In a move that could reshape the portable gaming landscape, Asus is teaming up with Microsoft to launch an Xbox-branded handheld gaming console later this year. The device, tentatively dubbed the Xbox ROG Ally X, merges Asus’ hardware expertise with Xbox’s gaming ecosystem, aiming to challenge rivals like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
The announcement, made during a joint press conference in Taipei, confirms months of industry speculation. Asus CEO S.Y. Hsu called the collaboration a “natural evolution” of the company’s gaming ambitions, stating, “Combining Xbox’s software prowess with our ROG Ally hardware creates a device that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”
What We Know About the Hardware
Leaked specs and insider reports suggest the handheld will feature a custom AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a 7-inch 120Hz Full HD display, and 24GB of RAM—making it one of the most powerful portable devices on the market. Storage options are rumored to start at 1TB, with expandable SSD slots. The design is expected to mirror Asus’ existing ROG Ally X, but with Xbox’s signature green accents and dedicated Game Pass buttons.
Notably, the device will run a hybrid OS blending Windows 11 and a streamlined Xbox interface, optimized for handheld use. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand its gaming footprint, as detailed in a recent The Verge report on “Project Kennan,” an internal initiative to develop Xbox-compatible portable hardware.
Xbox Game Pass Takes Center Stage
The partnership’s biggest selling point is deep integration with Xbox Game Pass. Subscribers will gain instant access to hundreds of titles optimized for the handheld, including cloud streaming for AAA games like Starfield and Call of Duty. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer hinted at exclusives, teasing, “This is just the beginning. Wait until you see what’s coming in 2025.”
Price and Availability
While pricing remains under wraps, analysts predict a 799–799–899 range, positioning it as a premium alternative to the $549 Steam Deck OLED. Pre-orders are expected to open in October, with a global release timed for the holiday season.
A New Era for Portable Gaming?
The Xbox ROG Ally X arrives as demand for high-end handhelds surges. Asus’ existing ROG Ally has sold over 500,000 units since 2023, per industry tracker Niko Partners, but the Xbox branding could turbocharge its appeal.
“This isn’t just about hardware,” said Xbox VP Sarah Bond. “It’s about giving players freedom—whether they’re on a couch, a train, or a beach.”
With rivals like Lenovo and MSI also entering the fray, the battle for pocket-sized gaming dominance is heating up. For now, all eyes are on Asus and Microsoft to deliver a device that lives up to the hype.
Stay tuned for updates as we approach the official launch window.