The ROG Xbox Ally is Microsoft’s large swing for PC gaming handhelds

We’ve seen it teased, we’ve seen it leaked, however the first “moveable Xbox” (these quotes are doing a variety of work, sure) was revealed final night time throughout Microsoft’s newest Xbox gaming showcase. As anticipated, it’s a co-op play with Asus, who primarily rebranded the ROG Ally with some Xbox aptitude. However make no mistake: regardless of the advertising that proclaims “That is an Xbox,” the ROG Xbox Ally is a handheld PC.

I respect that the road between console and PC is blurry, maybe deliberately so because of Microsoft. However the ROG Xbox Ally and the extra highly effective, upgraded ROG Xbox Ally X are primarily third-generation Asus handheld PC designs. And similar to the 2 earlier variations, they’re operating Home windows 11 out of the field, providing a pointy distinction to competitors just like the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S. However with each Microsoft and Asus cognizant of the problems handheld PCs have had round Home windows, it’s not with out some severe tweaks.

In keeping with the promotional web page, this model of Home windows 11 has a “smoother, extra intuitive interface” with a Steam Deck-style handheld UI set to launch by default upon booting up. That features a refreshed Xbox Recreation Bar. Microsoft can be leaning into the work it’s finished with Xbox Recreation Move, highlighting the supply of loads of Xbox-only video games by way of streaming and its big library of video games out there on each Xbox and PC with seamless progress by way of the Xbox Play Anyplace system.

“I don’t have to consider Home windows, all I’ve to consider is my recreation,” says Anshul Rawat of Microsoft in a promo video. After all, because it is operating Home windows beneath, the brand new design nonetheless has entry to mainly any native PC recreation—a notable weak point of SteamOS and the Steam Deck. Microsoft can be leaning on choices for streaming, each by way of Recreation Move and distant play to different PCs and Xbox consoles.

You possibly can take a look at the very BWAH-infused trailer beneath:

How a lot it will enhance the expertise general, we are able to’t say but. Home windows 11 nonetheless has a variety of stuff occurring beneath the hood that may bathroom issues down for the environment friendly APU {hardware} of handhelds.

And talking of which, the ROG Xbox Ally is packing a variety of revised {hardware} in comparison with the Ally X of 2024. The bottom mannequin (in white) will get a next-gen AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDRX-6400 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The ROG Xbox Ally X in black (which is an upgraded SKU, not a completely separate design just like the 2024 model) will get a Ryzen AI Z2 Excessive processor with an NPU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB drive.

Each get two USB-C ports (one in every of which is Thunderbolt 4-compatible for exterior graphics) and a microSD card slot. The bottom mannequin has a 60 watt-hour battery whereas the Xbox Ally X will get 80 watt-hours—an odd alternative since they seem to have an identical shells. Be aware the RGB rings across the thumbsticks and the stripe on the again, each inherited from the unique ROG Ally design.

Asus

Each are rocking a 7-inch IPS show with 1080p decision and 120Hz refresh, similar to the unique Ally. However the form and look of the gadget has seen some large revisions, most notably the distinct, chunky controller handles. There’s additionally a brand new face button with an Xbox brand, devoted to the Xbox Recreation Bar. The Ally X, along with its beefed-up internals and black colour scheme, will get haptic suggestions on the controller triggers.

Each programs ought to land at retailers later this 12 months with a normal “Vacation 2025” arrival. How a lot will they price? No concept. For context, the ROG Ally X from 2024 is at present $900 to $1,000 at Finest Purchase relying on configuration. Primarily based on the {hardware}, I’d count on the brand new ROG Xbox Ally to be in the identical ballpark… a heavy distinction to the Steam Deck, which begins at $400 and tops out at $650 with an OLED display.