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After a Decade of Whispers, Xbox Unveils Its Handheld Gaming MachineS
Redmond, WA – June 9, 2025 – The long-anticipated dream of an Xbox handheld console has finally materialized. After over a decade of fervent speculation, countless rumors, and the growing prominence of the portable PC gaming market, Microsoft today officially pulled back the curtain on its entry into the handheld arena, revealing not one, but two distinct devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. These machines, developed in a strategic partnership with ASUS, represent Xbox's definitive move into the burgeoning handheld gaming space, promising a seamless blend of console and PC gaming on the go.
The announcement, made during a global press release and further elaborated upon during a dedicated Xbox Developer Direct showcase, confirms a holiday 2025 release window for both models. While specific pricing details remain under wraps, Microsoft has indicated that further information, including pre-order timelines and compatible accessories, will be revealed in the coming months.
This strategic collaboration with ASUS is a pivotal aspect of the Xbox handhelds' launch. ASUS, with its established ROG Ally lineup, has been a key player in the handheld PC market since 2023. Microsoft's decision to partner rather than build entirely in-house speaks to a pragmatic approach, leveraging ASUS's hardware expertise while infusing the devices with a distinctly Xbox software experience. Indeed, these aren't traditional consoles in the mold of a Nintendo Switch; rather, they are Windows 11 gaming PCs with a customized, gaming-first Xbox user interface. This means that while they boast a dedicated Xbox button and a streamlined boot-up into the Xbox app, they retain the full flexibility of a Windows operating system, allowing users to access not only their Xbox Game Pass library but also third-party gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net. This openness aims to appeal to a broader segment of the gaming community, particularly power users who desire cross-platform compatibility.
The two models cater to different performance expectations. The base model, the ROG Xbox Ally, features an AMD Ryzen Z2 APU, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD. It is powered by a 60Wh battery and is primarily geared towards smooth 720p gaming, though its 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate means it's capable of displaying higher resolutions.
Stepping up the performance ladder is the ROG Xbox Ally X. This premium variant is equipped with the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and a larger 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. Its upgraded 80Wh battery promises extended playtime. The Ally X is designed to deliver a more robust 1080p gaming experience, even with demanding AAA titles. Both devices share the same vibrant 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and AMD FreeSync technology, all protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection.
From a design perspective, both handhelds draw inspiration from the familiar Xbox Wireless Controllers, featuring contoured grips for enhanced comfort during extended play. They include standard ABXY buttons, a D-pad, L & R bumpers, two full-size analog sticks, HD haptics, and a 6-Axis IMU. The ROG Xbox Ally X further enhances the tactile feedback with impulse triggers, a feature beloved by Xbox console players. Connectivity is robust, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, along with a range of USB-C ports (including USB4 with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility on the Ally X) and a UHS-II microSD card reader for expandable storage.
The software experience is a key differentiator. Microsoft has engineered a customized, handheld-friendly version of the Xbox App that will serve as the default boot-up experience. This unified launch hub will seamlessly integrate games from Game Pass, purchased Xbox Play Anywhere titles, and games from various PC storefronts, aiming to simplify the player's library management. While the devices run on Windows 11, the intention is for users to primarily interact with the optimized Xbox UI, minimizing the need to navigate the full desktop environment. This approach is reminiscent of Valve's "Big Picture Mode" for Steam Deck, aiming to provide a console-like experience on a portable PC.
The entry of Xbox into the handheld market is set to intensify competition, particularly with the recently launched Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve's established Steam Deck. While Nintendo typically caters to a more family-friendly, exclusive-game-driven audience, and the Steam Deck appeals to PC enthusiasts, Xbox's new handhelds aim to carve out a niche by offering the best of both worlds: access to the vast Xbox Game Pass library, the flexibility of a Windows PC, and the ergonomic design inspired by Xbox controllers. Microsoft hopes that the integration of Game Pass, with its hundreds of titles, will be a major draw for consumers.
However, the initial reception has not been without its questions. Some gamers have expressed confusion over the "PC first, Xbox second" nature of the devices, particularly regarding compatibility with their existing digital Xbox console libraries. While Game Pass titles and Xbox Play Anywhere games (which bridge Xbox and PC) will be readily available, titles purchased solely on the Xbox console platform that don't fall under these categories may require a separate PC purchase. This nuance highlights the ongoing challenge of merging console and PC ecosystems seamlessly.
Despite these initial complexities, the long-term vision for Xbox in handheld gaming appears clear: to offer a powerful, flexible, and comfortable portable gaming experience that leverages the company's extensive Game Pass ecosystem and the open nature of Windows. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X represent a significant step in that direction, bringing Xbox gaming to a truly portable form factor after a decade of anticipation. The holiday 2025 release will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Microsoft's ambitions in the ever-evolving landscape of gaming.
Source@BBC