gaming sessions that start instantly.

Play all your games

Running Windows 11 gives you access to games from every major platform – Steam, Epic Games, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass. Unlike traditional handheld game consoles with built-in games only, you can install whatever you want. Indie games, AAA blockbusters, old classics – everything works on this device. This freedom makes the ROG Xbox Ally the best handheld gaming console for variety. Between gaming sessions, you can browse the web, watch videos or handle some work tasks, making it a true portable PC.

Game bar and quick access

Pressing the Xbox button opens the Game Bar instantly, giving you quick access to essential features. You can check performance stats, capture screenshots and videos, chat with friends or switch between running games. The Command Center lets you adjust performance modes, fan speed, screen brightness and other settings on the fly. This level of control and convenience makes the ROG Xbox Ally the best gaming console for users who want everything at their fingertips without interrupting their gameplay.

Everything you need to know: specs, design, and performance

Processors

The ROG Xbox Ally comes with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, delivering smooth gameplay for your favorite titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. If you want even more power, the ROG Xbox Ally X features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor for higher performance. 

Both models turn this handheld gaming console into a powerhouse that can handle AAA games with ease. Whether you're playing indie gems or demanding blockbusters, you will experience console-quality gaming in the palm of your hands.

Battery life

Battery anxiety is a thing of the past with these devices. The ROG Xbox Ally packs a 60Wh battery that gives you plenty of playtime, while the Ally X goes even further with an impressive 80Wh battery. 

You can enjoy games like Hollow Knight: Silksong for hours without hunting for a charger. The efficient AMD processors mean you get more gaming time whether you're at home or traveling. This extended battery life makes it the best portable gaming console for gamers who are always on the move.

Memory and storage

The base ROG Xbox Ally comes with 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 512GB storage - enough space for dozens of your favorite games. The Ally X steps it up with 24GB LPDDR5X memory running at blazing-fast 8000MHz speeds and 1TB storage. 

Need more room for your growing game library? Both models feature easily swappable M.2 SSD storage, so you can upgrade whenever you want. This flexibility makes managing your handheld gaming console library simple and stress-free.

Display

Both models feature a stunning 7-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass and works with AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth, tear-free gaming. 

The 500-nit brightness means you can enjoy Hogwarts Legacy or Roblox anywhere without squinting at the screen. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or competing in fast-paced multiplayer matches, this gaming handheld device gives you a premium visual experience that rivals much larger screens.

Audio experience

Immersion isn't just about visuals, sound matters too. The ROG Xbox Ally series features dual Smart Amp speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering rich, clear audio that brings your games to life. Whatever game you're playing - racing games with loud engines or story-driven tales with quiet background sounds, you will be able to hear every detail. 

When you're talking with friends, the built-in AI noise-cancelling microphone makes sure that your voice can be heard clearly. This complete audio package makes it stand out on any handheld gaming console list.

Comfort and controls

Inspired by Xbox controllers, both models feature contoured grips that feel natural in your hands during marathon gaming sessions. The Ally X takes comfort further with dedicated impulse triggers that provide realistic vibration feedback, you'll feel every explosion and acceleration. 

With thumbsticks rated for 5 million rotations and buttons tested for 10 million presses, this handheld PC gaming console is built to last. The familiar ABXY button layout, responsive D-pad, and assignable grip buttons mean you can jump right into gaming without any learning curve.

What makes ROG Xbox Ally special?

Xbox cloud gaming and remote play

Stream games instantly from the cloud with Xbox Cloud Gaming - no downloads, no waiting. You can also play games from your Xbox console anywhere using Remote Play, turning your ROG Xbox Ally into the best handheld gaming device for Xbox fans. Access hundreds of handheld games through Game Pass and jump into titles like Balatro or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 within seconds, whether you're commuting or relaxing at home.

Cooling system

The ROG Intelligent Cooling with Zero Gravity thermal system keeps your best handheld gaming PC running smoothly, no matter how you hold it. Play upside down, sideways, or however feels comfortable, the advanced cooling design ensures your device stays cool and quiet during intense gaming sessions. This smart thermal management means you get consistent performance without any distracting fan noise, even when playing demanding AAA titles for hours.

Accessories and expandability

You can add to your gaming setup with the ROG Bulwark Dock, which lets you connect to TVs and extra controllers, or the ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock, which lets you charge your devices faster. The Ally X supports the upcoming XG Mobile for desktop-level GPU performance. Both come with a premium travel case, perfect for protecting your best handheld gaming PC on the go. When you need them, these add-ons turn your portable device into a full game station.

 

Must  Read - ROG Xbox Ally vs Gaming Laptop

To sum up

The ROG Xbox Ally stands out as the best handheld game console in India for 2026. Whether you choose the standard model or the Ally X, you are getting a device that combines Xbox simplicity with Windows flexibility. It plays all your games, lasts long on battery and feels great in your hands. With powerful processors, a beautiful display and a comfortable design, the ROG Xbox Ally delivers everything you need for the best handheld gaming experience anywhere you go.

Model	Type	Where to buy
ROG Xbox Ally	Handheld PC	ASUS Store Amazon
ROG Xbox Ally X	Handheld PC	ASUS Store

FAQs

Q1. What is the ROG handheld 2026?

The ROG Xbox Ally is ASUS's 2025 gaming handheld that continues into 2026. It's a portable Windows 11 PC with Xbox integration, letting you play PC and Xbox games anywhere. Available in two models—standard Ally and Ally X - both offer powerful gaming in your hands with Xbox's easy interface.

Q2. Which Xbox can run GTA 6?

GTA 6 will run on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S when it launches. The ROG Xbox Ally, being a Windows PC, should also run GTA 6 when the game launches for Windows. However, official PC requirements haven't been announced yet, so performance details remain unclear for now.

Q3. What's the best handheld gaming console right now?

The ROG Xbox Ally is among the best handheld gaming consoles available today. It offers full PC gaming with Windows 11 and Xbox integration, which gives you access to thousands of games from multiple platforms. With two models to choose from and flexible pricing, it is perfect for gamers who want portable PC gaming power.

Q4. How much RAM and storage is enough for a handheld gaming console?

For smooth gaming, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage work well for most games. The best handheld gaming PC models offer 24GB RAM and 1TB storage for demanding titles. The ROG Xbox Ally provides both options at competitive Xbox handheld prices, suiting different gaming needs perfectly.

Q5. Can handheld gaming consoles run AAA games smoothly?

Yes! The best handheld gaming PC devices like ROG Xbox Ally run AAA games smoothly. The standard ROG Xbox Ally handles titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, while Ally X delivers excellent performance for more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Spider-Man 2. With powerful AMD processors, dedicated cooling systems, and high-refresh displays, these PC gaming handheld consoles offer stunning visuals and responsive gamepay across a wide range of titles.

Q6. Can gaming handhelds play PC games?

Absolutely! The ROG Xbox Ally is a PC gaming handheld console running Windows 11, giving you full access to Steam, Epic Games, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass. This handheld gaming PC plays thousands of PC games anywhere, offering incredible versatility and freedom for gaming on the go.

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