As Microsoft and Asus revealed the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, we’re keen to see how it compares to the long-awaited and recently launched Nintendo Switch 2.
Although we haven’t yet had the opportunity to review the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, we have reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2 and awarded the console a four-star rating.
With that in mind, we’ve compared the confirmed specs of the ROG Xbox Ally to the Nintendo Switch 2 and highlighted the key differences between the two below.
Need more help deciding on a console? Our best gaming console guide offers our favourite options reviewed, while our ROG Xbox Ally vs Xbox Ally X comparison explains what’s the difference between the hugely anticipated Xbox handhelds
Pricing and availability
At the time of writing, not much is known about the Asus ROG Xbox Ally’s price and availability. Rumours suggest the console will have an RRP of around $499 or $599, which would make it a pricier option than the Nintendo Switch 2. Microsoft has also only stated it’ll be available by “holiday 2025” which should mean around November or December.
Eight years after the launch of the OG Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 is now readily available to buy globally. Its RRP starts at £395.99/$449.99 for the console, with the Mario Kart World bundle available for £429.99/$449.99.
Specs
| Asus ROG Xbox Ally | Nintendo Switch 2 | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Nintendo Switch system software |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor |
Custom Nvidia chip – 8x ARM Cortex A78C |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 256GB UFS internal |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9120Hz refresh rateFreeSync PremiumCorning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7.9-inch FHD (1080p)120Hz refresh rateNvidia G-SyncHDR10 support |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 |
2x USB-C connectors |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x Micro SD Express card slot | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x 3.5mm audio jack | |
| Dock also has two USB 2.0, HDMI & LAN ports | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6 + ‘Bluetooth’ |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 201*115*51.2mm |
| 670g | 534g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 5200mAh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | Switch TV Dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers |
AMD Ryzen Z2 A vs Nvidia processors
Although the ROG Xbox Ally doesn’t boast AMD’s premium Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, it still offers powerful performance with the Ryzen Z2 A alternative. Made up of four Zen 2 cores, eight threads and eight RDNA 2 GPU cores, the ROG Xbox Ally is designed for efficiency and to allow users to take their PC and Xbox games on the go.
Nintendo hasn’t disclosed the exact processor that powers the Switch 2, other than referring to it as an unnamed “custom process”. While Nintendo has never been one to compete with the likes of Microsoft or Sony for performance, the Switch 2 still offers brilliant performance albeit that’s more akin to the PS4 than a PS5.
Not only do the two handhelds run on different processors but they also have different operating systems. While the Switch 2 runs Nintendo’s Switch system software and works as more of a traditional games console, the ROG Xbox Ally has a Windows 11 home and Xbox menu.
Nintendo Switch 2
ROG Xbox Ally has 512GB built-in storage
Although the Switch 2 boasts eight times the storage capacity of its predecessor, in reality this isn’t quite the mighty claim it suggests to be. Firstly, the Switch 2 still only sports 256GB of built-in storage, and 7GB is taken up by the system software alone. Not only that but Switch 2 games are much bigger too, so you’ll inevitably need to take advantage of the expandable storage available here.
However, there’s a caveat here. Unlike the ROG Xbox Ally which supports typical microSD cards, the Switch 2 only works with microSD Express cards. At the time of writing, there’s only two sizes of microSD Express cards available in the UK: 128GB or 256GB, with the latter setting you back around £50.
The ROG Xbox Ally is a lot more straightforward. Its 512GB a memory is double that of the Switch 2, although we don’t know how much of this should be reserved for the software. Plus, its microSD card slot means you can invest in up to 2TB of additional storage too.
Switch 2 has a larger display
With a 7.9-inch, LCD display, the Switch 2 is not only larger than the seven-inch ROG Xbox Ally but it’s also the largest we’ve seen on a Switch console, including the Switch OLED.
We were impressed with the Switch 2’s display, and consider it a solid improvement from the Nintendo Switch with a 1080p resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate support. That’s not to say the ROG Xbox Ally’s display isn’t impressive. It may be smaller but it still has a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, while its display boasts a Gorilla Glass Victus coating and DXC Anti-Reflection too.
Nintendo Switch 2
Switch 2 supports multiple playing modes
The Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly a versatile gaming console, as it supports three different playing modes. There’s handheld for solo gaming, tabletop mode which utilises the redesigned kickstand and removable Joy-Cons for multiplayer gaming on-the-go and TV mode. With the new dock, you can connect the Switch 2 to your TV and enjoy 4K visuals and HDR output.
In comparison, the ROG Xbox Ally isn’t quite as versatile. Unlike the Switch 2, the Xbox Ally doesn’t come equipped with a TV dock, nor does it feature removable controllers for easy multiplayer gaming. However, it’s worth remembering that you can still play online with friends via Cloud Gaming.
ROG Xbox Ally supports Xbox Play Anywhere
The beauty of the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally is that it supports Xbox Play Anywhere. Essentially, compatible games can be played across your PC, Xbox console and the Rog Xbox Ally at no additional cost, so you can always maintain your progress.
Plus, with an Xbox Game Pass membership, you have access to hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library too. Game Pass library you have access to hundreds of games, both available to download or stream with cloud gaming too.
The Switch 2 is slightly less flexible. However, it’s still worth mentioning that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, which means you can play the majority of your Switch games on the new console, and boasts GameShare, a tool that allows you to share and play games with friends.
Early Verdict
It’s difficult to determine a clear-cut winner between the Switch 2 and ROG Xbox Ally, especially as we haven’t yet reviewed the latter.
However, if you’re a Nintendo fan and would prefer a more versatile handheld console then the Switch 2 is an easy choice. On the other hand, if you’re already a PC or Xbox gamer and want a way to play on the move, then the ROG Xbox Ally promises to be the better option.
We’ll update this versus once we’ve reviewed the ROG Xbox Ally.
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