The most notable difference between the Xbox Ally and the Steam Deck is the operating system. Like the ROG Ally, the Xbox Ally will also use Windows 11, while the Steam Deck uses Valve's SteamOS.

During their time at Gamescom 2025 this week, Xbox finally revealed the Xbox Ally release date, as it arrives this October

We presume the same release schedule applies to the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Both versions of the upcoming handheld are official, with ASUS and Microsoft having previously announced the collaboration on an Xbox-themed version of the ROG Ally. However, they've been coy in regards to releasing timing and price points.