Canada Welcomes Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally Duo
Asus has added two new handhelds for gamers in Canada. The ROG Xbox Ally lands first, with the stronger Xbox Ally X following in limited supply. Fans can grab the base model for 799 CAD from Asus directly, or through top retailers like Best Buy Canada, Amazon, Walmart, Canada Computers, EB Games, London Drugs, Memory Express, and Staples. The Ally X, however, is scarcer and ships mainly from Asus or Best Buy Canada.
What’s Inside Each Handheld
The ROG Xbox Ally stacks a focused set of parts. It runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip with four Zen 2 cores and eight threads, paired with eight RDNA 2 GPU cores. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, a 512GB M.2 SSD, and a 60Wh battery. In contrast, the Ally X steps up across the board. It uses an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme eight-core, 16-thread Zen 5 APU with 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores and an integrated NPU. Memory doubles to 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000, storage hits 1TB, and the battery grows to 80Wh.
Reviews and Real-World Use
We’ve tested both devices and have notes on how they feel when you use them day to day. The goal for each model is simple: give PC and Xbox fans a portable way to play on the go. Our hands-on guides walk through setup, battery life, and performance in common titles. If you want a quick verdict, our team breaks down which device suits different play styles and budgets.
Who Should Consider These Handhelds?
A seasoned tech editor weighed who would benefit from the Xbox Ally lineup. You should consider one of these handhelds if you’re in any of the following groups:
– You don’t own another handheld yet.
– You have a large library of PC or Xbox games to tap into.
– You plan to use Game Pass, which works on Windows handhelds.
– You’re okay with games that aren’t ultra demanding, or don’t mind 720p/30fps on the standard Ally.
– You travel often and can’t rely on a stable internet connection on planes or hotels.
If you fit these profiles, the Xbox Ally should fit your needs. If you want stronger visuals and smoother frames and have the budget to spare, the Ally X is the clear option.
Choosing Between the Ally Duo
The base Ally delivers solid portability and decent performance for lighter titles and streaming. The Ally X targets higher end games and smoother play, thanks to its faster CPU, more memory, and bigger battery. The choice comes down to how you plan to play and where you’ll use it most. If you want ease of access and a lower price, go with the Ally. If you crave smoother play and future-proofed power, the Ally X is worth the extra cost.
Bottom Line for On-the-Go Gamers
Both handhelds give PC and Xbox players a familiar library in a compact shell. They aim to bridge the gap between laptop-like power and handheld convenience. For frequent travelers or players who chase a wider catalog on Windows devices, these offer a practical option. The key is to pick the model that matches your game load and budget, then enjoy a portable gaming companion that keeps you connected to your library wherever you go.
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