Microsoft’s Xbox Ally devices have finally arrived, offering a promising blend of flexibility and gaming prowess. The Windows-11-powered handholds promise access to a vast library of games from various PC storefronts, including Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and more.
Instead of the usual installation and boot-up process on handhelds, gamers will be able to browse and play their favorite titles through an “aggregated gaming library.” This integrated experience enables seamless access to games across multiple launchers, with Microsoft highlighting its ability to offer exclusive content not available elsewhere.
Support apps like Discord, Twitch, and downloadable game mods will also be directly accessible via the Xbox Ally’s Windows backbone. The devices feature a bespoke full-screen interface called the “Xbox Experience for Handheld,” which minimizes background activity and optimizes performance for smoother gaming.
A rhombus-shaped Xbox button near the left stick launches an Xbox Game Bar overlay with quick access to settings, performance metrics, and fast title switching. Microsoft is also working on a program similar to Steam Deck’s Deck Verified, identifying Windows titles optimized for handheld play.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/microsoft-dives-into-the-handheld-gaming-pc-wars-with-the-asus-rog-xbox-ally