Microsoft has officially revealed its long-anticipated handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally, developed in partnership with Asus. This new device aims to provide access to Xbox Game Pass libraries in a portable format, with its release scheduled for the end of 2025.
Microsoft has finally pulled back the curtain on its much-anticipated handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally. This collaboration with Asus aims to bring your entire Xbox Game Pass library, and more, directly into your hands, wherever you are. Get ready to play your favorite titles on the go, with the Ally slated for release at the end of 2025.
The biggest news for gamers is the ROG Xbox Ally's native support for Xbox Game Pass. This means from the moment you power it on, you'll have instant access to hundreds of games included with your subscription. With 34 million Game Pass members, this feature is set to be a massive draw, effectively giving players a huge library right out of the box.
The ROG Xbox Ally will come in two versions: the standard ROG Xbox Ally and the more robust ROG Xbox Ally X. Both models boast a vibrant 7-inch screen with sharp 1080p resolution, ensuring your games look great. The base model offers 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, while the "X" version steps up significantly with 24GB of memory, double the storage at 1TB, a more powerful processor, and an extended battery life for longer gaming sessions. As Xbox's head of gaming devices, Roanne Sones, put it, "Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you. Both handhelds allow players to play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console in another room."
What truly sets the ROG Xbox Ally apart is its use of Microsoft's Windows operating system. This isn't just an Xbox; it's a full-fledged portable PC. Ms. Sones highlighted this flexibility, stating, "Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to games you can't get elsewhere, so you can enjoy the full freedom and versatility of PC gaming." This means you can seamlessly switch from the Xbox app to other platforms like Steam or EA Play, giving you access to virtually your entire PC game library on the go.
Microsoft is entering a handheld market already populated by strong contenders. The reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally comes just days after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, a popular hybrid console, and alongside Valve's Steam Deck, a successful handheld PC. While Microsoft might be arriving a bit later, the native Game Pass support and the openness of a Windows-based system are significant advantages.
However, there are a few things to consider. The ROG Xbox Ally will be heavier than the new Switch 2, weighing in at 670g for the base model and 715g for the "X" version, compared to the Switch 2's 534g. The biggest unknown remains the price. Microsoft has yet to announce how much the new handhelds will cost, though the "X" version will naturally be more expensive. For reference, the Switch 2 retails around £395 in the UK, and Steam Deck models range from £349 to £569 depending on their specifications.
The ROG Xbox Ally is a bold move by Microsoft, offering a powerful and versatile portable gaming experience. It will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of handheld gaming when it launches at the end of 2025.
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