After years of rumors and canceled prototypes, Microsoft is finally making its move into the handheld gaming space. But instead of launching a traditional Xbox-branded console, the company teamed up with ASUS to create two new portable devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X.

These aren’t Xbox consoles in the usual sense—they’re Windows-based handheld gaming PCs. But they’ve been built from the ground up to feel like part of the Xbox ecosystem, complete with a new interface that makes PC gaming feel more like console gaming, whether you’re on your couch or commuting.

Microsoft and ASUS are offering two options depending on what kind of gaming experience you're looking for.

The standard Xbox Ally is built for everyday gaming on the go. It has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. It’s designed to handle 720p and 1080p gaming reliably without draining the battery too quickly.

The Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, is the high-performance version. It upgrades the processor to an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, boosts the RAM to 24GB, and doubles the storage to 1TB. It also adds impulse triggers—similar to what you’d find on an Xbox controller—and swaps one of its USB ports for a USB4 connection, which could support external GPUs.

Both models come with a 7-inch 1080p LCD screen that runs at 120Hz and supports variable refresh rates (VRR). There’s no OLED here, but ASUS has added Gorilla Glass Victus and an anti-reflective coating to cut down on glare. And just like a controller, both devices have contoured grips and a dedicated Xbox button for easy navigation.

One of the most interesting parts of these handhelds is what happens when you turn them on. Instead of booting into a regular Windows desktop, you’re taken straight into a new Xbox full screen mode that’s tailored for handheld gaming. This interface pulls all your games—whether they’re from Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, or Epic Games—into one place.

Think of it like a launcher that saves you from bouncing between apps or login screens. Microsoft says it also cuts down on background processes to help free up memory and battery for actual gameplay.

The system is built to be used with a controller, from logging in to switching games, adjusting settings, or even chatting with friends. You can still exit to the full Windows desktop if you want, but the idea is to keep everything as streamlined and console-like as possible.

Because these handhelds run Windows 11, you’re not locked into the Xbox ecosystem. You can install other game launchers, chat apps like Discord, and even mod your games. And thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, you can stream your console games to the Ally from just about anywhere with a stable connection.

Microsoft is also working on a new program that helps players know which games run well on handhelds, similar to Valve’s Verified label on the Steam Deck. One of the first games to get special handheld treatment is Roblox, which will be optimized to play natively on the Ally when it launches.

And if you’re new to Game Pass, Microsoft will be including a free trial with either device, giving access to a rotating library of games—some available on release day—including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and more.

Battery life looks promising. The base model comes with a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X gets a larger 80Wh pack, among the biggest we’ve seen in any handheld gaming device. That should translate to more playtime between charges, especially with the software tweaks aimed at conserving power when idle or asleep.

Both devices also support expandable storage with UHS-II microSD cards and come with USB-C ports for charging and accessories. The Ally X’s USB4 support opens the door for advanced setups, like hooking up an external GPU for docked play at home.

There’s still one big unknown: price. Microsoft and ASUS haven’t shared how much either version will cost, and that could make a big difference in how they compare to competitors like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go, or Nintendo’s new Switch 2.

Another factor to keep in mind is weight. The Ally weighs about 670 grams, and the Ally X bumps that up to 715 grams. For comparison, the Switch 2 reportedly comes in at 534 grams, so the new Xbox handhelds could feel noticeably heavier during longer play sessions.

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will launch in over 30 countries, including the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Preorders and pricing details are expected closer to the holiday release window.