Xbox has finally revealed a handheld system, which is being developed in collaboration with computer powerhouse Asus. There have been whispers of Microsoft producing a standalone Xbox handheld system to compete with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck for the past few years, with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer eventually confirming its existence in late 2024.
Since then, fans have been speculating about this Xbox handheld gaming system, and how it would factor into Xbox’s continuing efforts to branch out beyond the confines of a single designated home console. A report from back in March claimed that this Xbox handheld would be similar to a PC in hardware and sport a Windows-inspired user interface, and it was believed that Microsoft was partnering with another tech company. One of the names mentioned was Asus, which had already produced a similar PC gaming handheld in the ROG Ally.
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These claims have been officially confirmed during July 8’s Xbox Games Showcase, which finally gave gamers their first official look at Xbox’s new gaming handheld, which will be available in two versions. Named the ROG Xbox Ally, this system is indeed being developed in collaboration with Asus, and is very similar to the existing ROG Ally in terms of design and functionality. It sports a large screen in the middle with buttons and joysticks directly inspired by the Xbox Series controller, along with a special Xbox logo button that was part of the previous rumors.
Xbox Ally Handheld Console Versions
ROG Xbox Ally X
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor
- 24 GB memory
- 1TB of storage
ROG Xbox Ally
- AMD Ryzen X2A processor
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB of storage
Xbox President Sarah Bond then appeared to shed further light on the ROG Xbox Ally systems, which will continue the company’s aim toward providing gaming to customers across any platform wherever they see fit. She described the Xbox Ally as “an Xbox console you can hold in your hands,” and revealed that it will allow players to run games not only in their Xbox libraries or through Xbox Game Pass, but also on Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. She also stated that the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available at launch and in Game Pass when the Xbox Ally comes out later this year.
The new Xbox console will come in two different versions. The black ROG Xbox Ally X will be powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 24 GB memory and 1TB of storage, while the white ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen X2A processor with 16 GB memory and 512 GB of storage. So far, both systems are set to launch sometime during the 2025 holiday season.
