Microsoft finally unveils the long-rumored handheld—ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

At Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft finally dropped the curtain on its long-rumored handheld project with ASUS. It’s real, it’s official, and it comes in two versions: the ROG Xbox Ally and the high-end ROG Xbox Ally X. Both are full-on gaming PCs in a handheld form, designed to run more than just Xbox titles.

Microsoft finally unveils the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Specifications

The standard Xbox Ally runs on AMD’s Ryzen Z1 processor, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The Xbox Ally X bumps things up to a Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, and a full terabyte of SSD space.

Both models support microSD cards, so expanding storage won’t require any proprietary nonsense. They also have the same display: a 7-inch, 1080p screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and anti-reflective Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. FreeSync Premium support rounds out the visual experience.

But let’s be honest—these handhelds are not light. Both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X measure 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm. The base Xbox Ally weighs 670 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Steam Deck, while the Xbox Ally X adds even more heft at 715 grams.

However, Microsoft claims that the grips are styled after the Xbox Wireless Controller, and in early hands-on footage, they appear to be significantly more ergonomic than those of the Steam Deck or even the Switch.

The ROG Ally X also comes with a larger battery—80Wh compared to the ROG Xbox Ally’s 60Wh—which should help with longer play sessions. Both handhelds include dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0.

The ROG Ally X has one port that supports Thunderbolt 4. Each model includes a charging stand in the box, and you’re also getting modern extras like Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for video output to TVs or monitors.

Not to forget, both devices support HD haptics, motion controls via a 6-axis IMU, two assignable back buttons, and trigger tech that mirrors what PlayStation did with DualSense. The ROG Ally X includes impulse triggers for extra control, while the standard ROG Xbox Ally uses hall effect analog triggers.

The power of Xbox with the freedom of Windows

These handhelds don’t lock you into the Xbox ecosystem. Sure, you can play native Xbox titles, stream from your console or the cloud, and access Game Pass. But Microsoft made it clear—this is still Windows. That means you can also install games from Steam, Battle.net, and other storefronts without jumping through hoops.

Xbox Game Pass integration is there from day one, alongside Xbox Play Anywhere, which syncs your progress across platforms once you buy a title. The interface has been reworked to feel more console than PC. There’s a full-screen Xbox UI, complete with a physical Xbox button that brings up the Game Bar overlay.

It lets you swap between games and apps, adjust settings, start party chats, and more—just like on an Xbox console. Windows 11 has also been tuned for handheld use, with changes to the lock screen and task switcher so you’re not stuck fumbling with a touchscreen. ASUS’ Armoury Crate software offers quick access to performance controls and input settings, too.

Release date, pricing, and availability

You won’t have to wait long either. Both devices are launching this holiday season. Microsoft hasn’t shared pricing just yet, but it says more details on cost, pre-orders, and accessories are coming soon. The launch will roll out to over 30 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Germany, India, and Australia.

Also—if you blinked during the showcase, you might’ve missed it, but Hollow Knight: Silksong popped up in the reveal trailer. No release date, of course, but it was there.