Microsoft unveils ROG Xbox Ally handhelds
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Microsoft has partnered with ASUS to unveil the new ROG Xbox Ally new handheld gaming device as the company looks to take on the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2.
The hardware will come in two forms: the ROG Xbox Ally system designed for all players and the ROG Xbox Ally X featuring more powerful hardware.
The ROG Xbox Ally will be powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, and will come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The Ally X comes with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, which it claimed will allow users to access the latest AI features as they are released, as well as 24GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Asus had previously already designed Ally handheld systems compatible with Game Pass. The latest hardware release forms another part of Microsoft’s ‘Play Anywhere’ strategy to enable players to access their games library across devices wherever they are.
The new devices will operate on Windows 11 and players can access a variety of storefronts, from their own Xbox games library and Game Pass to Steam, Battle.net and others. Users can also run apps like Discord, stream on Twitch and download and play mods.
The new handhelds will launch this holiday in the UK, US, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
No specific release date was announced.
Features and partnerships
Microsoft said players who purchase an Xbox Ally or Ally X and are new to Game Pass will be able to get started at “no additional cost”. It did not specify benefits for existing subscribers.
The company is working with partners on a new programme designed to help players identify which games have been optimised for the handhelds. It said it would share more details soon.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has partnered with Roblox for the launch, which will be playable natively and optimised for the handheld hardware.
Players will be able to use AI-powered Gaming Copilot via Game Bar to help improve their skills and connect with friends and communities.
The unveiling comes just as Nintendo launched the Switch 2 on June 5th.
