PLAYASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) vs ROG Xbox Ally X: Which Handheld to Buy in India?
Both are 7-inch Windows handhelds from ASUS that play your Steam, Xbox Game Pass and Epic libraries anywhere. The original ROG Ally with the Z1 Extreme chip launched in 2023 and is now one of the best-value handhelds on the used market. The ROG Xbox Ally X is the 2025 flagship, built with Microsoft, with a faster Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, twice the battery and Xbox-style grips. In India the Xbox Ally X launched at ₹1,14,990, so the real question is whether the upgrade is worth roughly double the money. Here is the honest comparison.
VS
📊 Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Handheld Gaming PC | ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme Handheld Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, Zen 4) | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Zen 5) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 780M (12 RDNA 3 CUs) | AMD Radeon 890M-class (16 RDNA 3.5 CUs) |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD | 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch FHD IPS, 120 Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium | 7-inch FHD IPS, 120 Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Battery | 40 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Weight | About 608 g | About 715 g |
| Grips and controls | Flat, compact design | Xbox-style contoured grips, impulse triggers, 2 back buttons |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, ROG XG Mobile port, microSD | USB4 (Thunderbolt 4 compatible) + USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, UHS-II microSD |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| India launch price | ₹69,990 (2023) | ₹1,14,990 (2025) |
| 💰 Price at Playloot | ₹41,999 | ₹96,999 |
✅ Pros Comparison
👍 ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Handheld Gaming PC
- Roughly half the price of the Xbox Ally X, especially pre-owned
- Lighter and easier to hold for long sessions
- Same 7-inch 120 Hz screen quality
- Plays Game Pass, Steam and Epic games well at 720p to 1080p
👍 ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme Handheld Gaming PC
- Twice the battery (80 Wh vs 40 Wh), the biggest real-world upgrade
- Faster chip and 24 GB of faster memory for newer, heavier games
- 1 TB storage out of the box
- Xbox-style grips and impulse triggers feel like a real controller
- USB4 port for docks, eGPUs and fast external drives
🏆 Our Verdict
Buy the ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) if you want the best value: it runs most games well at 720p to 1080p with sensible settings, and a tested pre-owned unit costs a fraction of the Xbox Ally X. Plan to play plugged in or carry a power bank for long sessions, because the 40 Wh battery is its weak point.
Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X if you play away from a charger for hours, want the smoothest performance in new releases, or simply want the most comfortable handheld. The battery alone changes how you use it.
Note for GTA 6 fans: GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PC version yet, so neither handheld can run it natively for now.
Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X if you play away from a charger for hours, want the smoothest performance in new releases, or simply want the most comfortable handheld. The battery alone changes how you use it.
Note for GTA 6 fans: GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. There is no PC version yet, so neither handheld can run it natively for now.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme still worth buying in 2026?
▼
Yes, at the right price. It handles most current games at 720p to 1080p with adjusted settings. Its main weakness is the 40 Wh battery.
How much better is the ROG Xbox Ally X battery?
▼
It has 80 Wh, double the original Ally's 40 Wh. In practice that means roughly twice the play time in the same game at the same settings.
Can these handhelds play Xbox Game Pass?
▼
Yes. Both run Windows 11, so they play PC Game Pass, Steam, Epic and other PC stores.
Can I play GTA 6 on the ROG Ally?
▼
Not at launch. GTA 6 is out on 19 November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and no PC version has been announced.
Is a used ROG Ally safe to buy?
▼
Yes, if it is tested and sold with a warranty. Check the screen, sticks, triggers, fan noise and battery health. Playloot tests every unit before dispatch.
Ready to Level Up?
Browse our full collection of consoles, games, and accessories.
Shop All Products →