Xbox’s Long-Awaited Handheld Console Is Finally Here – And It’s a Game Changer
So, after more than a decade of rumors, speculation, and wishful thinking, the Xbox handheld is finally real—and honestly, it feels surreal to say that. Microsoft has officially pulled the curtain back on the ROG Xbox Ally , its very first handheld gaming console, created in collaboration with Asus. And yes, it’s designed to let you play your Xbox Game Pass titles anywhere. This isn’t just another cloud gaming gadget or a glorified mobile app—it’s a full-fledged device that promises console and PC-level gaming on the go.
Now, let’s be clear: Microsoft isn’t exactly first to the party here. Nintendo has dominated the hybrid space with the Switch and now the Switch 2, and Valve’s Steam Deck has already carved out a loyal fan base among PC gamers. But Microsoft’s angle is unique. The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t just another handheld—it runs Windows , meaning you’re not locked into just Xbox content. You can jump into Steam, EA Play, Epic Games, and more—all from one device. That’s huge.
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There are two models: the ROG Xbox Ally and the beefier Ally X . Both sport a 7-inch 1080p display, with the base version packing 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. The X version steps that up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, and includes a more powerful processor and bigger battery. The weight is a bit up there—670g for the standard and 715g for the X—but it’s packing serious performance hardware. If you're used to the feather-light Switch, this might feel chunky, but if you're looking for raw power and versatility, it could be worth the trade-off.
Microsoft also made it clear: this is built for Game Pass users. With over 34 million subscribers, it’s a no-brainer move. You’ll have access to hundreds of titles from day one, including big names like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 , Outer Worlds 2 , and even Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 . And yes, one of the biggest reveals was the upcoming remake of Persona 4: Revival —finally giving fans what they've been asking for since 2008.
What’s really compelling is the seamless integration with the Xbox ecosystem. You can play natively on the device, stream from your console, or dive into the cloud. It’s the kind of flexibility gamers have been asking for, and it’s finally here. Microsoft’s device feels less like a reaction to competitors, and more like an evolution of their vision for Xbox as a platform—not just a box under your TV.
Price? Still a mystery. And that might be the biggest wildcard. If they get it right, it could be a serious contender, but if it's priced too close to premium PCs, it might struggle. Still, for someone like me—who never quite clicked with the Steam Deck and doesn’t live in Nintendo’s ecosystem—the ROG Xbox Ally might just be the handheld I’ve been waiting for. Whether you're a Game Pass diehard or a portable gaming enthusiast, this could be the start of something big.
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