Microsoft and ASUS Unveil ROG Xbox Ally X Handhelds with New Xbox Experience

On June 8, 2025, Microsoft and ASUS announced two new Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Xbox Games Showcase, as reported by The Verge. These devices, built on ASUS’s ROG Ally platform, introduce a full-screen Xbox experience optimized for Windows, marking a significant step in Microsoft’s push to unify its Xbox and PC ecosystems. The reveal, coupled with posts on X and reports from Windows Central, has sparked excitement and speculation about Xbox’s handheld gaming future. Here’s a detailed look at the announcement, technical details, and what it means for gamers.

Details of the Xbox Ally Handhelds

The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, codenamed Project Kennan, are enhanced versions of the ASUS ROG Ally, featuring Xbox-inspired designs and software optimizations. Key details include:

Hardware Specs: The white ROG Xbox Ally targets 720p gaming with a four-core AMD Aerith Plus CPU, while the black ROG Xbox Ally X aims for 900p to 1080p with an eight-core Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU. Both feature a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium. The Ally has a 60Wh battery (50% larger than the original ROG Ally), and the Ally X boasts an 80Wh battery, the largest in a handheld today.
Full-Screen Xbox Experience: The devices boot into a custom Xbox app interface, replacing the Windows desktop with a console-like experience. This includes the Xbox Game Bar, Game Pass integration, and support for third-party stores like Steam. The optimized Windows 11 reduces idle power consumption by up to two-thirds and frees 2GB of RAM for gaming.
Design Improvements: Both handhelds feature ergonomic grips and an Xbox button above the D-pad, likely a shortcut to the Xbox app. The Ally X is designed for long-term use, with improved balance to reduce fatigue, leveraging Xbox’s controller expertise.
Availability: Set for release later in 2025, the devices will launch with titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong on Game Pass. Existing ROG Ally and Ally X devices will receive the full-screen Xbox experience by early 2026.

Community Reaction: Excitement and Concerns

The announcement has generated buzz on X and Reddit. Fans are thrilled about the console-like experience, with one X user stating, “If Xbox can make Windows feel like a real console, it’s a game-changer for handhelds.” The Ally X’s performance, powered by the Z2 Extreme, is praised as a potential Steam Deck rival. However, some, like an X user, worry about pricing, noting the original ROG Ally X’s $899.99 price tag compared to the Nintendo Switch 2’s $449.99. Others question whether the Xbox button and branding justify the cost, with a Reddit user calling it “just a rebranded ROG Ally.”

Context and Microsoft’s Strategy

The Xbox Ally devices align with Microsoft’s vision to unify Xbox and Windows, addressing criticisms of Windows’ clunky handheld interface compared to SteamOS. Leaks since May 2025, including FCC filings, hinted at Project Kennan, with images showing an Xbox-branded ROG Ally 2. Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS builds on the ROG Ally’s 2023 success, competing with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go. The full-screen Xbox experience, set to roll out to other handhelds, aims to make Xbox Game Pass and Play Anywhere seamless across devices.

Implications for Gaming

The Xbox Ally handhelds could redefine portable gaming by blending console simplicity with PC versatility. The optimized Windows experience addresses battery life and performance issues, potentially outpacing SteamOS in games like Starfield. However, high pricing and competition from the Switch 2 and Steam Deck pose challenges. The devices strengthen Game Pass’s appeal, offering instant access to Xbox’s library on the go, but Microsoft must ensure broad game compatibility and affordability to compete.

What’s Next?

With a holiday 2025 release, the Xbox Ally and Ally X are poised to capitalize on the growing handheld market. Fans await hands-on demos and pricing details, expected at events like Gamescom. Microsoft’s push for a unified ecosystem could set a new standard for handheld gaming, but only if it delivers on performance and value.

Disclaimer: Some details are based on unverified leaks and should be treated as speculative until confirmed by Microsoft or ASUS.