News about a possible Xbox handheld has been floating around for a while now, and Microsoft has finally unveiled its current plan: the new Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld console, part of the Asus ROG gaming handheld line. As was previously stated, Microsoft seemed to be shifting its plan away from a Microsoft handheld onto third-party development, and the Asus fits that perfectly. While the system will be built and produced off Asus’ already successful and well-designed ROG line, it will have the Xbox theming, which will include full access to all the handheld gaming supports at Microsoft’s disposal.
Microsoft’s Plan Fills Out With Asus ROG Xbox Ally
The rumor about an Xbox handheld device, and the theory that it was outsourced to a third party have both been proven accurate. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is an adapted version of the Asus ROG Ally line. The major difference, in terms of physical structure, is that both versions of the Xbox Ally have an Xbox button built directly into the front of the handheld. The rest of the layout largely matches what users would expect out of the ROG Ally line.
In terms of exact internal specs and power, especially what the handheld can handle, remains to be seen. That being said, IGN did provide us with some specifics for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally to check out, as well as some general expectations based on ASUS’ previous work.
Microsoft announced two versions of the Xbox handheld, the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. The latter of which is powered by a new AMD handheld processor, the AMD AI Z2 Extreme. The non-X variant is powered by the Z2 A and will be much less powerful. What’s interesting about the Ally X is that it’s powered by a chip with a built-in NPU capable of 50 TOPs of AI performance, which will technically make it a Copilot+ laptop in handheld form. Just in time for Microsoft to work Copilot into the Xbox App.
Just like the Asus ROG Ally X that came out in July 2024, the Xbox Ally X will have a 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support through Freesync Premium. We don’t know if it’s the exact same display, but even if it is, the new Ally will have a gorgeous screen.
For the Xbox Ally X, Microsoft has also tuned its software to work better on handheld devices. When this handheld ships sometime this year, it’ll boot straight into a new handheld-focused version of the Xbox App. Unlike the version of the app that exists right now, the redesign will serve as a central launch hub that connects all of your PC games libraries, such as Steam, Epic Games, and whatever else.
On Microsoft’s end, Sarah Bond shared about the Asus ROG Xbox Ally that “The Xbox Ally is an Xbox you can hold in your hands, bringing together the power of Xbox and the freedom of Windows.” Hopefully, fans will find out more details soon. To watch the full reveal trailer, see below.
Final Thoughts
We do not have a release date, and we do not have a price. We have an image, but we do not have an exact understanding of what the device can and will do. Nevertheless, we know the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is coming, and we have a general idea that it could be coming around the holiday season. Those looking to take Xbox gaming into a mobile handheld PC, that time is soon to arrive. The device looks beautiful, and given the backing of ASUS, it should run beautifully as well.
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