Xbox handheld revealed – ROG Xbox Ally to release in 2025

by

At the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft astounded spectators with the revelation of the ROG Xbox Ally X portable console, scheduled for launch during the 2025 holiday season.

As of June 8, 2025, there had been mostly rumors and hushed conversations about an Xbox portable console. Microsoft was working on two projects related to this. One was the development of a dedicated Xbox handheld device, code-named ‘Pembrooke.’ However, by late May 2025, this project was put on hold. Instead, the company decided to focus on enhancing gaming experiences on portable devices using Windows 11 and supporting third-party partners.

Another project, named ‘Project Kennan,’ was a partnership with ASUS. It represented a special Xbox edition of the high-end Windows 11 gaming handheld, the ASUS ROG Ally. Despite this, the original ASUS device was scheduled for launch during the holiday season of 2025.

Phil Spencer, the leader at Xbox, has hinted at portable hardware in the past, but he cautioned that an official Xbox handheld device is not expected for several years. It appears that Microsoft values collaborative partnerships with external parties more than hastily releasing their own hardware.

Xbox is dropping two handheld consoles this Holiday season

At the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, the wait ended. The ROG Xbox Ally X was revealed. The trailer showed two hands molding the handheld like clay. Then, it glowed with a divine light, floated up, and transformed into the sleek ROG Xbox Ally.

In the festive season of 2025, there are plans to launch two different editions: the Xbox Ally X and a less powerful version called simply Xbox Ally. As of now, Microsoft has kept mum about their respective prices.

The ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand is ASUS’s top-tier gaming lineup, offering smooth gameplay experiences. This portable device allows you to download games directly or stream them from the cloud. Its controls are modeled after Xbox’s design, featuring impulse triggers and an integrated Xbox app button. At its launch, Hollow Knight: Silksong will be accessible through Game Pass.

These portable devices are equipped with Xbox-style characteristics: a single button for swift navigation to chat, apps, and settings, ergonomic handles similar to Xbox Wireless Controllers for a comfortable grip, and tactile triggers on the X version for enhanced feedback.

1 of 2

The ROG Xbox Ally X stands out as the high-performance model, equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, a hefty 24GB RAM, a spacious 1TB SSD, and premium additions like Thunderbolt 4 compatibility and a larger 80Wh battery. On the other hand, the standard ROG Xbox Ally offers a balance between performance and battery life, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2A chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery. Both models boast 7-inch 1080p displays with rapid 120Hz refresh rates, robust Gorilla Glass Victus, and FreeSync Premium technology.

Microsoft and ASUS have tailored Windows 11 for mobile gaming with an enhanced Xbox full-screen experience. This mode streamlines background operations to allocate more resources towards games, ensuring smoother gameplay and improved visuals. The Game Bar has been redesigned for handheld usage, combining it with ASUS’s Armoury Crate, allowing players to effortlessly adjust device performance and input settings at their fingertips.

According to Xbox president Sarah Bond, this launch represents a portable Xbox that combines the flexibility and capabilities of Windows with the robust Xbox ecosystem in your hands. These portable devices are set to be released during the upcoming holiday season in certain regions; further information about pre-orders, costs, and additional accessories will be shared soon.

Read More

2025-06-08 20:48