Microsoft is officially stepping into handheld territory, and it’s doing so in a way nobody expected.
During the Xbox Games Showcase, the company lifted the curtain on two handheld gaming devices developed in partnership with ASUS: the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X.
These are full Windows 11 machines with Xbox branding that offer access to Xbox Game Pass and almost all PC games. And yes, that includes PlayStation games that are available on PC storefronts, such as Steam.
What Makes These Handhelds Different from the Rest?
The key innovation here is how these devices bring together Windows’ adaptability and Xbox hardware’s familiar comfort.
The Xbox Ally base version comes in white with a Ryzen Z2 A CPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive. Meanwhile, the black Ally X boosts performance using a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of faster RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
Both have a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and anti-glare Gorilla Glass, making them great for gaming on the go in any lighting. These handhelds open directly to a custom Xbox interface as soon as you turn them on, replacing the typical Windows desktop with a full-screen Xbox layout made just for handhelds.
So you get menus that are easy to use, fast access to games, and background processes that save power but keep things running smoothly. Basically, it’s a portable Xbox that runs like a PC.
Can It Really Play PlayStation Games?
Yes, that’s exactly what makes these devices stand out—their support for multiple storefronts and clients.
click to enlarge
+ 3On top of Game Pass, you can run games from Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, and more. Being Windows-based also means you can add mods, use apps like Discord, and launch PS Remote Play.
This means you can access PlayStation games, such as God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn, on PC, along with Xbox games like Halo Infinite or Starfield.
Microsoft hasn’t outright advertised this angle, but a spokesperson did confirm: “Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to all the games you can play on Windows PCs.” That quietly opens the door to a huge catalog of PlayStation games already ported to PC.
What Features Make the Xbox Ally So User-Friendly?
Players benefit from quality-of-life features, such as an aggregated library that displays all their installed games from various sources in one location.
click to enlarge + 3The Xbox Game Bar overhaul for handhelds makes it easy to access chat, settings, apps, and AI features like Gaming Copilot, which support gaming and socializing.
Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming are also deeply integrated, so even if a game isn’t installed, you can still pick up where you left off via the cloud.
When Does It Launch, and Where Will It Be Available?
While pricing hasn’t been confirmed, Microsoft says both the Ally and Ally X are targeting a Holiday 2025 release.
click to enlarge + 3They’ll roll out first in major markets like the US, UK, Japan, and several countries across Europe and Asia, with other regions to follow. Pre-orders are expected to open later this year.
Put simply, it’s about ecosystem flexibility, not only hardware. Microsoft piggybacks off ASUS’ ROG Ally hardware and Xbox integration on Windows to create a handheld that challenges the Steam Deck, Switch, and Sony’s PS Portal.
With full access to Xbox titles, PC games, and even PlayStation ports, the Xbox Ally and Ally X could be the most versatile gaming handhelds to date.
Stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com: the best site for Xbox coverage.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Gaming News page.