At the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, Microsoft and ASUS unveiled the Xbox Ally and its more advanced version, the Xbox Ally X. This marks Microsoft’s first official Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC, designed to bring the Xbox ecosystem and full Windows gaming together in a single portable device.
The Xbox Ally X is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, combining Zen 5 CPU cores with RDNA 3.5 graphics and a dedicated neural processing unit. This hardware allows the device to handle demanding AAA titles as well as indie games with ease. Alongside Windows 11, it features a streamlined console-style mode that boots directly into the Xbox interface, skipping the full desktop environment and saving both memory and power.
Both models include a 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E, UHS-II microSD card support, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort 2.1. The Ally X improves on the base version by adding Thunderbolt 4, doubling the RAM to 24GB of LPDDR5X, and upgrading storage to a 1TB SSD.
The handheld is fully integrated with the Xbox ecosystem, supporting Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and Play Anywhere. On top of that, users can access PC game libraries from Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and more, making it one of the most versatile portable gaming devices available.
Initial impressions of the Xbox Ally X have been very positive. Reviewers noted its excellent performance in both blockbuster and indie games, crediting the Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU for its power and efficiency. Players who went hands-on praised how well the device handled a variety of titles while maintaining smooth gameplay and responsive controls.
Microsoft emphasized that this partnership with ASUS reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality gaming hardware without moving away from its core console business. The Xbox Ally X showcases Microsoft’s strategy to offer players more ways to experience Xbox games, whether at home or on the go.
The Xbox Ally X combines powerful specs, a premium display, and seamless access to both Xbox and PC games in a single portable package. With its launch planned for later in 2025, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the growing handheld gaming market.
