Asus and Microsoft want to compete with the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck in 2025 with new Xbox handhelds. We’ve summarized the most important information about specs, release date, price, and more for you.
Microsoft and Asus will release two Xbox handhelds in 2025. We’ve summarized all the important information for you.
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New updates
August 20, 2025 Asus has announced the release date.
We have received a last-minute leak confirming the prices of 599 and 899 euros. We will find out very soon whether these prices are really correct.
July 30, 2025: On August 20, 2025, Microsoft will share more information about the two new handhelds at gamescom 2025. In addition, the leaked prices have been confirmed again by further leaks.
Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X prices: How much will they cost?
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally: $599
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: $899
These prices are not yet official, but come from a Spanish partner site of Asus. The leaked information has since been removed. The likelihood that this leak is genuine is therefore high.
These prices have since been confirmed by other leaks.
🚨 UPCOMING RELEASE 🚨
We gave you the pre-order date. Now, here comes the big reveal: the release date of the Xbox handhelds
🔹 ROG Xbox Ally X
🔸 ROG Xbox Allyhttps://t.co/sOKMgPjOTx— billbil-kun (@billbil_kun) August 7, 2025
Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X release: When will the handhelds be available?
Release: October 16, 2025
Both handhelds will be released in October. However, it is not yet known when pre-orders will start.
Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X specs and performance: Here are the technical details
| Asus ROG Xbox Ally | Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price in US dollars | 599 | 899 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2A | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X@ 6,400 MT/s | 24 GB LPDDR5X@ 8,000 MT/s |
| Storage capacity | 512 GB M.2 NVMe 2280 | 1 TB M.2 NVMe 2280 |
| Screen | 7-inch, 1080p, IPS, 120 Hz, VRR, 500 nits | 7-inch, 1080p, IPS, 120 Hz, VRR, 500 nits |
| Controller features | Hall effect impulse trigger Two macro buttons 6-axis gyroscope HD haptics Xbox button |
Hall effect impulse trigger Two macro buttons 6-axis gyroscope HD haptics Xbox button |
| Battery | 60 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Connections | 2x USB-C (2 x USB 3.2 Gen2) |
2 x USB-C (USB4 & USB 3.2 Gen2) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Operating system | Windows 11 with full-screen Xbox experience |
Windows 11 with full-screen Xbox experience |
| Dimensions | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm | 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7 mm |
| Weight | 670 grams | 715 grams |
| Color | White | Black |
Both handhelds differ in color and hardware configuration. The more expensive Xbox Ally X has more memory, more battery capacity, and more power.
Based on other handhelds that have already appeared on the market, we can estimate how high the gaming performance of the two handhelds will be.
- The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with a Ryzen Z2A. The chip is almost identical to the one in the Steam Deck, so performance should be very similar.
- The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. This is very similar to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme used in the MSI Claw A8. The performance is also comparable to handhelds that use the Ryzen AI 9 HX370.
ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X Color and design: What do the handhelds look like?
Case: Both handhelds look like the first Asus ROG Ally handhelds, but with additional grip horns, as seen on gamepads. High gaming comfort was very important to Microsoft and Asus when designing the handhelds.
Both handhelds are only available in one color:
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Black
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally: White
ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X games and software: Frequently asked questions
Can I play Xbox games? Both handhelds use Windows 11 as their operating system, which means that, based on the information currently available, your games in the Xbox game library are incompatible. Xbox games with the “Play Anywhere” label are an exception. You can also play these on Windows 11. It is possible that Xbox will merge the PC and console game libraries in the future.
Is a native Xbox handheld still planned? Rumor has it that work on a native Xbox handheld – i.e., a portable Xbox Series console – has been put on hold in favor of developing Windows handhelds. It is currently unclear whether these plans have been completely scrapped or whether development has merely been paused.
Can I install Steam? Yes, just like on any other Windows 11 device. You will be able to launch your Steam games directly from the new Xbox interface.
Can I install other game launchers? Yes, you can. Just like with your Steam games, they should be accessible from the Xbox home screen.
Can I pause games with standby mode? According to Microsoft and Asus, standby mode has been improved on these two handhelds. They should start up faster from standby mode and consume less power while in standby.
Practical tests will have to show how well this works during gameplay. The Quick Resume feature of the Xbox Series consoles does not appear to be on board.
Can I install SteamOS? Technically, it should be possible to switch from Windows 11 to SteamOS. The previous handhelds from Asus were among the first third-party models compatible with Valve’s operating system. Alternatively, it should be easy to install BazziteOS or another Linux derivative similar to SteamOS.
Can I upgrade the storage? Yes, both handhelds have M2. NVMe SSDs with the 2280 form factor. These are SSDs that are also used in most desktop PCs. You can easily replace them with new ones. Alternatively, you can upgrade the memory with a microSD card. However, as things stand at present, the Xbox handhelds are not compatible with microSD Express cards, as is the case with the Nintendo Switch 2.
