Microsoft has officially unveiled its long-rumored handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally, developed in partnership with Asus. Set for release at the end of 2025, the device will allow Game Pass subscribers to access their library on-the-go. Available in two versions (Ally and Ally X) with varying specs, it runs Windows, offering access to other PC gaming platforms like Steam and EA Play. The announcement follows the launch of Nintendo's Switch 2 and Valve's Steam Deck, positioning Xbox as a late entrant but with the advantage of native Game Pass support.
Xbox finally reveals handheld console after decade of speculation
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Microsoft has officially unveiled its long-rumored handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally, developed in partnership with Asus. Set for release at the end of 2025, the device will allow Game Pass subscribers to access their library on-the-go. Available in two versions (Ally and Ally X) with varying specs, it runs Windows, offering access to other PC gaming platforms like Steam and EA Play. The announcement follows the launch of Nintendo's Switch 2 and Valve's Steam Deck, positioning Xbox as a late entrant but with the advantage of native Game Pass support.
Trending- 1 Over a decade ago: Speculation over Microsoft making a handheld Xbox began.
- 2 2012: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 first released.
- 3 2022: Nintendo signed a 10-year deal to bring Call of Duty series to its consoles.
- 4 2023: Asus started making handheld gaming devices.
- 5 Three days ago: Nintendo's Switch 2 launched.
- 6 (Current day): Microsoft unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally at its showcase event.
- 7 End of 2025: ROG Xbox Ally set for release.
- Xbox enters the handheld gaming market
- Game Pass subscribers gain mobile access to their library
- Increased competition in the handheld console space
- Potential for new gaming experiences
What: Microsoft has revealed its highly-anticipated handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally, in partnership with Asus.
When: End of 2025 (release date); Three days after (Switch 2 launch); 2023 (Asus started making handheld gaming devices); 2012 (Black Ops 2 first released); 2022 (Nintendo signed 10-year deal for Call of Duty); 17 years after (Persona 4 first released on PlayStation 2).
Why: To allow gamers to access their Game Pass subscription library on-the-go and to compete in the growing handheld gaming market.
How: By developing two versions of the ROG Xbox Ally (base and X) with Asus, running Windows to offer broad PC game compatibility, and leveraging the Game Pass subscription service.