After years of waiting, Microsoft has finally jumped into the handheld gaming world. Say hello to the ROG Xbox Ally, a powerful and portable gaming console that brings the full Xbox experience right into your hands. Built-in partnership with Asus, this device lets Game Pass users play hundreds of games wherever they go.

Gamers have been hoping for a handheld Xbox for more than a decade. Microsoft even tried to make one before but never finished it until now. And the timing is no coincidence: the big reveal came just three days after the launch of the Switch 2, showing that Microsoft is ready to compete with Nintendo and Valve in the portable gaming world.

Set to release at the end of 2025, the price hasn’t been shared yet, but the excitement among fans is already sky-high.

A True Gaming Powerhouse: Two Versions to Choose From

The ROG Xbox Ally will come in two versions:

  1. ROG Xbox Ally (Base model)
  2. ROG Xbox Ally X (High-end model)

Both versions feature a 7-inch screen with 1080p resolution, offering clear and vibrant visuals. The base model is equipped with 16GB memory and 512GB storage. While the X version upgrades to 24GB memory and 1TB storage. The X model also includes a larger battery and a more powerful processor.

Xbox head of gaming devices Roanne Sones explained,

“Whether you’re at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you.”

She added that both models support native gameplay, cloud streaming and remote play from your Xbox console at home.

One major edge Xbox is banking on? Windows operating system. These handhelds can launch not only Xbox games but also titles from Steam, EA Play, and other platforms, something Nintendo and even Valve’s Steam Deck can’t fully offer.

Ms.Sones Said,

“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,”

However, this power does come with a bit of weight. The base version weighs 669g while the X version weighs 715g, both heavier than the new Switch 2, which comes in at just 534g.

How Much Will It Cost?

Microsoft hasn’t revealed how much the new ROG Xbox Ally will cost. But given the premium specs, especially in the X model, it’s expected to be on the higher side. For reference, the Switch 2 is priced at £395 in the UK, and the Steam Deck ranges from £349 to £569 based on configuration. So, expect the Xbox Ally to fall within or slightly above this range.

Game Lineup Day One Blockbusters on Game Pass

At the showcase event, Microsoft wowed the audience with announcements of 17 brand-new titles coming to Game Pass PC & Ultimate on day one. Highlights include:

Surprisingly, no confirmation was given about Black Ops 7 coming to the Switch, 2 even though Nintendo and Microsoft signed a 10-year deal in 2022 to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo consoles.

A Legendary Comeback Persona 4 Revival

Another major highlight is the announcement of Persona 4 remake, which is actually called Revival. It was released on the Equally fitted with a 7-inch screen that can feature an output of 1080 pixels; both kinds promise to produce clear, bright images. Basic versions come with 16GB memory and 512 of storage, and X comes upgraded to 24GB memory and 1TB internal memory. PlayStation 2 in 2008, and followed a group of high school friends investigating a mystery in rural Japan. Nostalgia and promise will be a few of the offerings that the remake will certainly bring, but as yet, Sega and Atlus haven’t announced any release date.

In Summary

Microsoft is entering the handheld gaming world with a bang. With two powerful versions, Game Pass integration, Windows versatility, and a library of blockbuster games, the ROG Xbox Ally is the device Xbox fans have been waiting for. Though late to the race, this bold move could redefine what handheld gaming means for the Xbox ecosystem.