Microsoft just dropped its first-ever handheld gaming device, and it’s not what you’d expect. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X hit shelves on October 16 across 45 countries, bringing Xbox branding to ASUS’s popular portable PC platform.
What’s New
Two models launched this week with different specs and price points. The standard ROG Xbox Ally costs $599 and packs an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. The premium Ally X runs $999 and features the beefier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB RAM, and a massive 1TB SSD. Both sport 7-inch 1080p screens with 120Hz refresh rates and controller-inspired grips with all the standard Xbox buttons.
What makes these different from regular ROG Ally handhelds is the Xbox integration. A dedicated Xbox button opens an enhanced Game Bar that aggregates your library from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts in one place. Players can game natively, stream from the cloud where available, or use Remote Play from their home Xbox console. Microsoft is even bundling three months of Game Pass with purchases in select markets.
Why It Matters
Reviews are calling the Ally X a potential “king of PC handhelds,” though that $999 price tag is drawing criticism. The devices launched with Microsoft’s new Handheld Compatibility Program, which badges games as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” so players know what works well right out of the gate. Advanced shader delivery promises up to 10x faster game launches on first play.
The community response has been split. Some Xbox fans are excited about playing Game Pass on the go without streaming limitations, while others argue the high prices put these out of reach for most casual players. The lack of a true Xbox console experience (these run Windows 11) has also left some questioning the branding choice.
The Bottom Line
Microsoft is betting big on Windows handhelds as the future of portable Xbox gaming, but at $599 to $999, this feels more like a test run for enthusiasts than a mainstream play. Are you willing to pay premium prices for Xbox on the go, or would you rather stick with your Steam Deck?
