Microsoft held its Xbox Games Showcase 2025 this Sunday afternoon (June 9), unveiling major updates for its gaming ecosystem. Alongside a wave of new game trailers, the company also confirmed something fans have long speculated: the launch of its first-ever handheld console—the ROG Xbox Ally.
The device will come in two versions: the standard ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X. It’s positioned as a serious competitor to the Steam Deck and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Both versions are based on ASUS’s ROG Ally X, which originally launched in 2024.
As the names suggest, each model targets a different audience. The standard Ally is ideal for gamers who want a more affordable option and aren’t too concerned with maxing out graphics in every game. On the other hand, the Ally X is built for enthusiasts who want full access to AAA games on the go—no compromises.
ROG Xbox Ally Specifications and Key Features
To ensure smooth performance with the latest games, Microsoft equipped the ROG Xbox Ally with AMD’s new Ryzen Z2A processor, while the higher-end Ally X gets the even more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The standard model includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the Ally X comes with 24GB of RAM and a full 1TB SSD out of the box.
According to earlier leaks, the Ryzen Z2A appears to be a modified version of the Steam Deck’s chip, featuring a 4-core/8-thread CPU based on the Zen 2 architecture, an 8-core RDNA 2 GPU, and a configurable TDP between 6 and 20 watts. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, meanwhile, steps things up significantly with an 8-core/16-thread CPU on the newer Zen 5 architecture, a 16-core RDNA 3.5 GPU, and a TDP range of 15 to 35 watts. The key addition here is a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), designed specifically for AI tasks, marking a first for this chip line.
Built-in Windows 11
Both versions come pre-installed with Windows 11 Home. It’s a custom version, of course, with a gaming-centric interface. It’s similar to what ASUS did with Armoury Crate. The goal is to deliver a true Xbox-like experience, but in handheld form. Just like on ASUS’s handheld PC, users can also access games from multiple platforms directly through a unified library. The list includes Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and, of course, Xbox titles.
The console interface is designed to optimize performance by launching straight into a simplified, full-screen gaming mode. This approach reduces background processes like wallpapers, taskbars, and unnecessary Windows functions, freeing up system resources for gameplay. Even system notifications have been reworked to avoid interrupting the experience, based on direct feedback from gamers.
Microsoft also revamped the Game Bar to better suit the handheld format. A quick press of the Xbox button opens shortcuts for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the Control Center, and even Copilot Gaming. Holding the button allows you to quickly switch between open apps and games. It makes multitasking smoother and more intuitive than ever before.
For now, there are no details regarding the launch date and the official price for both models. However, it’s interesting to see Microsoft partnering with ASUS for the launch of its official Xbox handheld. The company saves itself from the hassle of dealing with console production and can firm its presence in the segment. Meanwhile, ASUS can now get further strength with the Xbox name in this field.
