Microsoft Unveils Xbox Handheld Console After Years of Anticipation

After over a decade of speculation, Microsoft has officially stepped into the handheld gaming market. During the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, the company unveiled not one but two Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices—the ROG Xbox Ally and its upgraded counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X. Developed in collaboration with ASUS, these devices mark a significant shift in Microsoft’s hardware strategy and offer a tantalizing blend of Xbox power and PC flexibility.

A Long Time Coming

Rumors surrounding an Xbox handheld console date back to the early 2010s. Fans have long wondered if Microsoft would ever attempt to rival Nintendo’s Switch or Valve’s Steam Deck. Hints were dropped over the years by Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who acknowledged internal prototypes but remained coy about their release timeline. Finally, with the ROG Ally lineup, Microsoft has made good on those whispers, delivering not just a handheld but a full-fledged portable gaming PC with deep Xbox integration.

Hybrid Gaming Meets Windows Power

The ROG Xbox Ally series is not a proprietary Xbox console but rather a high-performance Windows 11 handheld—custom-designed in partnership with ASUS. The base model and the Ally X both feature a 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync, and Xbox-style ergonomics.

Internally, the standard Ally includes an AMD Ryzen Z2 APU, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The Ally X significantly raises the bar with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and impulse trigger haptics. Battery capacity has been another major upgrade: 60Wh for the base model and a massive 80Wh for the Ally X—placing them ahead of most competing handhelds in longevity.

New Xbox Handheld Interface for Seamless Navigation

At boot, the handheld opens into a new Xbox full-screen mode, custom-built for portable gaming. Designed for controller-first navigation, it offers instant access to Game Bar overlays, social features, quick settings, and multitasking. The interface unifies access to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC storefronts like Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net.

Thanks to Microsoft’s “Play Anywhere” ecosystem, your game progress, cloud saves, and achievements remain perfectly synced between your Xbox console, PC, and the new handheld. Whether you’re playing Gears of War locally or streaming Forza Horizon via the cloud, your experience remains uninterrupted.

Hands-On Reactions Are Impressive

Initial hands-on impressions from tech reviewers have been overwhelmingly positive. Despite weighing more than the Steam Deck—670g for the Ally and 715g for the Ally X—the devices feel solid, well-balanced, and comfortable in extended sessions.

Performance benchmarks are equally encouraging. In demos, Gears of War: Reloaded ran smoothly at 60fps on the Ally X’s vibrant Full HD display. Battery life in idle mode is notably improved thanks to a power-optimized custom Windows shell, which reduces background consumption by up to 30%.

The new grip design and impulse triggers have also been praised, though a few reviewers noted that the rear bumper buttons may feel slightly awkward depending on hand size.

Global Launch Confirmed—But Pricing Still a Mystery

Microsoft and ASUS have announced that both models will launch globally in the 2025 holiday season, covering over 28 countries, including India. However, pricing remains under wraps. Industry analysts predict a range between $599 and $999, depending on the model and configurations. Final pricing and preorder details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

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Xbox’s Expanding Hardware Philosophy

The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t just a new product—it’s a symbol of Microsoft’s broader ecosystem strategy. Under the “Xbox Anywhere” initiative, Microsoft is moving beyond exclusive consoles and working to make its games, services, and devices accessible across platforms. This includes launching titles like Forza Horizon and Indiana Jones on non-Xbox platforms and integrating cross-platform saves, cloud syncing, and remote play.

By teaming up with ASUS, Microsoft gains both cutting-edge hardware design and direct access to a PC gaming audience. It’s a smart move that aligns with Xbox’s mission to break down gaming silos and allow players to game wherever they want, however they want.

The Verdict: A New Era for Xbox and Handheld Gaming

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are not just Microsoft’s answer to the Steam Deck—they are a bold redefinition of what a gaming handheld can be. By combining Xbox’s ecosystem, Windows flexibility, and ASUS engineering, these devices aim to reshape the portable gaming landscape.

While questions around price and availability linger, one thing is clear: Xbox is finally in the handheld game—and they’re playing to win.