Microsoft And Asus Unveil The ROG Xbox Ally | Specs, Features & Launch Info

Microsoft is making its boldest move yet into the portable gaming space, teaming up with Asus to launch the new ROG Xbox Ally series. 

Designed as a direct competitor to Valve's Steam Deck and other handheld PCs, this device doesn’t just promise to bring Xbox games on the go, it wants to bring Windows gaming in its entirety to your fingertips.

A Handheld Built for the Whole Windows Gaming Ecosystem

Unlike traditional handheld gaming consoles that run on custom operating systems (like SteamOS), the ROG Xbox Ally runs Windows 11. 

But don’t expect to be dumped into the usual desktop environment. Microsoft has layered in a new, custom "Xbox Experience for Handheld". This is a full-screen, console-style launcher that lets you jump straight into your game library with minimal fuss and background bloat.

What makes this unique is the aggregated game library approach. Instead of just Xbox Game Pass or Microsoft Store titles, you can access games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and more, all from one place. 

This puts Microsoft’s handheld in a league of its own in terms of platform flexibility.

ROG Xbox Ally Specifications

There will be two versions of the Xbox Ally;

Base Model:

• AMD Ryzen Z2 APU

• 16 GB RAM

• 512 GB SSD

• 60 Wh battery
  
  

ROG Xbox Ally X (High-End):

• AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme

• 24 GB RAM

• 1 TB SSD

• 80 Wh battery

• Enhanced impulse triggers from Xbox consoles
  
  

Both devices will sport a 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) support. 

That’s a big win for visual clarity and performance, especially in fast-paced titles. The base model weighs 670g, similar to the Steam Deck, whereas the Ally X would be around 715g.

ROG Xbox Ally Designed with Gamers in Mind

Microsoft’s design team went to work solving common ergonomic complaints about other handhelds. 

The rounded grips are engineered to solve the dreaded “flat finger” fatigue, and the device includes standard Xbox buttons with a textured grip for comfort and control.

The signature Xbox button also opens a customizable Game Bar overlay that provides performance metrics, quick settings access, and seamless app switching.

Thanks to the Windows base, the ROG Xbox Ally supports more than just games. You can run apps like Discord, Twitch, and mod managers right out of the box. 

That means easier access to game mods, social chat, and content creation tools, something Linux-based competitors often struggle with.

And yes, Microsoft has plans to launch its own version of "Deck Verified", a compatibility badge system to tell you which Windows titles run best on the handheld.

Still Waiting on Price and Release Date

Though Microsoft hasn’t dropped the pricing just yet, they’ve confirmed a holiday 2025 launch across North America, Japan, Australia, and major European and Asian markets. 

Given the specs, it’s likely to come in above the Steam Deck’s entry-level price but the cross-platform support and Windows-native experience could justify the premium.

Final Thoughts

The ROG Xbox Ally isn't just another entry in the handheld race, it's Microsoft's attempt to redefine what a portable gaming PC can be. 

With support for multiple game stores, modding tools, streaming apps, and a Windows interface optimized for gaming, it’s shaping up to be the most versatile gaming handheld to date.