ASUS and Microsoft have announced that the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds will officially launch on October 16, marking a significant expansion of Xbox gaming into the portable market. The devices aim to bridge the gap between console and PC experiences by offering access to Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, and a wide selection of PC storefronts, all in a compact form factor designed for gaming on the move.
The handhelds will initially roll out across more than 30 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Canada, with further launches planned in Brazil, India, and additional markets. In China, the Xbox Ally X will be available at launch, while the standard Xbox Ally will arrive early next year.
Built with portability in mind, both models run on Windows 11 with a dedicated Xbox interface tailored for handheld play. Features include a full-screen Xbox experience, a revised Game Bar overlay, integrated game libraries across platforms, cloud streaming support, and remote play functionality. The standard Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the premium Xbox Ally X features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, paired with 1TB storage, 24GB of RAM, and an extended 80Wh battery for longer play sessions.
Microsoft has also introduced the Handheld Compatibility Program, ensuring games are optimized for portable use. Titles in a player’s library will display badges such as Handheld Optimized or Mostly Compatible to indicate readiness, with a Windows Performance Fit indicator providing additional guidance on expected performance.
In addition, the Xbox Ally X will be the first handheld to make use of advanced AI-powered features through its built-in neural processing unit. Early next year, these will include Automatic Super Resolution for upscaling visuals, as well as automatic highlight reels that capture and share gameplay moments. More AI tools are planned for future updates.
Looking ahead, Microsoft and ASUS have outlined continued support, including shader preloading for faster load times, enhanced docking options for big-screen play, and new compatible accessories such as the ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller, which launches later this holiday season.
The ROG Xbox Ally series represents a major push to bring Xbox experiences to portable devices, with Microsoft positioning the handhelds as an evolving platform designed to adapt with future updates and player needs. Pricing and pre-order details are expected to be revealed soon.
