For over a decade, the idea of an Xbox handheld console existed only in the realm of passionate fan theories and industry rumors. But that dream has now become a tangible reality. In a surprise move during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft officially revealed two new handheld gaming devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. These devices, developed in collaboration with ASUS, mark Xbox’s serious push into the portable gaming market—a move that’s poised to change the way gamers play their favorite titles on the go.
Key Takeaways:
- Xbox has launched two handheld consoles: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X.
- These devices are the result of a collaboration with ASUS and run a modified version of Windows 11.
- Both models boast a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display with VRR and classic Xbox-style controls.
- They offer access to Xbox Game Pass, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other PC launchers.
- Release is set for the 2025 holiday season, though pricing details remain under wraps.
- Microsoft has developed a streamlined Xbox UI for these handhelds, aiming to enhance the portable gaming experience.
A Long-Awaited Dream Comes True
The path to this reveal has been anything but straightforward. The rumors of a Microsoft-made portable gaming device have been circulating since the early 2010s. Various patents and internal projects hinted at the company’s interest in entering the space, though most of these ideas were quietly scrapped or reimagined over the years. The success of devices like Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s continued dominance with the Switch—especially with the launch of the Switch 2—likely pushed Microsoft to finally bring its vision to life.
With this official announcement, Xbox has put an end to the long-running speculation, offering a clear direction for its portable gaming ambitions. And while these devices may share some similarities with PCs, Microsoft has made it clear that the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are designed with a new, fullscreen Xbox interface built specifically for portable gaming. This refined software puts games front and center, creating a more console-like experience for users.
Two Handhelds, Two Tiers of Power
Microsoft and ASUS are introducing two different versions of the handheld console:
- ROG Xbox Ally (Base Model): Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and 512GB of internal storage, this model targets smooth 720p gameplay.
- ROG Xbox Ally X (High-End Model): The “X” version features a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and 1TB of storage, aiming for high-performance gaming at 900p to 1080p.
Both models share a 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, ensuring tear-free visuals. The devices also include Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with a DXC anti-reflective coating, enhancing durability and outdoor visibility. As for design, they sport familiar Xbox-style grips and dedicated Xbox buttons for an intuitive, comfortable experience. The Ally X goes a step further with impulse triggers that offer enhanced tactile feedback during gameplay.
A Tailored Software Experience
One of the biggest draws of the ROG Xbox Ally series is its customized software. While the devices run Windows 11 Home, Microsoft has worked to optimize the OS for handheld gaming. This includes a new, fullscreen Xbox interface that boots directly, bypassing the traditional Windows desktop. The result? A streamlined experience that cuts out unnecessary background tasks, saving about 2GB of memory, which directly improves game performance.
The new UI offers a unified game library, granting players easy access to titles not just from Xbox Game Pass but also from other popular PC gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Battle.net. This openness means that players can dive into their existing game libraries without limitation. Features like Quick Resume are also making an appearance, letting players jump between games without long reload times. Microsoft has also updated the Xbox Game Bar with improved multitasking capabilities and controller-friendly navigation for Wi-Fi and battery settings.
Initially, this gaming-first UI will be exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. However, Microsoft has confirmed plans to roll out similar Xbox experiences to other ROG Ally handhelds later this year, with broader compatibility for other Windows handheld devices expected in 2026. Additionally, Microsoft is working on a “verified for handheld” label, similar to the Steam Deck’s compatibility list, to help gamers identify titles optimized for portable play.
Game Pass and Xbox’s Wider Strategy
The ROG Xbox Ally consoles fully support Xbox Game Pass, which is a key element of Microsoft’s broader gaming strategy. This means subscribers will have immediate access to hundreds of titles from day one, including new releases for Game Pass PC and Ultimate. At the unveiling, Microsoft teased several upcoming titles, including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4, Outer Worlds 2, and the eagerly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
The handhelds also support remote play, allowing users to stream games from their Xbox console in another room, or take advantage of cloud gaming to play titles directly from the cloud. This multi-platform approach underscores Xbox’s commitment to making gaming accessible no matter the device.
While the exact pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X has yet to be revealed, industry speculation suggests that the base model will start around $599, with the Ally X possibly ranging from $799 to $999. These prices would place the handhelds in direct competition with other gaming devices, such as the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Game-Changing Moment for Xbox
The release of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X represents a pivotal moment for Xbox. After years of anticipation, Microsoft has finally shown its hand, delivering a powerful, portable gaming solution that leverages its Game Pass ecosystem and Windows’ broad compatibility. The challenge now is to convince gamers that Xbox’s Windows-based handhelds offer a compelling alternative to the established players in the portable gaming market. With the holiday 2025 launch fast approaching, all eyes will be on how these devices perform in the real world—and whether they can shake up the industry in the process.
