Microsoft and Asus Unveil ROG Xbox Ally, Their Latest Handheld Gaming Console

Microsoft and Asus have joined forces to launch the ROG Xbox Ally, a new handheld gaming console. This collaboration brings together Microsoft's gaming expertise and Asus's hardware innovation, aiming to deliver portable, high-quality Xbox gaming experiences for players on the go.

Microsoft and Asus: Joining Forces for Portable Gaming’s Next Leap

When the topic of portable consoles comes up, the conversation has long revolved around the Nintendo Switch. Now, though, a fresh contender is stepping onto the stage. At the recent Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft, in collaboration with Asus, announced two new entrants: the ROG Xbox Ally and its advanced sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both devices are scheduled to launch just in time for the holiday season of 2025, though as of yet, pricing details remain under wraps.

A Bold Hardware Proposition for Gamers on the Move

Turning to design, attention to detail is immediately apparent—robustly contoured controllers hint at familiar Xbox ergonomics while subtly integrating classic Asus aesthetics. The hardware configurations distinguish these models:

• ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.
• ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme (8 cores/16 threads on Zen 5), up to 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 80Wh battery, USB4 Thunderbolt ports.

Both feature a vivid seven-inch Full HD IPS screen with a rapid refresh rate of up to 120Hz, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. Notably, the new AMD chipset—particularly in the Extreme version—is being touted by Microsoft as a leap forward: titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded are said to run « flawlessly at 1080p and 60 FPS ».

A Reimagined Windows Experience—A True Software Shift

For many enthusiasts, software usability has been a perennial sticking point for Windows-based handhelds. Historically plagued by ill-suited interfaces scaled down from desktop environments, these consoles now promise something different. Microsoft’s forthcoming devices introduce an exclusive full-screen Xbox interface—finally shedding the cumbersome Windows 11 desktop for a more intuitive approach designed around controller navigation. Thanks to this overhaul (exclusive until early 2026), users can expect up to two additional gigabytes of RAM freed specifically for gaming tasks. Seamless access across Steam, Game Pass, and other platforms reflects an effort to centralize and streamline players’ libraries.

A Wealth of Games Awaits—But Price Remains Uncertain

Looking ahead to launch day, gamers will find a generous lineup: everything unveiled at the Showcase—from Persona 4 Revival, through blockbusters like Ninja Gaiden 4, all the way to the complete Game Pass catalog—will be playable out-of-the-box. Yet one significant question looms: cost. With high-end components facing global supply challenges, speculation suggests pricing may start around $500 for entry-level versions and could approach $1,000 for fully equipped models.

While hands-on reviews are still months away—the first real-world tests expected by next autumn—it’s clear that Microsoft is positioning itself as a serious rival to SteamOS in the realm of premium portable gaming.