For years, gamers have dreamed of taking the true Xbox experience on the go. Now, that dream is finally becoming reality. At the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 (June 8th), Microsoft teamed up with ASUS to unveil the all-new Xbox Handheld Consoles: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X.
These handhelds are designed to deliver console-quality performance in the palm of your hands — whether you’re at home, traveling, or simply want to kick back without being tied to a TV. Let’s dive into what makes them exciting.
Xbox Handheld Console Features
The new handhelds come packed with features that bring the full Xbox ecosystem to your fingertips:
- Xbox Full-Screen UI – A console-style interface reimagined for handheld use.
- Unified Game Library – Seamlessly access titles from Xbox, Steam, Epic, GOG, Battle.net, and more.
- Xbox Game Pass Support – Download or stream directly with full cloud gaming integration.
- Remote Play – Stream games straight from your home Xbox console.
- Quick Resume – Jump between multiple games without losing progress.
- Smart Performance Mode – Balances performance and battery life on the fly.
- 120 Hz Display with VRR – Smooth, responsive visuals for action-packed titles.
- Xbox-Style Controls – Familiar layout with precision buttons and triggers.
- Cloud & Local Multiplayer – Play online via Game Pass or platforms like Steam.
ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X – Key Differences
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Here’s how the standard Ally and the premium Ally X compare:
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally (Standard) | ROG Xbox Ally X (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 A (Zen2) | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (AI) |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Display | 7″ IPS, 1080p, 120 Hz, VRR | 7″ IPS, 1080p, 120 Hz, VRR |
| Battery | 60 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Design | Xbox-style grips, dedicated Xbox button | Ergonomic grills, impulse triggers, Xbox button |
| Thermals | Improved cooling | Advanced dual-fan + heat pipe cooling |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 4/TB4, high-speed port |
| OS & UI | Windows 11 Home + Xbox UI | Windows 11 Home + Xbox UI |
| Included | 65W charger + stand | 65W charger + stand |
In short, the ROG Ally X is geared toward hardcore gamers who want more power, storage, and battery life, while the standard Ally offers a more budget-friendly entry into handheld Xbox gaming.
Release Date and Price
Microsoft confirmed the Xbox Handheld Consoles will arrive in the holiday season of 2025 — likely around Christmas, though no exact date has been locked in yet.
As for pricing:
- The ROG Xbox Ally is expected to start at around $599 or higher.
- The ROG Xbox Ally X will likely fall in the $799–$999 range, depending on configurations.
Official pricing, accessories, and pre-order details will be revealed soon.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the Xbox handhelds — ROG Ally and Ally X — marks a major step forward in portable gaming. With Xbox Game Pass, Remote Play, and Xbox Play Anywhere, gamers can now carry their favorite titles wherever they go, without compromise.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful handheld to replace your console or just want a flexible way to enjoy your Xbox library on the move, the new Xbox handheld consoles are shaping up to be a game-changer.
