Microsoft is finally stepping into handheld gaming. During the recent Xbox Games Showcase, the company unveiled two handheld devices made in partnership with Asus: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both are set to launch in time for the 2025 holiday season.
The new Xbox-branded handhelds will run on Windows 11 and give players access to PC games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, and other storefronts. A spokesperson for Microsoft told Game File, “Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to all the games you can play on Windows PC,” which means players will also be able to enjoy Sony’s PC releases like Days Gone, The Last of Us, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ghost of Tsushima. The handhelds are also expected to support remote play from your PS5.
Microsoft describes the base model ROG Xbox Ally as the “essential handheld,” while the ROG Xbox Ally X is designed for “the most demanding players.” The base model is white, features an AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The premium Xbox Ally X comes in black and boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Both share a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC Anti-Reflection to reduce glare.
While the design is similar to other handhelds, it takes inspiration from the Xbox Wireless Controller. The inputs include the familiar Xbox button, full-sized analog sticks with customizable lighting, impulse triggers on the X model, and additional buttons for quick navigation. Each features HD haptics, motion controls, and remappable back buttons.
Connectivity options include USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 5.4, and Wi-Fi 6E. The base model weighs 670g with a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X weighs slightly more at 715g, thanks to its larger 80Wh battery. Both come with a ROG Xbox Ally 65W Charger Stand.
Unlike other Windows-based handhelds, powering on these devices brings players straight into an Xbox experience. The UI is designed to feel like using a console, with quick access to your game library and Xbox features. Both will support cloud streaming, remote play, and local downloads of the full Game Pass library. For new players, Microsoft is offering a Game Pass trial at no extra cost with purchase.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but Microsoft promises more details soon.
This would be so nice to have
I would love this
I’ll take one!
NGL I want to win this mug
This is definitely a nice device, I would definitely get it!
Nice gaming device
Yea these devices are much better than Nintendo switch 2 and higher quality all around. Would love to grab one
I cannot wait for this! Two of my favorite gaming/computing brands finally teaming up!
I have been waiting for this since I was a kid. Im actually surprised that xbox hasn’t done a handheld yet.
Big fan of Asus. I have big hands so the controller “handles” look awesome. Just ship me one- I won’t tell. 😉
I’m curious what the price will be for the Z2 extreme and how much better it is compared to the steam deck but low key fire tho 🔥
sounds like MSI might get a run for Claw”s money.
Much more versatile and worth it than the new switch
Excited for this new handheld!
This is exciting!
Bruh
Looks like a very nice system
Been waiting for Xbox to get a solid handheld!
I don’t know if itll be worth the price compared to everything else on the market
Such a great add to gaming experience.
Cool
Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks pretty cool, hope the pricing is reasonable.
Would love to try it
Looks like a new addition to the arsenal
Xbox die hard and this is a need.
Can’t wait to get my grubby hands on this techno marvel. 😈
Sup
it being heavier than a steamdeck has me a feeling a tad lukewarm, still excited nonetheless!!
With the steam store being added to it, I’d love to have it if I could!
This is pretty cool.
Excited for this handheld!
This would be so awesome to have. It is a fully functional gaming PC and if you carry around a thin portable monitor, you have a full laptop as well. Even lighter too!
Looks very user friendly
Would love to try it
Would be nice to be able to afford one of these.
Looking forward to pre purchase
I think the Steam Deck will still be a very competitive option over this especially with SteamOS.
Looks great!
Seems like the only handheld anyone even knows about is the Switch. Maybe this will get a bit more notoriety.
This looks awesome
Ima be playing in my sleep
I’d be interested especially since ASUS appears to be leading in the handheld device capabilities.
This looks awesome
This looks cool.
I can’t wait to see how this holds up against the SteamDeck!
This looks so cool!
I would love to have one!
I hope this runs everything I need and want it to.
A very comfortable looking handheld! The X version will probably be $800, though!
I very comfortable handheld! The X version will probably be $800, though.
I wonder if my arthritis will allow me to use a handheld. My joints usually hurt to much after a week of work.
I wonder if my arthritis will allow me to use a handheld. My joints usually hurt to much after a week of workin.
Microsoft owns Xbox, windows has XBOX software to use.. an Asus rog XBOX branded is just an Asus Rog with XBOX all over it.
It’s still cool without the XBOX logos