Microsoft has officially confirmed the release of its ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices during the 2025 holiday season. The portable PCs will run on Windows 11 and offer access to popular game stores like Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect.
The devices come in two variants: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. While pricing details have not been announced, Microsoft says they will be competitive with currently available ROG systems, which range from $800 for the ROG Ally X. Pre-orders, accessories, and other information are expected to be revealed soon.
Xbox head Sarah Bond confirmed that all games showcased at Summer Game Fest will be playable on the Xbox Ally, but it’s unclear whether they will run natively on the devices. The reveal trailer highlighted Hollow Knight: Silksong, with the game still slated for release this year.
Microsoft is not limiting the devices to playing only Xbox games, allowing users to play games from other platforms like Battle.net and Steam. The Xbox Ally will also support Game Pass integration and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which enables cross-device gaming after purchasing a game.
A partnership with Roblox makes some of its games natively playable on a handheld for the first time. Microsoft is working with third-party developers to optimize games for the devices, including a Steam Deck-style program.
The Xbox Ally comes in two models: one powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor and 16GB of RAM, and another, the ROG Xbox Ally X, with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Both have a 7-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate and support for FreeSync Premium.
The devices boast “HD haptics” and feature hall effect analog triggers on the Xbox Ally and impulse triggers on the ROG Xbox Ally X. They also have adjustable back buttons, 6-axis IMU, and 3.5mm combo audio jacks, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
The Xbox Ally devices will be available in over 30 countries during their release this holiday season, including the US.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/rog-xbox-ally-handheld-gaming-devices-are-real-and-will-be-released-during-the-2025-holiday-season-142135533.html