Microsoft, ASUS Announce ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds For October Global Launch

Microsoft and ASUS are set to launch two handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, on October 16, 2025, marking Microsoft's formal entry into the portable gaming market. These devices blend Xbox controller ergonomics with the power of Windows PCs, featuring 7-inch 1080p touchscreens with 120Hz refresh rates and connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, catering to both casual and demanding gamers. The base model, equipped with AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, targets 720p gaming, while the Ally X offers superior specs with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery. Early impressions highlight improved comfort due to Xbox-style grips and enhanced haptics, addressing previous design issues seen in ASUS's handhelds. Thousands of games, including popular titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake and Forza Horizon 5, are being tested and verified to run well on these devices, fueling anticipation ahead of official pricing and pre-order announcements. Positioned as competitors to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck, these handhelds aim to extend the Xbox ecosystem into mobile gaming with familiar controls and PC-level performance.