Microsoft has officially unveiled its first handheld gaming console, the Xbox Ally, developed in partnership with ASUS, set to launch in Holiday 2025 and positioned as a serious competitor to the Steam Deck.
G. Ostrov
Microsoft has finally officially unveiled its long-awaited handheld gaming console, developed in partnership with ASUS under the name ROG Xbox Ally. The device was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase and is planned for release in Holiday 2025.
Technical Specifications and Versions
Microsoft will offer two console variants: the base Xbox Ally model and the premium Xbox Ally X. The flagship Xbox Ally X features impressive specifications:
- AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with AI features support
- 24GB of high-speed RAM
- Double the internal storage capacity for more games
- Signature Xbox impulse triggers
- Native game execution and cloud gaming support
Software Ecosystem
One of the main advantages of the Xbox Ally will be full compatibility with multiple gaming platforms. The device supports:
- Xbox Game Pass with access to hundreds of games
- Steam and its extensive library
- Epic Games Store
- GOG and other digital storefronts
- Cloud saves for seamless cross-device gaming
Market Positioning
The Xbox Ally will become a direct competitor to Valve's popular Steam Deck console. According to preliminary data, the base model's price will range from $499 to $599, making it more accessible than the Lenovo Legion Go but more expensive than the base Steam Deck version.
The device runs on full Windows 11, ensuring maximum compatibility with PC games and the ability to use the console as a full-featured mini-computer.
Strategic Significance for Microsoft
The Xbox Ally launch marks an important stage in Microsoft's strategy to expand the Xbox ecosystem beyond traditional consoles. The company is actively developing cloud gaming and striving to make its games accessible on the maximum number of devices.
The partnership with ASUS, known for its gaming products under the Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, allows Microsoft to leverage the Taiwanese company's experience in creating high-quality gaming hardware.
Expectations and Prospects
The Xbox Ally could become a turning point in the handheld gaming PC segment. The combination of powerful hardware, an extensive game library, and Microsoft's support creates prerequisites for successful competition with existing solutions.
Special attention should be paid to the integration with the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass, which could become a deciding factor for many players when choosing a handheld console.
More detailed information about the Xbox Ally can be found on the official Xbox website and ASUS ROG pages.
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