New Microsoft Unveils ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Video Game Devices

In an exciting development for gaming lovers, Microsoft and Asus have teamed up to launch something truly next-gen—the ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming consoles. These new devices were officially announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, and they are already creating huge buzz in the gaming community worldwide.

This is not just another gaming device. It’s a portable powerhouse that promises to deliver a full Xbox experience in your hands, anytime, anywhere.

Let’s dive deep into what makes the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X such a big deal for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Xbox Full-Screen Experience on the Cards: Microsoft and Asus Collab Pays Off

This time, the collaboration between Microsoft and Asus is not just about branding. It’s a true engineering partnership, with Microsoft bringing its Xbox software ecosystem and Asus providing the hardware brilliance through its ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.

The result? A dedicated handheld gaming console that runs Xbox games natively, with Game Pass support, full-screen experience, and AMD Ryzen processing power.

So, what’s special here?

Unlike cloud-only devices or streaming sticks, the ROG Xbox Ally runs games locally with console-level performance. Microsoft calls it the next evolution in personal gaming—and we can clearly see why.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X Gaming Handhelds Announced

At the showcase, two models were revealed:

• ROG Xbox Ally (Standard Version)
• ROG Xbox Ally X (Enhanced Pro Version)

Both of these come with Xbox integration baked in, including Game Pass, Xbox Store access, cloud sync for saved games, and an interface that’s optimized for handheld gaming.

While both models carry a similar design language, the Ally X offers beefed-up specs, better battery life, and an overall performance boost.

Xbox ASUS Handheld Gaming Consoles Ally and Ally X: Features & Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the specifications and features for both models:

Processor and Performance

• Powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 & Z1 Extreme chipsets
• Based on the Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU architecture
• Real-time ray tracing support
• Can handle AAA titles at 1080p high settings

Display

• 7-inch Full-HD touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
• Brightness up to 500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus protection
• Full Xbox UI support with adaptive scaling

Controls

• Ergonomic button layout inspired by Xbox controllers
• Hall Effect joysticks to reduce wear and drift
• Customizable RGB lighting around the joysticks (Ally X)

Battery

• ROG Ally: Up to 5 hours on moderate gaming
• ROG Ally X: Up to 8 hours with larger battery
• Fast charging support: 0 to 50% in 30 minutes

Storage and RAM

• ROG Ally: 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
• ROG Ally X: 1TB SSD, 24GB RAM
• Expandable storage via microSD slot

Audio and Cooling

• Dual front-facing speakers with Dolby Atmos
• Zero Gravity thermal system keeps the device cool even while gaming in bed or on-the-go

Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft

Early testers and tech reviewers who got hands-on experience with the ROG Xbox Ally X are calling it “the most console-like handheld ever.”

The Xbox Ally X feels lighter in the hand despite its bigger battery, thanks to clever weight distribution. The display is crisp, controls are snappy, and Xbox games boot up in seconds, just like on a console.

But the best part? No lag, no stutter, even while playing high-end titles like Forza Horizon 6, Starfield, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf.

A unique feature is the “Quick Game Switch”—a three-finger swipe lets you jump between Xbox Game Pass cloud, local PC mode, and emulators. This multitasking ability is something not even Steam Deck offers in a fluid way.

Always Connected: Xbox Services Integration

This device is not just about offline play. It’s deeply connected with:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
• Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
• Microsoft Store for PC Games
• Remote Play from Xbox consoles

So whether you’re at home or travelling, your gaming progress and library follow you everywhere.

ROG Xbox Ally Powered by AMD Ryzen Revealed for a Holiday 2025 Release

If you’re wondering when you can get your hands on this beast—Holiday 2025 is the answer.

Both versions will hit the global market around October-November 2025, just in time for Diwali and Christmas shopping. India is expected to be one of the first markets due to high mobile gaming demand.

Expected Pricing and Availability in India

• ROG Xbox Ally: ₹59,999 (expected)
• ROG Xbox Ally X: ₹74,999 (expected)

This might sound premium, but for a portable gaming machine with this level of hardware, it’s priced smartly against other devices like Steam Deck, Ayaneo, and Nintendo Switch OLED.

Unique Insight: Could This Be the Beginning of Xbox Console-Phone Fusion?

While the ROG Xbox Ally is currently a handheld console, some tech insiders believe this could be the starting point of a future Xbox smartphone. With ASUS’s mobile expertise and Microsoft’s gaming roots, this collab could lead to an Xbox Phone with full gaming and communication support in coming years.

This is just a theory now—but looking at how seamless the Xbox UI and controls feel on this handheld, we might just be heading there.

Who Should Buy the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?

Whether you’re:

• A casual gamer who wants console-level gaming on the go
• A hardcore player who needs portable performance
• Or someone switching from mobile to handheld gaming

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are built to impress. They carry the legacy of Xbox, the innovation of Asus, and the raw power of AMD—all in one sleek device.

So yes, this Xbox full-screen experience on the cards from Microsoft and Asus really did pay off—and it’s only the beginning of the next big thing in handheld gaming.