The landscape of handheld gaming just got a serious shake-up. At the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft and ASUS unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Ally X, two next-gen handhelds that aim to bridge the gap between console and PC gaming like never before. This isn’t just another PC in a portable shell—it’s a full-blown Xbox-focused handheld experience designed from the ground up to support native PC games, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and the full Windows ecosystem, all wrapped in a sleek, ergonomic form.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far about these handhelds—and why they matter.
A True Xbox Portable? It’s Finally Happening
For years, Xbox fans have speculated about Microsoft launching a dedicated handheld. Rumors flared up around devices like the Steam Deck, Ayaneo, and ROG Ally (2023), but nothing ever quite felt like it carried the Xbox name—until now.
With the ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X, Microsoft and ASUS are taking a bold step forward by releasing hardware that boots into a new fullscreen Xbox UI layered on top of Windows 11. This isn’t just a skin—it’s a fully optimized Xbox-first experience with faster performance, cleaner navigation, and deep integration with services like Game Pass, Remote Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
In fact, The Verge reports that this custom shell frees up up to 2GB of RAM compared to traditional Windows installs by minimizing background processes and streamlining the interface.
This is more than just a new handheld—it’s the beginning of Xbox’s true presence in portable gaming.
Two Models: The ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X
Just like the original ROG Ally launch, ASUS is offering two flavors of the new Xbox handheld—each with distinct hardware and performance targets.
🔹 ROG Xbox Ally (White)
This model targets budget-conscious gamers or those who want a device tailored more for cloud gaming and casual native gameplay. It features:
- Chipset: AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Zen 2, 4-core/8-thread)
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 60Wh
- Display: 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz VRR
- Weight: 670 grams
While it doesn’t have the raw power of its big brother, it’s more than capable of running games like Fortnite, Minecraft, or Hi-Fi Rush, and works beautifully with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via the cloud.
🔸 ROG Xbox Ally X (Black)
The Ally X is where things get really interesting. Built for hardcore gamers who want portable AAA gaming, this version boasts:
- Chipset: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Zen 5, 8-core w/ NPU and RDNA 3.5 graphics)
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 715 grams
- Extras: Hall-effect impulse triggers, improved cooling system, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C
It’s essentially a gaming laptop in your hands, minus the keyboard. With this hardware, you can confidently run Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, or even Starfield natively—without feeling like you’re sacrificing much performance.
More info on technical specs is also available on ASUS’s official ROG Ally page.
Xbox and Windows: Finally Playing Nice Together
One of the most compelling features of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds is how they marry Xbox’s ecosystem with Windows flexibility.
Traditionally, Windows handhelds have had to rely on clunky desktop UIs, multi-layered launchers, and poor battery efficiency. Microsoft’s new Xbox-first shell changes that. As Windows Central explains, the software boots into a controller-first interface, offering quick access to games, store pages, settings, and performance modes.
It’s not just optimized for gaming—it’s optimized for handheld gaming.
And yes, this is still Windows 11, meaning you can install Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games, Discord, or even productivity tools if you really want to use it as a tiny laptop.
Built for Gamers, Designed Like a Console
Another area where the Ally handhelds shine is in the design and controls. ASUS has borrowed heavily from the Xbox controller layout with:
- Offset thumbsticks
- Classic ABXY button scheme
- Responsive triggers and bumpers
- Ergonomic hand grips
What’s more, the ROG Ally X features Hall-effect thumbsticks and impulse triggers, mimicking the feel of a premium console controller. That’s a huge win for handheld gamers tired of stick drift or mushy buttons.
The devices also support Armoury Crate SE, ASUS’s game launcher and performance tuning hub, allowing you to quickly adjust TDP, change refresh rates, or toggle between performance profiles—all without exiting your game.
Who Is This For?
That’s the beauty of this launch—it really appeals to multiple types of gamers.
- Xbox players who want a portable Game Pass and Remote Play machine?
- PC gamers who want to run Steam, mods, and AAA titles on the go?
- Cloud-first users who mostly stream but want local backup?
- Content creators and tech enthusiasts?
It also feels like a smart answer to the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. While both of those are excellent devices, the Ally handhelds are backed directly by Microsoft and come with native Xbox integration, which is a huge selling point.
Availability, Pricing, and Pre-orders
So, when can you get your hands on one?
Microsoft and ASUS have confirmed a Holiday 2025 release window for both models. Pre-orders are expected to begin later this year through major outlets like:
- Microsoft Store
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- ASUS Official Store
Expected pricing (unofficial but widely reported):
- ROG Xbox Ally: $599 – $699
- ROG Xbox Ally X: $899 – $999+
Expect to see bundles that include Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, carrying cases, and USB-C docks as part of the launch strategy.
The Future of Xbox?
While this isn’t a first-party Xbox console, it might just be the closest thing to an Xbox handheld we’ve ever seen. Microsoft’s decision to embrace Windows-based portables and pair them with a dedicated Xbox interface could change how we think about portable gaming entirely.
Instead of pushing for proprietary hardware, they’re enabling a platform that could work across brands, chipsets, and form factors—all while promoting Game Pass, xCloud, and cross-save features.
And with titles like Fable, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Perfect Dark on the horizon, having a handheld you can bring to bed, on the plane, or to the couch feels like perfect timing.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X might just be the most versatile gaming handhelds ever made. With official Xbox support, cutting-edge AMD hardware, and a truly optimized UI experience, they offer a glimpse into what the future of portable gaming could look like—not just for Xbox, but for the entire gaming industry.
Whether you’re an Xbox fan, a PC enthusiast, or just someone tired of lugging around a gaming laptop, this could be the one device that finally ticks all your boxes.
Stay tuned for hands-on previews, benchmarks, and full reviews as we get closer to launch. And if you’re planning to grab one, keep an eye on the Xbox website and ROG’s product page for official updates.
Don’t forget to checkout our Electronic Arts Shuts Down Cliffhanger Games, Cancels Black Panther Title in Surprise Move, The Witcher 4’s Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo Raises the Bar for RPGs, Best HDMI Cables for PS5 in 2025: Get the Most Out of Your Console for more fun gaming.
