Two Xbox Ally Handhelds Unveiled, Launching This Holiday Season

Microsoft has unveiled its first handheld console – the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, both designed by Asus. The announcement was made during the Xbox Games Showcase, where it was revealed that the handheld is capable of running games natively as well as streaming through the cloud.

This device is more than just an upgraded ROG Ally featuring a bigger battery, enhanced grips, and an Xbox button in place of the Armory Crate button; it significantly changes how the operating system functions for gaming.

Consequently, it lowers the idle power usage of Windows 11 by about two-thirds, greatly enhancing battery life and efficiency. Furthermore, it can automatically disable all non-gaming-related processes, freeing up to 2GB of RAM to improve gaming performance. Microsoft also emphasized that its Windows platform allows seamless access to other game storefronts such as Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Game Pass.

For now, these new Windows 11 functionalities will be exclusive to these devices, with plans to make them available on standard ROG Allys by late 2025 and on other handheld gaming PCs in 2026.

The specifications are as follows:

• ROG Xbox Ally – AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD that can be upgraded, 60Wh battery, 670 grams in weight.
• ROG Xbox Ally X – AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD that can be upgraded, 80Wh battery, 715 grams in weight.

Just like a regular Ally, both models can run Windows games bought through Xbox or from platforms like Battle.net, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam. The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch during the 2025 holiday season. Details about pricing, accessories, and pre-order opportunities will be announced later.

The ROG Xbox Ally is creating significant excitement with Xbox's ambitious entry into the console-handheld market. However, if you seek a handheld that is already well-refined, optimized for performance, and designed for serious gaming on the go, the ROG Ally X clearly stands out. With its longer battery life, better ergonomics, and comprehensive Windows capability, it embodies everything that the future of handheld gaming should represent. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.