Microsoft and Asus have officially announced two new handheld gaming devices under the Xbox brand: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. These devices represent a significant step forward in handheld gaming, blending the power and flexibility of Windows 11 with a custom-built Xbox full-screen interface designed specifically for portable play. The collaboration between Microsoft and Asus aims to deliver a console-like gaming experience that brings together the best of Xbox and PC gaming in a compact, ergonomic form factor.
Console-Style Interface Integrated into Windows
One of the defining features of the new Xbox Ally handhelds is the new full-screen Xbox experience built directly into Windows. Unlike previous attempts to run Windows on handheld gaming devices, which often involved navigating a traditional desktop UI with a controller, these devices boot directly into a dedicated Xbox interface. This interface hides the complexity of Windows and allows gamers to focus entirely on playing.
This Xbox UI aggregates all game libraries from multiple sources, including Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and others, presenting them in a single, unified library. Gamers can launch any game they own, whether installed locally, streamed from Xbox Cloud Gaming, or streamed from their Xbox console via Remote Play.
The handhelds include a dedicated Xbox button that instantly returns users to this interface, offering a console-like navigation experience. Additional software tweaks make the system controller-friendly — users can log in via the Windows lockscreen without needing a touchscreen, easily access apps like Discord, switch between games and apps using an updated Game Bar, and adjust settings quickly and intuitively.
Powerful Hardware Designed for Efficiency and Performance
Microsoft and Asus offer two models of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, each powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 series processors specifically optimized for handheld gaming:
- The ROG Xbox Ally (Standard) comes equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD. This model targets smooth 720p gaming performance and features a 60Wh battery to maximize playtime.
- The more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. It targets higher resolution gaming between 900p and 1080p and includes an 80Wh battery — one of the largest batteries ever included in a handheld gaming device.
Both models share a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) support for smooth visuals. The devices also feature Xbox-style contoured grips designed to fit comfortably in the hands, mirroring the feel of a traditional Xbox controller. The Xbox Ally X adds impulse triggers with advanced haptic feedback, allowing players to physically feel in-game actions like road textures or gunfire impacts through the triggers.
The Xbox Ally X supports Thunderbolt 4 via USB-C 4, enabling connection to external GPUs for additional performance if desired. The standard Xbox Ally comes with two USB-C 3.2 ports and a microSD card slot for expanded storage.
A Unified Gaming Ecosystem on the Go
The Xbox Ally handhelds are designed to unify a player’s gaming experience regardless of how they access their games. Through the new Xbox full-screen interface, users can access their entire game library in one place, spanning titles installed on the device, streamed from Xbox Cloud Gaming, or streamed remotely from an Xbox console on the same network.
This means that Xbox Game Pass subscribers instantly have access to hundreds of games without the need to download them locally, while PC gamers can also enjoy their Steam, Epic Games, and other storefront libraries seamlessly. This approach removes many of the barriers gamers previously faced when trying to use Windows handheld devices for gaming, where juggling different launchers and desktop navigation could be cumbersome.
Efficiency Is the New Superpower
While performance is important, Microsoft and Asus have emphasized battery life and efficiency as primary goals for this generation of handhelds. The Ryzen Z2 processors powering these devices are designed to deliver strong gaming performance while running cooler and quieter than previous handheld chips.
The larger battery capacities — 60Wh for the Xbox Ally and 80Wh for the Xbox Ally X — combined with optimized software that reduces background power consumption by up to one-third during idle or sleep states, are expected to deliver significantly longer gaming sessions on a single charge.
Launch and Availability
The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are scheduled to launch during the Holiday 2025 season. Microsoft and Asus plan to reveal pricing and preorder details closer to the release date.
By combining the power of Xbox with the flexibility of Windows 11 and the expertise of Asus in handheld gaming hardware, these devices represent a compelling new option for gamers seeking a portable, powerful, and unified gaming experience.
