Microsoft Shows Off Two Xbox Gaming Handhelds

As Nintendo’s new portable Switch 2 sells out quickly, another major gaming company is entering the handheld market.

The new models—the flagship Xbox Ally X and the more affordable Xbox Ally—feature refinements for Xbox users. I Photo: ROG ASUS

Or rather, doubling down. Microsoft and Asus have unveiled two new Asus ROG Ally devices specifically tailored to Xbox, Andrew Nusca reported for Fortune Tech.

“ROG” stands for “Republic of Gamers,” an Asus sub-brand known for high-performance gaming hardware. The Ally handhelds allow users to play desktop-quality games on the go, with access to platforms such as Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, and more.

The new models—the flagship Xbox Ally X and the more affordable Xbox Ally—feature refinements for Xbox users, including a dedicated Xbox app button, optimized software settings, and a full-screen Windows interface designed for a handheld, console-like experience.

The primary differences between the two devices are under the hood. The standard Xbox Ally offers 720p gaming and an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip.

The Xbox Ally X, by contrast, supports 900p to 1080p gaming with a more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, increased memory and storage, and a larger battery to handle the higher performance demands.

The X version also features haptic feedback similar to traditional Xbox controllers.

Both models share a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and provide access to a wide range of PC games, not just Xbox titles. Pricing details have not yet been announced, but both handhelds are expected to launch in time for the 2025 holiday season.