Microsoft finally joins the handheld gaming circle with its first-ever handheld consoles, the Xbox Ally, which might actually solve the Windows portable gaming problem at the same time. While Steam Deck has been owning the handheld PC space and everyone else fumbles around with clunky Windows interfaces, Microsoft teamed up with ASUS to build devices that treat Windows like the background player it should be, rather than the primary interface.
A Tale of Two Handhelds
The approach here is pretty straightforward, and consists of two devices. The standard Xbox Ally targets casual players and cloud gaming enthusiasts with its AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage (essentially optimized for 720p gaming and Game Pass streaming). Meanwhile, the Xbox Ally X steps up with AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB storage, targeting native 1080p performance for more demanding titles.
Both share a wide 7-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rates and anti-reflection coating, though fans of the Xbox will love the Xbox-inspired contoured grips that mimic the former’s controllers. Microsoft seems to have studied what made the Steam Deck’s ergonomics work while blending it with their popular console. These handhelds basically look like someone took an Xbox controller and stretched a screen between the grips.
Mini Windows, But Actually Usable
As exciting as the hardware is, the software might be even more compelling. What makes the Ally such a win is that it’s like Windows gaming but without having to navigate desktop menus with thumbsticks. Microsoft’s new full-screen Xbox experience essentially hides Windows entirely until you need it, booting directly into an aggregated gaming library that pulls from Xbox, Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and other storefronts. That unified approach precludes the reality of juggling multiple launchers at once just to find your games, like you would with normal PC gaming.
The dedicated Xbox button brings up an enhanced Game Bar overlay for quick app switching, settings adjustments, and social features, all navigable with thumbsticks rather than relying on a finicky touchscreen. Microsoft claims they’ve also eliminated background processes that typically drain battery and performance, dedicating more of the system’s resources purely to gaming.
Hardware Heritage
Debuting a couple years back, the ROG Ally series has already established itself as one of the best Windows handhelds available, and these new Xbox variants build on that foundation with solid improvements. The standard model’s 60Wh battery represents a 50% increase over the original ROG Ally, while the X variant’s 80Wh pack matches the largest batteries available in current handhelds.
The impulse triggers on the Xbox Ally X utilizes the haptic feedback technology that’s been transformative on Xbox controllers for years, making everything from racing games to shooters more immersive. Bringing that same tactile experience to handhelds could give Microsoft a competitive advantage over Steam Deck’s more basic controls.
Both models include USB-C ports with DisplayPort support for external displays, with the X variant adding Thunderbolt 4 compatibility that theoretically enables external GPU connections via ASUS’s XG Mobile system.
With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Xbox Ally handhelds might actually have some serious competition, at least with gamers looking to buy both but only having enough money for one. Either way, this is turning into a huge year for gamers so far.
Spec Sheet
Models: ROG Xbox Ally & ROG Xbox Ally X
Display: 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits
Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with anti-reflection coating
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C with DisplayPort
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Ally), AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Ally X)
Memory: 16GB (Ally), 24GB (Ally X)
Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD (Ally), 1TB M.2 SSD (Ally X)
Dimensions: 11.45” x 4.78” x 2”
Audio: 3.5mm combo jack, HD haptics
Release Date: Late 2025
Price: TBA
Pricing & Availability
Microsoft hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but if the Xbox Ally can be at least competitive with the $400+ price of the Steam Deck, the company might have themselves a big victory here. Both Ally models launch this holiday season, with pre-order details coming soon.
Recap
ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X Handhelds
Microsoft unveiled its first-ever handheld consoles, in partnership with ASUS. The new devices also streamline Windows gaming and solve a lot of issues that plague preexisting attempts to bring PC gaming to your hands.
