Microsoft’s Xbox brand joins forces with Asus to launch a groundbreaking handheld PC later in 2025. Announced during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X promise to redefine portable gaming by blending Xbox’s ecosystem with Asus’s cutting-edge hardware. Codenamed Project Kennan, this collaboration is part of Microsoft’s bold vision to unify Windows and Xbox into a seamless gaming platform. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release and why it’s poised to take on rivals like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2.
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are not just another set of handheld PCs—they’re a love letter to gamers who crave console-like simplicity in a portable package. Unlike traditional Windows handhelds that can feel clunky to navigate, these devices feature a custom Xbox interface layered over Windows 11, designed to prioritize gaming. Think of it as the intuitive Xbox dashboard you know and love, optimized for a 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz display with HDR support.
Asus, known for its ROG Ally series, brings its hardware expertise to the table, while Microsoft ensures the software feels unmistakably “Xbox.” From the contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers to the iconic Xbox guide button, every detail screams premium gaming. The result? A handheld that’s as comfortable for marathon sessions as it is powerful for running your favorite titles.
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Specs of the Proposed Handheld PC
Both consoles run a customized version of Windows 11 Home, optimized specifically for gaming rather than traditional desktop use. The interface prioritizes the Xbox dashboard, keeping players focused on their games while still allowing access to third-party platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can seamlessly enjoy its library, making it easy to jump between Microsoft’s subscription service and imported titles from other storefronts.
Under the hood, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 processors, with the Ally X featuring the more powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme variant. This means you can expect top-notch performance, whether you’re playing indie gems or AAA blockbusters. The devices also come equipped with 16GB or 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast load times.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are built to impress, with specs that cater to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. The ROG Xbox Ally, powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and 512GB of storage. Also offers 60 watt-hours of battery life for extended playtime.
The ROG Xbox Ally X, the premium model boasts the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, with an 80 watt-hour battery for even longer sessions.
Both models support native game downloads and Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving you access to a vast library of titles from the Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass, and third-party platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. While these handhelds won’t run Xbox console-specific games natively, Xbox Play Anywhere titles and cloud streaming ensure you’re never short on options.
Leaked FCC filings suggest the Ally X’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, with 8 cores and a 36W TDP, outmuscles the standard ROG Ally 2, positioning it as a powerhouse in the handheld market. Whether you’re diving into Hollow Knight (available at launch) or tackling AAA blockbusters, these devices are built to deliver smooth, high-fidelity gaming on the go.
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The Design of the Handheld Pc
Microsoft has revealed that the design of the handheld device was a collaborative effort between the two companies, incorporating familiar Xbox-style elements to enhance the gaming experience. Key design features include contoured grips modeled after the Xbox Wireless Controller, ensuring extended comfort during long play sessions. Additionally, the device is equipped with impulse triggers for more precise and immersive control. For quick access, a dedicated Xbox button has been integrated into the console, allowing players to seamlessly resume their gaming sessions.
The two handheld models share identical dimensions and overall design, but they differ slightly in weight due to their battery capacities. The more affordable version weighs 670 grams, while the premium model, equipped with a larger battery, comes in at 715 grams. Both variants include a stand and a charger in the box for added convenience.
Unifying Xbox and Windows
At the heart of this partnership lies Microsoft’s ambitious goal to bridge the gap between Xbox and Windows. Project Kennan refers to the hardware developed by Asus, while Project Bayside is the software framework that standardizes the Xbox user interface across devices. This unified ecosystem aims to create a single storefront for Xbox and PC games, making it easier for developers to build titles that span consoles, handhelds, and PCs.
By leveraging the power of Windows 11, Microsoft is positioning Xbox as a versatile gaming platform that can adapt to various form factors. This means that whether you’re playing on a console, a handheld, or a high-end gaming PC, your experience remains consistent and seamless.
The Xbox app in full-screen mode is a game-changer, disabling unnecessary Windows 11 processes to free up to 2GB of RAM and reduce power consumption by a third. This optimization ensures more resources are dedicated to your games, delivering a smoother experience. Plus, a new alt-tab interface lets you multitask with apps like Discord or YouTube without leaving the Xbox environment.
Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Xbox Gaming Devices, emphasized this integration, stating, “We’re combining the best of Xbox and Windows to create a seamless gaming experience.” With plans to roll out similar full-screen Xbox experiences to other Windows handhelds in 2026, Microsoft is clearly betting big on this unified vision.
Pricing details for the consoles haven't been announced yet, but the ROG Xbox Ally is expected to be the more affordable option due to its lower hardware specifications. Meanwhile, the higher-end model—with its larger battery and likely enhanced performance—will likely come at a premium. Both will offer distinct choices for gamers prioritizing either cost or battery life.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally Release Date
While an exact release date has not been confirmed, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are expected to launch in late 2025. This timing aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand its gaming ecosystem and compete with rivals like Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2.
Asus has a history of successful handheld gaming devices, and with the backing of Xbox, the ROG Xbox Ally series is poised to make a significant impact in the portable gaming market. The partnership between these two tech giants signals a new era for handheld gaming, where performance, comfort, and accessibility come together in a single device.