The Xbox Ally X is Here: Microsoft and Asus Team Up for a High-Performance Gaming Handheld

Microsoft and Asus Challenge the Handheld Gaming Market with the ROG Xbox Ally X

The handheld gaming space is heating up, and Microsoft is making a major move with the introduction of the ROG Xbox Ally X, a new high-performance gaming handheld developed in collaboration with Asus. This device, along with its more budget-friendly sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally, is poised to take on the likes of the Steam Deck, offering a powerful and versatile gaming experience on the go.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is the premium model, designed for gamers who want the best performance. It's powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, which is built on the latest Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 architecture. This is paired with a hefty 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, which should provide plenty of power and storage for the latest AAA titles. The display is a 7-inch, 1080p IPS screen with a speedy 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium to ensure smooth, tear-free gaming.

One of the standout features of the Xbox Ally X is its deep integration with the Xbox ecosystem. While it runs on Windows 11, it boots into a custom, full-screen Xbox experience that will be familiar to anyone who has used an Xbox console. This interface is designed to be controller-friendly and prioritizes gaming performance by deferring non-essential background tasks. The handheld features the iconic Xbox buttons, contoured grips inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, and even includes impulse triggers for more immersive haptic feedback.

The open nature of Windows 11 means you'll be able to play games from virtually any PC games storefront, including Steam, the Epic Games Store, and, of course, PC Game Pass. The device also supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, allowing you to stream games from your Xbox console or the cloud.

While the exact price has not yet been announced, the ROG Xbox Ally X is expected to be a premium device, likely in the same price range as the current Asus ROG Ally models. Both the Xbox Ally and the high-performance Ally X are slated for a Holiday 2025 release. This is an exciting development for handheld gaming, and it will be interesting to see how the Xbox Ally X stacks up against the competition.