After years of speculation, Xbox has officially pulled back the curtain on its first-ever handheld gaming system, developed in collaboration with PC hardware giant ASUS. Unveiled during the June 8 Xbox Games Showcase, the new device—called the ROG Xbox Ally—marks a bold step into the portable gaming world for Microsoft.
Whispers Become Reality: Xbox’s Handheld Journey
Rumors of an Xbox handheld system have been circulating for years, with fans hoping for a device to compete with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The buzz intensified when Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the device’s existence in late 2024, fueling expectations across the gaming community.
A March 2025 leak hinted at a Windows-style interface, PC-like internals, and a strategic partnership with a top-tier tech brand. Many speculated ASUS would be the chosen partner, especially given its success with the ROG Ally, a Windows-powered handheld gaming PC.
Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally
During the Xbox Games Showcase, those rumors were confirmed: the ROG Xbox Ally is real, and it’s coming in two variants. Built in partnership with ASUS, the device heavily borrows from the design and performance of the original ROG Ally while integrating Xbox-native features.
Key features include:
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Large high-refresh display
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Ergonomic design inspired by Xbox Series controllers
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Dedicated Xbox logo button
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Deep Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming integration
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Windows-like OS for flexible use
With its combination of console-grade controls and PC architecture, the ROG Xbox Ally blurs the lines between traditional console and handheld PC.
Next-Gen Gaming on the Go
The ROG Xbox Ally isn’t just a clone of the ROG Ally—it’s optimized for Xbox’s gaming ecosystem, ensuring seamless access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, cloud gaming, and potentially even cross-platform saves and play. This device aims to give players a full Xbox experience, anywhere.
Steam Deck & Switch Face a New Challenger
By entering the handheld market with ASUS, Xbox positions itself as a serious contender alongside Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Switch. Unlike its competitors, Xbox’s handheld combines the power of Windows, the versatility of a portable PC, and the depth of the Xbox gaming library—all in one device.
With the ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox isn’t just launching a handheld—it’s launching a statement. This device represents a major evolution in how and where we play. As the lines between console and PC gaming continue to blur, Xbox and ASUS are proving that power, portability, and platform synergy can finally coexist.