Microsoft is stepping into the portable gaming market with the unveiling of its latest hardware: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Scheduled for release in late 2025, these devices emerge from a partnership between Xbox and Asus, designed to integrate seamlessly with Xbox Anywhere. This service bridges gameplay across consoles, PCs, and approved handheld systems.

The base model boasts 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid-state drive, while the upgraded X variant offers 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. Enhanced performance comes via the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset in the X model, surpassing the standard Ally’s Z2 A Processor. Both share a design language echoing Xbox controllers, with the X sporting a black finish and the standard model featuring white accents.

ROG Xbox Ally: powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor – balancing performance and power consumption to maximize battery life without sacrificing gameplay quality – 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

ROG Xbox Ally X: features the AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor – allowing us to bring new experiences to life including greater frames-per-second, sharp visuals and increased intelligence – double the storage to have more native games at your fingertips, and 24GB of high-speed RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

Despite their branding, these machines prioritize Windows PC functionality, running PC game versions rather than console-exclusive titles. Xbox Anywhere grants complimentary PC access to games purchased via Xbox consoles, with a library exceeding 1,000 titles. Pricing remains speculative, though analysts predict starting costs above £500 given component quality and recent Xbox price hikes.

With Microsoft reaffirming support for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch successor and the niche target audience for these handhelds, industry observers suggest minimal competitive overlap. Future updates will reveal how rivals respond to this strategic move in the portable gaming arena.