Microsoft has officially announced the ROG Xbox Ally, its new handheld gaming console developed in partnership with Asus. The device will grant gamers access to their Game Pass subscription library on the go, offering hundreds of titles at launch. The console is scheduled for release at the end of 2025, with pricing yet to be disclosed.
Speculation around a handheld Xbox has persisted for more than ten years, with previous projects being cancelled or reworked. This announcement comes shortly after the release of Nintendo’s Switch 2, a hybrid console that supports both portable and TV play. Microsoft’s device aims to compete in a market that already includes the Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck.
The Xbox Ally will be available in two models: the base version and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Both feature 7-inch 1080p screens. The base model includes 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, while the “X” version offers 24GB of memory, 1TB of storage, a stronger processor, and a larger battery.
According to Xbox head of gaming devices Roanne Sones, both handhelds support native play, cloud streaming, and remote play from an Xbox console. Running on Windows, the devices will allow users to access games beyond the Xbox ecosystem, including titles from Steam and EA Play.
However, the Xbox Ally is relatively heavy for a handheld, weighing 670g for the base model and 715g for the “X,” compared to Nintendo’s Switch 2 at 534g. Microsoft has not yet announced pricing, but the higher-spec model is expected to cost more. For context, the Switch 2 retails at £395 in the UK, while the Steam Deck ranges from £349 to £569.
At the launch event, Microsoft also revealed new games coming to Game Pass PC & Ultimate on day one, including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4, Outer Worlds 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Notably, the latter was not mentioned for the Switch 2 despite a previous Nintendo deal for the series.
Additionally, the much-anticipated Persona 4: Revival remake was announced. This marks the 17-year anniversary of the original PlayStation 2 release, a title highly regarded in gaming circles. No release date has been provided for the remake by Sega and Atlus.