The Xbox Ally has been a surprising success for ASUS, surpassing expectations and landing in much higher demand than it anticipated. Now ASUS is opening the door to more performance with the latest system update that begins rolling out on November 18 and November 19, 2025, so you may already have access to it.
If you do not own one of the Xbox Ally models, do not worry. The original ROG Ally is getting its own update, so no one is being left behind.
The Xbox Ally devices launched on October 16, 2025, to strong reviews, even earning a spot on Time’s list of best inventions. The lineup still has a few issues, but many are hopeful that Xbox can learn from this hardware and continue refining its long-rumoured suite of Xbox PC devices.
Full breakdown of every new feature
The newest Armoury Crate SE update, version 2.1.15.0, is rolling out for the Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X, ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X.
Users with the Xbox Ally X can expect several new additions, including new CPU P core and E core controls. These settings sit under Performance then More settings and give the device more flexibility, allowing users to squeeze out a bit more battery life or fine tune how the system behaves.
A new Fullscreen toggle binding has also been added. This means users no longer need to rely on touch controls to leave Fullscreen mode, which should make switching in and out of apps much easier. Command Center has been updated too, making update notifications more visible and reducing the need to manually check for new updates.
The FPS limiter has also been reworked. It now relies on Radeon Chill instead of a fixed limiter, which should reduce power draw and heat during gameplay. The old 45 FPS preset has been replaced with a 40 FPS option as well.
Windows power mode options are now visible inside Manual Operating Mode, removing the need to hunt through Windows settings.
Gyro aiming has also been improved for better accuracy, with ASUS saying drift has been reduced and responsiveness improved. It is not a feature I use, but it should be a welcome tweak for players who rely on it.
Another useful improvement is new support for Wi-Fi captive portals, which finally lets the Ally devices sign into hotel, airport, and other public networks.
The update also adjusts the default sleep timer from Never to 5 minutes to help conserve battery, and AMD RSR is now off by default on Xbox Ally systems to avoid any unexpected image scaling.
There’s a lot more to cover, so I’ll try to list it out as succinctly as possible, as I feel I’ve covered the most important details:
Xbox Ally
- New MCU update adds a diagnostic interface for system-level troubleshooting.
- BIOS update improves Modern Standby power use, improves charger detection, and fixes Cloud Recovery getting stuck on reboot.
- Updated power delivery firmware further reduces standby drain.
- New AMD GPU driver boosts performance and resolves an audio problem tied to Auto Super Resolution.
Xbox Ally X
- MCU update upgrades the feel and accuracy of the Impulse Trigger haptics.
- BIOS update improves how the system handles updates and makes Cloud Recovery more reliable.
- Touch firmware update improves touchscreen stability.
- Updated power delivery firmware improves overall reliability during power transitions.
- AMD GPU driver update delivers the same performance and audio improvements as the standard Xbox Ally.
- New AMD chipset drivers offer general system performance improvements.
Overall
- These updates should improve day to day usability with better tuning options, stronger stability, improved power behaviour, and cleaner input handling.
- The original ROG Ally also benefits from the broader Armoury Crate SE update, keeping it up to date with important system changes.
Looking ahead at future improvements
It would be great to see better thumbnail support for Steam games in the Xbox App, similar to what SteamGridDB offers.
These updates are a welcome step forward, and you can also check out our coverage of what the future holds for the Xbox Ally, as there is plenty more coming.
FAQ
What devices are getting this update?
Every device in the Ally family is included. This covers the Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X, ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X. Some features are shared across all models, while others are specific to the Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X.
Does this update actually improve performance?
It can, depending on the device. The biggest gains appear on models with the new AMD driver and the new CPU controls. The performance boost comes from better firmware, refined power behaviour, and cleaner input handling rather than raw horsepower upgrades.
If you're still rocking the original ASUS ROG Ally, the new Xbox Ally X would be a massive upgrade... but it'll cost you a lot. Before adding this handheld to your cart, it's worth asking if you can upgrade your existing handheld instead.
👉See at: BestBuy.com
The base Xbox Ally is the more direct successor to the original ASUS ROG Ally, and it's a solid entry-level gaming handheld for those just getting into the category or looking to replace their handheld or gaming PC that hasn't aged as gracefully as some original ROG Allys have.
👉See at: BestBuy.com or Amazon.com
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
