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.