Summary
- Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally handheld console in partnership with Asus, featuring two models launching during the 2025 holiday window.
- Offers common Xbox integration with Game Pass support while maintaining full Windows PC functionality for accessing multiple gaming platforms.
- Pricing remains unannounced, but the handhelds will compete in the gaming market with advanced AMD processors and Xbox-inspired design elements.
Microsoft’s announcement finally put an end to the rumors about their upcoming console release. They officially unveiled their new handheld gaming console in partnership with Asus, the ROG Xbox Ally. Here’s what you should know about this device including its price and release.
Two Powerful Configurations for Different Gaming Needs
There will be two distinct models for Microsoft’s newest ROG Xbox Ally, offering different experiences to gamers. These models will cater to different gaming preferences and budgets for people to choose from. They will have both the standard ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X available in the market.
The standard version features a white design similar to the Xbox Series S and powered by AMD Ryzen Z2A processor. It has 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and 512GB of internal storage, giving decent optimization for players. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X leans on the premium side with its upgraded specifications. This black variant has more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chips alongside 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-8000 RAM. It also has a larger storage capacity which is 1TB, featuring extended sessions with 80Wh battery.
Although both versions have identical 7-inch 1080p displays integrated with 120Hz refresh rates and AMD FreeSync support. The screens also utilize Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC Anti-Reflection coating, reducing glare for gamers. This improves the screen visibility regardless of the lighting conditions at hand.
Xbox-Inspired Design and Enhanced Controls
ROG Xbox Ally offers a completely fresh look, away from the previous Asus ROG Ally handhelds in the scene. The new design seamlessly blends the traditional controller grips of Xbox Wireless Controller to this device. It is different from the usual rounded, Switch-like appearance that gamers frequently see on earlier models.
With this, Xbox users can gain more familiarity and comfort when it comes to their gaming experience. Also, its control scheme closely mirrors the Xbox controllers by featuring its iconic color-coded face buttons. It also has a distinctive eight-way D-pad on its device, which mimics the Xbox interaction.
Now, these models both include customizable lighting rings which are around full-sized analog sticks. It also offers HD haptics with its 6-axis motion controls and provides two remappable back buttons. This enhances the console’s gameplay customization, potentially attracting more gamers.
However, the biggest difference between these models is their trigger technology. They used Hall Effect analog triggers for its Standard ROG Xbox Ally. Meanwhile, the premium X version has the Xbox’s signature impulse triggers with individual motors. So, players can feel the vibration at specific moments during their gameplay. This produces a more immersive gaming experience for their handheld console.
Native Xbox Integration and Multi-Platform Support
The main highlight of this ROG Xbox Ally will be its native Xbox app integration. It recreates a console experience once powered on, launching directly into the redesigned Xbox interface. So, players won’t need to boot their Windows handhelds to the desktop for access.
Also, it has seamless integration of Game Pass library access which allows subscribers to store hundreds of PC games. They can download as much as they want, catering to their excitement. The handheld also supports Xbox Cloud Gaming for its Game Pass Ultimate members. With this, they can stream the full Xbox catalog over Wi-Fi connections.
Moreover, users can also access their Xbox Series X|S game libraries from anywhere as long as they have an Internet connection. Despite leaning closer to the Xbox branding, it maintains its full Windows PC functionality. Gamers can still access other gaming platforms such as Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and more. Also, the Windows operating system still supports PlayStation Remote Play for access to PS5 game libraries.
Release Timeline and Pricing Mystery
So far, Microsoft only confirmed both ROG Xbox Ally models are set for release during the 2025 holiday window. It’ll be among the premium gaming gift options for the upcoming holiday season. Moreover, its release will create intense competition in the portable gaming market, challenging the recent Nintendo Switch 2.
As of now, the company has not disclosed information regarding pricing details for both standard and premium X versions. Yet, industry analysts shared that these devices may compete with existing handheld PCs like Steam Deck and Switch 2. With this, the price may range from £349 and £569, similar to these gaming devices.
When it comes to weight specifications, the standard ROG Xbox Ally weighs 670g compared to X model’s 715g. However, both are heavier when compared to Nintendo Switch 2 which is only at 534g. This may be a factor when it comes to comfortability, especially for prolonged gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Excitement goes up as Microsoft confirms the release of ROG Xbox Ally around the 2025 holiday window. Its two models allow players to choose which between the standard and X versions fits their gaming preferences. Definitely, it is an extremely competitive year for portable gaming devices with consecutive releases from known companies. This creates a challenge for Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally to emerge as the top handheld console in the market.
