ROG Xbox Ally update makes handheld work better with TV

Microsoft has announced some updates to its ROG Xbox Ally handhelds that should enable them to play more nicely with TVs. Thanks to new improvements to docking behavior, the ability to automatically configure TV-side gaming settings, and a preview of Microsoft’s proprietary upscaling technology (on the Ellie X), the handheld should now be a little easier to use as a Nintendo Switch-style hybrid console.

defining characteristics of Microsoft’s announcement Today everyone’s attention is focused on docked games. The most exciting announcement is that the high-end ROG Xbox Ally

Other improvements apply to both the Allie X and the base ROG Xbox Allie. Docking any handheld on a monitor now automatically turns off the handheld’s display, switching output to the external monitor. Pairing an Xbox controller with a docked Companion will now disable the handheld’s built-in controls, which will default to the paired controller. It seems there’s still some work to be done on this front: To switch back to using handheld controls, you’ll have to manually disconnect your wireless gamepad.

The companion handhelds are able to automatically configure gaming features like auto low-latency mode on compatible smart TVs made by Samsung, LG, and Vizio.

ASUS’s two companion docks, the ROG Bulwark Dock and the ROG 100W Charger Dock, now support HDR10 output. The former also supports variable refresh rates on compatible monitors. Microsoft says these features will be available on more designs for the Xbox-branded Ally Dock in the future.

There’s more in the update. For a full picture of every change coming to the April 2026 update on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld, you can check out Microsoft full patch notes.