Microsoft stunned fans at Xbox Games Showcase 2025 by unveiling the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld, set for release in holiday 2025.
Before June 8, 2025, Xbox handheld chatter was mostly rumors and whispers. Microsoft had two projects in the works. One was a native Xbox handheld, codenamed ‘Pembrooke,’ but it got put on hold in late May 2025. The focus shifted to improving Windows 11 gaming on handheld devices and supporting third-party partners.
The other project was a collaboration with ASUS called ‘Project Kennan.’ This was an Xbox-branded version of the ASUS ROG Ally, a premium Windows 11 gaming handheld. The ASUS device was still on track for a holiday 2025 release.
Phil Spencer, Xbox’s head, had teased handheld hardware before but warned a native Xbox handheld was years away. Microsoft clearly favored third-party partnerships over rushing its own hardware.
Xbox is dropping two handheld consoles this Holiday season
At the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, the wait ended. The ROG Xbox Ally X was revealed. The trailer showed two hands molding the handheld like clay. Then, it glowed with a divine light, floated up, and transformed into the sleek ROG Xbox Ally.
Two versions are set to be released in holiday 2025. The Xbox Ally X and a lower-spec Xbox Ally. Microsoft has yet to reveal how much each will cost.
ROG stands for Republic of Gamers, ASUS’s premium gaming line. This handheld promises seamless play; you can download games natively or stream from the cloud. Controls are Xbox-inspired, with impulse triggers and a dedicated Xbox app button. Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on Game Pass at launch.
The handhelds come packed with Xbox-inspired features: a dedicated Xbox app button for quick access to chat, apps, and settings, contoured grips modeled after Xbox Wireless Controllers for comfort, and impulse triggers on the X model for richer feedback.
Specs split the two devices clearly: the ROG Xbox Ally X is the beast, with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and premium features like Thunderbolt 4 support and a bigger 80Wh battery. The standard ROG Xbox Ally balances performance and battery life with an AMD Ryzen Z2A chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery. Both sport 7-inch 1080p displays with 120Hz refresh rates, Gorilla Glass Victus, and FreeSync Premium.
Microsoft and ASUS optimized Windows 11 for handheld gaming with a new Xbox full screen experience. This mode minimizes background tasks, dedicating more resources to games for smoother frame rates and better visuals. The Game Bar is retooled for handheld use, integrating ASUS’s Armoury Crate so players can easily tweak device performance and input settings.
Xbox president Sarah Bond described this launch as “an Xbox you can hold in your hands,” blending the freedom and versatility of Windows with Xbox’s powerful ecosystem. These handhelds will arrive this holiday season in select markets, with details on pre-orders, pricing, and accessories to follow.
