In March, we highlighted various features we hoped to see in a soon-to-be-released Xbox handheld gaming device powered by Windows. Today, Microsoft revealed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally hardware line, which appears to fulfill nearly all of our expectations for the company’s significant venture into portable gaming.
The devices, equipped with Windows 11, are designed to provide access to a wide array of games available on Windows, including titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other prominent PC storefronts—such as Steam and Epic Games Store. Unlike traditional handhelds that require launching games through a standard Windows interface, these games will be accessible via what Microsoft refers to as an “aggregated gaming library.”
Microsoft asserts that this integrated library will streamline access to Windows games across various launchers, providing “access to games you can’t get elsewhere.” This could be interpreted as a subtle jab at SteamOS devices like the Steam Deck, which sometimes struggle with compatibility issues involving specific titles. Furthermore, the company has noted that support applications such as Discord, Twitch, and mod downloads will also be readily available via the Xbox Ally’s Windows framework.
The Xbox Ally devices will boot into what Microsoft has termed the “Xbox Experience for Handheld,” which aims to deliver a full-screen interface simplifying access to gaming features while concealing the complexities of the Windows desktop. This interface is designed to reduce background processes and prioritize game performance for improved framerates. Users can quickly access the Xbox Game Bar, which provides options for settings, performance metrics, and game switching through a uniquely fashioned Xbox button positioned near the left stick. Microsoft is also working on a program akin to “Deck Verified,” which would highlight Windows titles optimized for handheld gaming.
Asus and Microsoft emphasize the importance of delivering an integrated experience compatible with games from different Windows-based launchers. This highlights the Xbox Ally’s unique capability to access a broader selection of games compared to its competitors. The ergonomics of the device have also been designed to address discomfort issues prevalent in other gaming handhelds, implementing rounded grips to mitigate what Microsoft terms the “flat finger problem.”
Currently, Asus and Microsoft have unveiled two configurations for the Xbox Ally. The standard ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a 60 Wh battery. The upgraded Xbox Ally X is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and an 80 Wh battery, in addition to impulse triggers similar to those found in Xbox consoles. Both models will include a 7-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz IPS display capable of variable refresh rates. Weighing in at about 670 grams, the Xbox Ally’s weight is comparable to the original Steam Deck, while the Xbox Ally X adds an additional 45 grams.
Pricing details are yet to be disclosed, with Microsoft indicating that such information will be available in the upcoming months prior to a scheduled holiday release across North America, Japan, Australia, and select European and Asian markets. Regardless of the upcoming price point, Microsoft’s commitment to tailoring a distinct Windows experience for the burgeoning portable PC gaming market is noteworthy.
