Microsoft and Asus Unveil Next-Gen Xbox Ally Handhelds with Enhanced Full-Screen Xbox Experience

Microsoft and Asus are set to redefine portable gaming with the introduction of two new ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PCs, each designed to deliver a seamless Xbox and Windows gaming experience. Built from a year-long close collaboration, these groundbreaking devices offer cutting-edge hardware paired with a dramatically improved software interface that puts gaming front and center.

Reimagining Handheld Gaming: The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X

The latest entries in the ROG Ally family—the Xbox Ally (in white) and the Xbox Ally X (in black)—are both products of the collaborative Project Kennan initiative. Designed to cater to different gaming needs, the standard Xbox Ally targets smooth gameplay at 720p, making it ideal for those prioritizing battery life and sustained play. The more powerful Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, is optimized for higher-fidelity gaming at 900p to 1080p, giving power users and competitive gamers the edge on the move.

Both handhelds are equipped with a brilliant 7-inch 1080p display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, ensuring smooth and vibrant graphics across all types of games—a crucial factor for immersive handheld gaming.

Under the Hood: State-of-the-Art Hardware

When it comes to raw performance, Asus and Microsoft left no stone unturned. The Xbox Ally debuts with a never-before-seen AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of ultra-fast LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, striking a balance between power efficiency and performance. The premium Xbox Ally X version takes things even further, housing an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, and a generous 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for expansive game libraries and rapid load times.

Such powerhouse internals place the Xbox Ally devices firmly among the best portable gaming machines available today, rivaling not only other handhelds but also compact gaming laptops, while maintaining portability and long battery life.

Transforming the Software Experience: The New Full-Screen Xbox Interface

Perhaps the most significant revolution lies in the redesigned software experience. Previously, navigating the complexities of Windows via a handheld format had frustrated gamers. Recognizing this, Microsoft and Asus have jointly developed a new full-screen Xbox interface running atop Windows, specifically tailored for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

This interface allows the Xbox Ally handhelds to boot directly into a streamlined gaming dashboard, minimizing distractions and background processes associated with full Windows desktops. As a result, users benefit from more available system resources, reduced input lag, and faster game launches. The interface can be summoned instantly with a dedicated Xbox button—mirroring the familiar experience of an Xbox console.

Unified Game Library and Expanded Ecosystem Access

The enhanced Xbox PC app aggregates games from the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and other top platforms, creating a unified digital library. For gamers, this means easy access to their vast collections, regardless of where the titles were purchased. Recent software updates now allow even tighter integration, with access to your full Xbox console library through Xbox Cloud Gaming or Remote Play.

Whether you're playing locally, streaming from your Xbox Series X at home via Wi-Fi, or tapping into cloud gaming services, the experience is geared toward seamless transitions between different game sources—making portable gaming more intuitive and accessible than ever before.

User Experience: Designed for Gamers, by Gamers

A key pain point for many users of previous Windows handhelds was cumbersome navigation, often requiring frequent touchscreen use. Microsoft and Asus tackled this head-on by refining the Xbox PC app and Game Bar to suit controller inputs. With the latest changes, gamers can sign in via the Windows lock screen using only their controller, eliminating the need for touchscreen taps. The updated Game Bar now makes it easy to launch essential apps like Discord, switch between running games and apps, and adjust system settings—all through the controller.

The chassis design also borrows from the beloved Xbox controller, with contoured grips for comfortable, prolonged gaming sessions. This ergonomic approach improves accessibility to all buttons and triggers, ensuring that on-the-go gaming feels as comfortable and responsive as possible.

Enhanced Haptics and Connectivity

Setting the Xbox Ally X apart is the inclusion of impulse triggers, similar to those found on modern Xbox controllers. These haptic features deliver immersive force feedback—letting players feel the rumble of race tracks or the impact of in-game action in shooters. On the connectivity front, the Xbox Ally X includes a USB-C 4 port with Thunderbolt 4 support, opening doors to external GPU upgrades, alongside a dedicated USB-C 3.2 port and a UHS-II microSD card reader. The standard Xbox Ally includes two USB-C 3.2 ports for versatile connections.

Performance and Efficiency: Prioritizing Battery Life

While benchmark results are pending, both companies have emphasized efficiency and battery optimization in this new generation. The Xbox Ally now sports a robust 60Wh battery—50% larger than its original ROG Ally predecessor—helping to deliver extended gaming sessions. The Xbox Ally X ups the ante further with an impressive 80Wh battery, one of the largest found in a portable gaming device. Early reports suggest Windows system tweaks could cut idle and sleep mode power drain by up to two-thirds, maximizing playtime per charge.

AMD’s focus on efficiency with the new Z2 processor line—a design informed by both cutting-edge AI and low-power architectures—ensures these devices can run cooler and quieter, all while delivering longer gaming sessions without sacrificing performance.

External Performance Boosts

For those looking to elevate their on-the-go gaming to desktop-grade power, both Xbox Ally models support docking with Asus' XG Mobile accessory—a powerhouse that can house an RTX 5090 laptop GPU and effectively transform the handheld into a high-end gaming station.

Use Cases and Market Relevance

These new Xbox Ally handhelds are poised to shake up the gaming landscape by merging the flexibility of Windows with the plug-and-play simplicity console fans expect. Ideal for game streamers, content creators, and competitive players who demand uninterrupted access to their libraries, the devices promise to make premium gaming experiences truly portable. The robust battery options and compatibility with external GPUs make these handhelds suitable not just for travel or commuting, but also as capable primary gaming machines for those seeking flexibility.

The strategic partnership underscores Microsoft’s commitment to blending the best features of the Xbox ecosystem with open Windows gaming, while Asus leverages its deep expertise in gaming hardware and innovation. This synergy is likely to accelerate the adoption of handheld gaming PCs in markets traditionally dominated by home consoles and larger PCs.

When Will the Xbox Ally Handhelds Be Available?

Gamers won’t have to wait long; both devices are scheduled to launch just in time for the holiday season later this year. Microsoft and Asus plan to reveal detailed pricing and preorder dates in the coming months, fueling anticipation among tech enthusiasts worldwide.

As the boundaries between console and PC gaming blur, Microsoft and Asus’s new Xbox Ally handhelds set a new benchmark for portable performance, accessibility, and unified gaming across platforms.