Microsoft is entering the handheld gaming race with two versions of its newest device: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X.
“Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you,” said Roanne Sones, Xbox’s head of gaming hardware. “Both handhelds allow players to game natively, stream via the cloud, or connect remotely to their Xbox console.”
Two Versions, One Vision
Both handhelds feature a 7-inch 1080p display, but differ in specs under the hood:
- ROG Ally: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage
- ROG Ally X: 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, bigger battery, more powerful processor
Despite offering console-level performance in a compact form factor, the devices are on the heavier side. The base Ally weighs in at 670g, while the X version tips the scale at 715g—heavier than Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, which comes in at 534g.
Powered by Windows, Fueled by Freedom
What sets these devices apart is Microsoft’s Windows OS. Unlike traditional consoles, the handhelds let gamers install and launch platforms like Steam, EA Play, and others—essentially turning them into full-fledged portable gaming PCs.
“With Windows, you get access to games you simply can’t play elsewhere,” said Sones. “It’s the full freedom and versatility of PC gaming—anywhere.”
Price Still Unknown
While specs and features were showcased, Microsoft held back one critical detail: the price. It’s expected the Ally X will be priced higher than the standard version, but no official numbers were shared. For reference, the Switch 2 is expected to retail at £395 in the UK (~$500 USD), while the Steam Deck ranges from $399 to $649 depending on configuration.
Game Pass and New Titles
Microsoft also used the reveal to spotlight upcoming Game Pass content. A whopping 17 new titles will launch day one on Game Pass for PC and Ultimate, saving players money and boosting the value proposition.
Confirmed titles include:
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
- Ninja Gaiden 4
- Outer Worlds 2
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – a direct sequel to the iconic Black Ops 2 (2012)
Interestingly, while Black Ops 7 was announced for multiple platforms, there was no mention of the Switch 2, despite Microsoft’s prior 10-year deal with Nintendo.
- Persona 4 Revival Confirmed
One of the event’s biggest surprises was the official announcement of Persona 4: Revival—a full remake of the beloved PS2 classic, arriving 17 years after its original release.