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Microsoft did not release a traditional, first-party portable Xbox console in 2025. Instead, Microsoft and ASUS launched two Xbox-branded Windows gaming handhelds—the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X—on October 16, 2025. ASUS makes the hardware, while Microsoft provides the Xbox-focused software experience and ecosystem integration.
Both devices are now post-launch products. They can run compatible Windows PC games, access supported Xbox Play Anywhere titles, stream games through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and connect to an existing Xbox console through Remote Play. They cannot natively run the entire Xbox console catalog.
What Microsoft actually announced
Microsoft and ASUS unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025. The partnership combines ASUS ROG hardware with Microsoft’s Xbox software and services, rather than creating a Microsoft-manufactured Xbox handheld.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBoth systems run Windows 11 Home. Microsoft adds an Xbox full-screen interface designed for handheld use, a dedicated Xbox button and Game Bar experience, an aggregated game library, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and access to supported Xbox Play Anywhere games. Windows also means users can install PC games and launchers outside the Xbox ecosystem.
#1 Best Overall
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Microsoft describes the products as a collaboration with ASUS that combines the flexibility of Windows with Xbox features. The distinction matters: these are Xbox-focused Windows gaming PCs, not portable Xbox Series consoles running a dedicated Xbox console operating system.
Read Microsoft’s announcement on Xbox Wire.
Launch date and U.S. pricing
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X launched globally on October 16, 2025. The original U.S. estimated retail prices were:
| Model | U.S. launch ERP | ASUS U.S. listing in the supplied research |
|---|---|---|
| ROG Xbox Ally | $599.99 | $599.99 |
| ROG Xbox Ally X | $999.99 | $999.99 |
These are U.S. prices, not universal global prices. Regional pricing, taxes, retailer discounts, stock, and availability can differ. Check the official ROG Xbox Ally buying page and ROG Xbox Ally X buying page for current listings.
ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X: specifications
| Feature | ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| CPU | 4 cores, 8 threads | 8 cores, 16 threads |
| Memory | 16GB | 24GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 1TB |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen | 7-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium VRR | 120Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium VRR |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Weight | 670g / 1.48lb | 715g / 1.58lb |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Charger | 65W | 65W |
The Ally X is the performance-oriented model. Its processor, additional memory, larger battery, and 1TB storage make it better suited to demanding local PC games and larger libraries. The standard Ally costs considerably less and is aimed at buyers who play lighter games, use Game Pass and streaming more heavily, or simply want the Xbox handheld interface at the lower price.
Performance will vary by game, graphics settings, power mode, drivers, thermals, resolution, frame-rate target, and upscaling. The specification difference does not guarantee a particular frame rate in every title.
See the official ROG Xbox Ally specifications and ROG Xbox Ally X specifications for the complete hardware details.
Rank #2
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
How Xbox games work on the handhelds
“Xbox” does not mean that every Xbox console game installs and runs locally. There are several different ways to play:
- Native Windows installation: A game with a compatible Windows PC version can be installed and played locally, whether it comes from the Xbox app, Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, or another supported PC launcher.
- Xbox Play Anywhere: Supported digital purchases can provide access across Xbox consoles and Windows PC, with cross-device saves and other benefits under the program’s rules.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Supported games can be streamed over the internet. Availability depends on the game, subscription or purchase eligibility, region, device support, and Microsoft’s current policies.
- Xbox Remote Play: An existing Xbox console can stream games to the handheld when Remote Play is configured. The console must meet Microsoft’s requirements and be powered on or placed in the appropriate sleep mode.
That means the handhelds can provide broad access to the Xbox ecosystem, but they are not universally compatible with the full Xbox One or Xbox Series catalog as native local software. A console-only title may require Cloud Gaming or Remote Play.
Cloud Gaming also depends heavily on connection quality. A weak or unreliable Wi-Fi connection can produce latency, image-quality problems, or interruptions. Streaming should not be treated as equivalent to owning or locally installing a game.
Can they run Steam and other PC launchers?
Yes. Because both models run Windows 11 Home, they function as general-purpose Windows gaming PCs. Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other PC storefronts can be installed, subject to each launcher’s requirements.
The Xbox interface can present an aggregated library, but it does not remove every layer of PC gaming complexity. Individual games may still require separate accounts, launchers, updates, keyboard-and-mouse input, or anti-cheat support. Compatibility can also be affected by performance requirements, storage capacity, drivers, firmware, and game-specific control schemes.
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Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
What is included?
The Xbox product page lists the handheld, a 65W charger, and a stand. In eligible markets, each model also includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium as a promotional offer.
The Game Pass inclusion is not permanent ownership or lifetime access. Subscription catalogs, cloud features, pricing, regional availability, and plan benefits can change. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled under the applicable terms, and activation may require a valid payment method.
Check the official Xbox ROG Xbox Ally page for current bundle conditions.
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Choose the ROG Xbox Ally if:
- $599.99 is the main budget limit.
- You mostly play indie games, older PC titles, or less demanding releases.
- 512GB of storage is sufficient, or you are comfortable managing storage.
- You expect to use Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, or Remote Play frequently.
- You want Xbox integration without paying for the premium model.
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally X if:
- You want the stronger processor and 24GB of memory.
- Local, demanding PC gaming is the priority.
- You need 1TB of storage for multiple large games.
- The 80Wh battery is worth the higher price and extra weight.
- You want the most capable Xbox-oriented handheld in this family.
Consider another handheld if:
- You want a lower-cost entry point than $599.99.
- You prefer SteamOS and a Steam-first console-style interface.
- You want features such as detachable controllers, an OLED display, or a larger screen.
- You already own a Windows handheld and mainly want software changes rather than new hardware.
- Your internet connection is unreliable and you plan to depend on cloud streaming.
- You expect every Xbox console game to run natively without streaming.
A Steam Deck may be a better fit for buyers who prioritize SteamOS and Steam access. Lenovo’s Legion Go family is another Windows handheld option for buyers who prefer its alternative designs and screen configurations. Prices and availability for those alternatives vary and should be checked directly with their manufacturers.
The bottom line
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X represent Microsoft’s software-led entry into handheld gaming. They are ASUS-made Windows 11 gaming handhelds with a more integrated Xbox experience—not portable Xbox Series consoles.
The standard Ally is the value-oriented option, while the Ally X adds the hardware headroom, storage, and battery capacity aimed at demanding local PC gaming. Both can be compelling for Xbox and PC players who understand the difference between native Windows games, Play Anywhere, Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play. Neither should be purchased with the expectation that the entire Xbox console library will run locally.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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