🎮 Xbox Finally Reveals Handheld Console: ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X Full Guide, Specs, Release
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Xbox has finally entered the handheld gaming market after more than a decade of rumors, unveiling the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X in partnership with ASUS. This move brings Game Pass, cloud gaming, and native Windows 11 play to a portable device, aiming to challenge Nintendo’s Switch 2, Valve’s Steam Deck, and Sony’s PlayStation Portal.
🗓️ Launch: Holiday 2025 in the US and over 30 countries.
💵 Price: Not yet announced.
📰 Why it matters: This is the first official Xbox-branded handheld, offering a seamless Xbox experience on the go for the brand’s 34 million Game Pass subscribers and beyond.
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BBC: Xbox finally reveals handheld console after decade of speculation
🗓️ Launch: Holiday 2025 in the US and over 30 countries.
💵 Price: Not yet announced.
📰 Why it matters: This is the first official Xbox-branded handheld, offering a seamless Xbox experience on the go for the brand’s 34 million Game Pass subscribers and beyond.
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📰 Breaking News: Xbox Handheld Officially Unveiled
🗓️ Announcement: The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X were revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase, ending years of speculation and leaks.
🤝 Partnership: Built with ASUS, leveraging their ROG (Republic of Gamers) experience in handhelds since 2023.
📦 Two Models:
🌍 Availability: US, UK, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more.
CNET: ROG Xbox Ally From Asus and Microsoft Arrives Holiday 2025
🤝 Partnership: Built with ASUS, leveraging their ROG (Republic of Gamers) experience in handhelds since 2023.
📦 Two Models:
- ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 60Wh battery, white color, 720p-1080p FHD 7” 120Hz display.
- ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 80Wh battery, black color, 1080p FHD 7” 120Hz display, impulse triggers, premium features.
🌍 Availability: US, UK, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more.
🕹️ Specs, Hardware & Xbox Experience for Handheld
⚙️ Specs at a Glance:
🔄 Game Library: Aggregates Xbox, Steam, and other PC storefronts in one interface. Play natively, via cloud, or remote play.
🎮 Controls: Familiar Xbox button layout, contoured grips, impulse triggers (Ally X), and accessibility features.
🌐 Open Platform: Download games from Xbox, Steam, GOG, Ubisoft, and more. Run apps like Discord, Twitch, and mods.
GamesRadar: ROG Xbox Ally X Hands-On Preview & First Impressions
- OS: Windows 11 Home with Xbox full-screen mode
- Display: 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2A (Ally) or Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Ally X)
- RAM: 16GB (Ally), 24GB (Ally X)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (Ally), 1TB SSD (Ally X), both M.2 2280 upgradeable
- Battery: 60Wh (Ally), 80Wh (Ally X)
- Ports: 2x USB-C (Ally), 1x USB4 (Ally X), microSD, 3.5mm audio
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 670g (Ally), 715g (Ally X)
🔄 Game Library: Aggregates Xbox, Steam, and other PC storefronts in one interface. Play natively, via cloud, or remote play.
🎮 Controls: Familiar Xbox button layout, contoured grips, impulse triggers (Ally X), and accessibility features.
🌐 Open Platform: Download games from Xbox, Steam, GOG, Ubisoft, and more. Run apps like Discord, Twitch, and mods.
💡 What Makes Xbox Ally Different? Game Pass, Cloud, and Windows Synergy
🎮 Game Pass On the Go: Start with hundreds of games via Game Pass Ultimate, playable natively or streamed from the cloud.
☁️ Cloud Gaming: Stream games with Xbox Cloud Gaming, including your owned titles.
🔗 Play Anywhere: Continue your Xbox game progress, saves, and achievements across console, PC, and handheld.
🛠️ Full Windows Power: Unlike Switch or Steam Deck, you can run any Windows app, access all storefronts, and use the device as a mini-PC.
🧑💻 Optimized for Handheld: Xbox full-screen UI, Game Bar, and controller-friendly navigation. AI Boost (Ally X) for enhanced performance.
🔋 Battery Life: Up to several hours of gameplay, depending on settings and model.
Xbox.com: ROG Xbox Ally Official Handheld Page
☁️ Cloud Gaming: Stream games with Xbox Cloud Gaming, including your owned titles.
🔗 Play Anywhere: Continue your Xbox game progress, saves, and achievements across console, PC, and handheld.
