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TL;DR: Microsoft and ASUS are teaming up to drop the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds in late 2025. They’ll run Windows 11, support all the major game platforms, and should hit shelves worldwide during the holiday season. No pricing yet, but keep your eyes on NerdNet and check out our handheld reviews to get a feel for what’s coming.
After what feels like years of leaks, rumors, and fan speculation, it’s finally official—Microsoft is partnering with ASUS’ ROG division to bring a Windows-based handheld gaming PC to market. Dubbed the ROG Xbox Ally (and its beefier sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally X), these handhelds were revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest and are set to drop just in time for the 2025 holiday season.
A Legit Windows Gaming Handheld with Xbox Support
Yes, this thing is real. And it’s going to run Windows 11, just like its predecessor the ROG Ally, meaning you’ll get native access to Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect—no janky workarounds needed. According to Xbox head Sarah Bond, every game shown at the showcase will be playable on the device, although it’s unclear how many of them will run natively.
If you’re wondering what to expect in terms of game performance or interface quirks, it might help to look at what we’ve already seen from devices like the Lenovo Legion Go—another Windows handheld that’s shaken up the scene lately.
Two Models, But No Pricing (Yet)
The ROG Xbox Ally will be available in two variants: the standard Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X. No pricing details have been confirmed, but based on the current ROG Ally X pricing, I’d expect the top-end model to hover around the $800 mark. Microsoft has promised that more details on pre-orders, accessories, and pricing will land soon.
Until then, your best bet is to keep an eye on The Nerd Net’s Gaming section for updates and deep dives once we get closer to launch.
Global Launch, Including the U.S. (Surprisingly)
Here’s where things get interesting: the initial release will cover a whopping 30+ regions, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Japan, and most of Europe and Asia-Pacific. This is a big departure from Microsoft’s historically slower international rollouts for hardware.
So yeah, the ROG Xbox Ally isn’t going to be one of those “launch in one country, wait six months for the rest” situations. At least, that’s the promise.
Not Just for Xbox Games
One of the biggest questions going into this announcement was whether Microsoft would lock this device down to its own ecosystem. Thankfully, that’s not the case. These are full-blown Windows handhelds. That means Game Pass, yes—but also Steam, Epic, and basically anything else you can run on a Windows PC.
If you’re the type who loves tinkering, customizing, or dual-booting, this might just be the handheld you’ve been waiting for.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Highlighted in the Reveal
Let’s not gloss over the fact that the reveal trailer included Hollow Knight: Silksong—a game that fans have been thirsting for since the original game’s breakout success. Microsoft doubled down, stating it’s still set to release this year. Will it be a flagship title for the Xbox Ally? Time will tell.
If you’re serious about handheld PC gaming, this is one to watch.
