Xbox and ASUS Reveal the ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds, Launching Holiday 2025

Xbox has officially entered the handheld gaming space. In a major announcement, the company revealed its collaboration with ASUS to launch two new Windows-based handheld gaming devices: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Both are set to debut during the holiday season of 2025 and promise to deliver the full Xbox ecosystem in a portable form.

This move marks a significant evolution in Xbox’s hardware strategy. With full integration of services like Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play, these devices aim to give players the freedom to access their games anytime, anywhere—whether at home, on the go, or anywhere in between.

A Collaboration Years in the Making

The ROG Xbox Ally and its high-end counterpart, the Ally X, are the result of a long-standing partnership between Xbox and ASUS. Leveraging ASUS’s reputation for innovation in portable PC gaming, the two companies have developed handhelds that blend console ease with PC flexibility.

Xbox describes the base model, the ROG Xbox Ally, as a high-value handheld designed for a wide audience. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X is built for enthusiasts, offering more power, enhanced visuals, and additional features that cater to the demands of serious gamers.

Features That Define a New Category

Both devices run on Windows 11, allowing players to tap into their entire PC game library—not just Xbox titles. Players will be able to access games from Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, and other storefronts, all from a unified interface that eliminates the need to switch between platforms. Xbox promises an optimized full-screen Xbox experience that prioritizes performance and frame rate, while maintaining the flexibility of a PC.

One of the standout additions is Gaming Copilot, a new feature embedded within the Xbox Game Bar that provides in-game assistance, gameplay tips, and fast access to friends and communities. The handhelds will also be the first to offer native support for Roblox, making it easier than ever to explore the platform's user-generated content on the go.

Two Models, Two Approaches

The standard ROG Xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. It's built to balance efficiency and performance, aiming to provide long battery life without sacrificing speed.

The ROG Xbox Ally X takes a performance-first approach. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it’s tailored for high-end gaming and intensive multitasking. The Ally X also features impulse triggers for deeper tactile feedback during gameplay.

Pre-Orders and Launch Details

Both handhelds are set to launch in select regions this holiday season, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and several European and Asian markets. Pre-orders will open in the coming months, with additional information on pricing, regional availability, and accessories expected soon.

Xbox is encouraging interested customers to sign up for notifications to receive updates as pre-orders become available.

A Turning Point for Xbox and Handheld Gaming

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X represent more than just a hardware release—they’re part of Xbox’s broader vision for platform flexibility. By supporting Windows handhelds instead of locking players into proprietary hardware, Xbox is moving toward a model that prioritizes accessibility and player choice.

As the handheld market continues to expand, with competition from the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and others, Xbox’s entry—backed by ASUS’s hardware expertise—could redefine what players expect from portable gaming. It’s a signal that the future of Xbox isn’t tied to a single box, but to an ecosystem that travels with the player.

Stay tuned for further coverage, hands-on impressions, and analysis as we approach the launch window later this year.