🛠️ Full Windows Power: Unlike Switch or Steam Deck, you can run any Windows app, access all storefronts, and use the device as a mini-PC.
🧑💻 Optimized for Handheld: Xbox full-screen UI, Game Bar, and controller-friendly navigation. AI Boost (Ally X) for enhanced performance.
🔋 Battery Life: Up to several hours of gameplay, depending on settings and model.
🔎 Xbox Ally vs Steam Deck, Switch 2, and Other Handhelds
🆚 Steam Deck: Runs SteamOS, limited to Steam library (with workarounds for others). Xbox Ally runs Windows, supports all major storefronts, and has a more powerful Ally X model.
🆚 Switch 2: Nintendo’s hybrid console is a closed ecosystem, focused on Nintendo titles and TV connectivity. Xbox Ally is open, supports Xbox, PC, and cloud games, but lacks TV dock at launch.
🆚 PlayStation Portal: Only streams from PS5, no native play. Xbox Ally can stream, play natively, and run PC games.
🟢 Strengths: Game Pass integration, open platform, familiar controls, high specs, Windows flexibility.
🔴 Weaknesses: Potential Windows quirks, price unknown, battery life varies, and may be late to a crowded market.
📈 Market Impact: Xbox’s move is seen as a direct response to the success of Steam Deck, Switch, and the rise of portable gaming.
Windows Central: Xbox's New Hardware Plans Begin with a Gaming Handheld
🆚 Switch 2: Nintendo’s hybrid console is a closed ecosystem, focused on Nintendo titles and TV connectivity. Xbox Ally is open, supports Xbox, PC, and cloud games, but lacks TV dock at launch.
🆚 PlayStation Portal: Only streams from PS5, no native play. Xbox Ally can stream, play natively, and run PC games.
🟢 Strengths: Game Pass integration, open platform, familiar controls, high specs, Windows flexibility.
🔴 Weaknesses: Potential Windows quirks, price unknown, battery life varies, and may be late to a crowded market.
📈 Market Impact: Xbox’s move is seen as a direct response to the success of Steam Deck, Switch, and the rise of portable gaming.
🧑💻 Hands-On Impressions & Early Reviews
👐 Comfort: Contoured grips inspired by Xbox controllers, impulse triggers (Ally X), and a familiar button layout.
🎮 Performance: Smooth gameplay at 60–120fps, FHD visuals, and fast load times. Game Bar and Xbox UI make navigation easy.
🖥️ Windows Integration: Seamless switching between games, apps, and storefronts.
🔋 Battery: 60Wh (Ally), 80Wh (Ally X)—good for several hours depending on use.
📝 Summary: Reviewers are impressed by the build quality, performance, and Game Pass experience, though some note Windows quirks and price uncertainty.
📺 See it in action: YouTube: Hands-On with the New Xbox Ally Handhelds
🎮 Performance: Smooth gameplay at 60–120fps, FHD visuals, and fast load times. Game Bar and Xbox UI make navigation easy.
🖥️ Windows Integration: Seamless switching between games, apps, and storefronts.
🔋 Battery: 60Wh (Ally), 80Wh (Ally X)—good for several hours depending on use.
📝 Summary: Reviewers are impressed by the build quality, performance, and Game Pass experience, though some note Windows quirks and price uncertainty.
📺 See it in action: YouTube: Hands-On with the New Xbox Ally Handhelds
🌐 Ecosystem, Accessories & Future of Xbox Handheld
🔗 Accessories: Xbox-branded controllers, stands, and charging solutions coming at launch.
🌎 Global Launch: Available in 30+ countries, including US, Canada, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia.
💡 Future: Microsoft hints at more handheld-focused features, accessories, and possibly a first-party device if demand is strong.
📈 Market Trends: Handheld gaming is booming, with Xbox aiming to unify the ecosystem for console, PC, cloud, and mobile gamers.
GameSpot: Xbox ROG Ally Windows Handheld Revealed
🌎 Global Launch: Available in 30+ countries, including US, Canada, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia.
💡 Future: Microsoft hints at more handheld-focused features, accessories, and possibly a first-party device if demand is strong.
📈 Market Trends: Handheld gaming is booming, with Xbox aiming to unify the ecosystem for console, PC, cloud, and mobile gamers.
©️ 2025 | Xbox Handheld Launch: Complete Guide for US Gamers, Tech Fans & Industry Watchers