ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X
After years on the sidelines, Microsoft is officially stepping into handheld gaming. At Summer Game Fest on June 8, the company unveiled its long-awaited handheld console with a dramatic trailer: a suspended block of ice transforms into the device, which springs to life as the Xbox logo shatters through.
The ROG Xbox Ally and its more powerful counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X. These devices, developed in collaboration with ASUS, resemble Xbox controllers split in half and attached to a widescreen display. Both models are expected to release this holiday season, though pricing, accessories, and preorder details remain under wraps.
The arrival of an Xbox handheld has been a long time coming. While competitors like Nintendo, Sony, and Valve have already established themselves in the portable space, Microsoft has lagged behind. This absence has been particularly notable given the company’s “Xbox anywhere” vision—an ethos previously hindered by the lack of a truly portable Xbox.
Now, the Ally handhelds aim to change that. Built on Windows 11, the devices will support cloud gaming, remote play, and native gaming, with full access to PC storefronts, Xbox Game Pass, and services like Battle.net. Players can use familiar apps like Discord and Twitch and enjoy built-in accessibility features drawn from the Xbox ecosystem. However, Windows 11 remains a point of contention due to its divisive UI and system quirks.
Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s Gaming CEO, has acknowledged Nintendo’s influence with the Switch and voiced admiration for other handhelds like the Steam Deck and Lenovo’s Legion Go. Leaks from 2023 even pointed to a Microsoft “hybrid game platform” in development, suggesting this move has been in the works for some time.
What makes this moment compelling isn’t raw power—console hardware has steadily advanced—but rather the convenience of portable play. Gamers want to take their library on the go. While home consoles like the Xbox Series X may gather dust, handhelds like the Switch often travel everywhere. The Ally could finally offer Xbox players that same freedom.
Early impressions are promising. GameFile noted it “ran nicely” and “felt good in hand,” with controls reminiscent of Xbox grips. IGN praised its performance, though highlighted room for UI improvements. The Guardian even called it a potential “serious competitor” to the Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
Microsoft’s entry into this space comes as the handheld gaming market heats up. With the Switch 2 already on shelves and potential manufacturing disruptions looming, timing will be key. Fortunately, Xbox has a strong software lineup. During its Summer Game Fest showcase, Microsoft revealed titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outer Worlds 2, a Persona 4 remake, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Notably, the Ally will launch with Roblox—the first time the massive platform is available on a handheld device.
Whether this move gives Xbox the edge or just keeps it competitive remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: handheld gaming is no longer a one-company race—and Microsoft is finally ready to play.
