Microsoft has revealed its answer to Nintendo’s Switch 2, with the handheld Xbox console, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, long after teasing its arrival.
Partnering with Asus, the two consoles are designed to be used in-hand, in the same way that the Switch appeals to gamers on the go.
The ROG Xbox Ally is the base console, while the ROG Xbox Ally X is a more premium gadget.
Here’s everything we know about the ROG Xbox Ally consoles.
What is the Xbox Ally handheld console?
A handheld console does what it says on the tin, allowing players to play wherever they are, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console.
Both consoles will use Windows 11, with the Game Bar allowing you to access your library of games as well as console controls.
Microsoft has already confirmed that it will offer games that you can’t play elsewhere, which might be enough to entice even long-term Xbox and PC gamers.
Indeed, there’s a clear focus on trying to attract PC users, with apps like Discord and Twitch also compatible with the handheld.
However, there’s still a definite Xbox feel to the design of the console, with the typical Xbox button giving players access to chat, apps, and settings, much like on a typical controller.
In terms of game access, the handhelds will be compatible with Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts, as well as the promise of exclusive games.
Buying the Xbox Ally also gives you instant access to Game Pass, so you can access the hundreds of games in the subscription library to get yourself started.
Microsoft plans for more partnerships
The launch of Xbox Ally will be made in partnership with Roblox, bringing the game – boasting 85 million daily active users – to a handheld console for the first time.
Microsoft also suggests in its press release that it intends to bring out games optimised for handheld gaming, saying it is “working closely with our game developer partners”.
Handheld Xbox Ally specs
The Ally and Ally X both run on AMD processors, similar to the most recent generation of larger major consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S.
However, it’s worth noting that the X model runs on a more advanced version of the Rysen processor, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The base model uses the AMD Ryzen Z2 A.
That boosts the RAM from 16GB to 24 and doubles SSD storage from 512GB to 1,024GB.
The premium console will also include AI features “as they come”, which suggests that they won’t be available at launch. Physically, it also includes impulse triggers for more immersive play.
When is the Xbox handheld console coming out?
With a holiday launch planned for the end of 2025, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will initially be available in the following countries:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- The United Arab Emirates
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
Availability will soon after follow for other markets.
Pricing, compatible accessories, and pre-order details are “coming soon” according to Microsoft, but you can sign up for email notifications here to be notified first.
