Microsoft dropped a bombshell at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 announcing the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X two handheld gaming PCs crafted with Asus. Set to launch this holiday season these devices promise a slick Xbox experience on Windows with powerful AMD processors and ergonomic designs. Fans are buzzing about playing Game Pass titles anywhere and here’s everything you need to know to jump into this new era of portable gaming.
A New Era for Xbox Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X unveiled on June 8 aim to fix the clunky Windows experience of past handhelds like the original Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft and Asus spent a year building a full-screen Xbox interface that boots directly into the Xbox app skipping the usual Windows desktop. This setup acts as a launcher for your entire PC game library including Steam and Discord making it feel like a true console in your hands. The Ally targets 720p gaming while the beefier Ally X hits 900p to 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync for smooth visuals.
Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A (Ally) and Z2 Extreme (Ally X) chips these handhelds deliver a performance leap over the original ROG Ally’s Z1 chip. The Ally X boasts an 80Wh battery the largest in any handheld matching the ROG Ally X from 2024 while the base Ally has a 60Wh battery 50% bigger than its predecessor. Ergonomics got a major upgrade too with a design that feels like an Xbox controller split in half for better grip and less fatigue during long sessions.
What Sets the Xbox Ally Apart
Unlike the standard ROG Ally these Xbox-branded handhelds shut down non-gaming processes freeing up to 2GB of RAM for smoother performance. A dedicated Xbox guide button replaces the Armory Crate button for quick access to your library and cloud streaming. Both devices support Xbox Play Anywhere letting you buy a game once and play across Xbox consoles PC and handhelds. Microsoft’s promising the “best of Xbox and Asus ROG” with native Game Pass support and cloud streaming for select owned titles.
The catch? Pricing and exact release dates are still under wraps though leaks suggest the Ally X could hit around $799 given its specs mirror the ROG Ally X. The base Ally might start closer to $650. Microsoft’s focus on software tweaks means existing ROG Ally and Ally X owners will get the full-screen Xbox experience via an update by late 2025 with other PC handhelds like Lenovo’s Legion Go following in 2026.
Microsoft’s big bet on portable gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally is Microsoft’s big bet on portable gaming as SteamOS gains ground with devices like the Steam Deck. Social media posts show excitement with one fan calling it “the Xbox I can carry in my backpack.” Critics note the lack of hands-on demos raises questions about real-world performance but early reports praise the ergonomic redesign and seamless Xbox app. With Sony and Nintendo also in the handheld race this launch could spark a new console war.