Microsoft has officially started accepting preorders for its new line of handheld gaming PCs, the Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X. Both devices are scheduled for a worldwide release on October 16. This move marks the company’s direct entry into the growing market of portable PC gaming, created to offer a dedicated hardware experience for its Xbox Game Pass service on the go.
Here are the key details:
- What’s New: Two handheld gaming devices from Microsoft, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.
- Preorders: Live now through the official Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Best Buy.
- Release Date: Both models will be available starting October 16, 2025.
- US Pricing: The Xbox Ally is priced at $699, while the Xbox Ally X will cost $849.
The Xbox Ally family of devices runs on Windows 11, giving users access to a large library of PC games beyond the Xbox ecosystem, including platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Microsoft developed a custom Xbox user interface that runs on top of Windows, designed to make finding and launching games simple and quick, much like the experience on its home consoles.
The standard Xbox Ally model features a 7-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, contains 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and includes a 512GB NVMe solid-state drive for storage. This version is intended for gamers looking for solid performance at a full high-definition resolution.
For users who want higher performance, the Xbox Ally X offers upgraded components. It comes with a 7-inch 1440p OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing better colors and smoother motion. Internally, it uses the more capable AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a larger 1TB NVMe solid-state drive. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and detachable controllers, which allow users to play in a more flexible handheld or tabletop mode. The main selling point for both models is their deep integration with Xbox Game Pass, offering subscribers access to hundreds of games immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Xbox Ally?
A. The Xbox Ally is a new handheld gaming PC made by Microsoft. It runs Windows 11 and is designed to play PC games, particularly those available through the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
Q. How much do the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X cost?
A. The standard Xbox Ally is priced at $699. The higher-performance Xbox Ally X model costs $849.
Q. When will the Xbox Ally be released?
A. Both the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X will be released in the United States and other global markets on October 16, 2025.
Q. Can I play my Steam games on the Xbox Ally?
A. Yes. Since the Xbox Ally runs on the Windows 11 operating system, you can install other game launchers like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG to access and play games you own on those platforms.
Q. Does the Xbox Ally require an Xbox Game Pass subscription?
A. An Xbox Game Pass subscription is not required to use the Xbox Ally. You can buy and play games from various PC storefronts. However, the device’s software and marketing are heavily focused on providing the best experience with a Game Pass subscription.
