ASUS announces release date for Xbox handheld console

The release of ASUS' Xbox-branded ROG Ally handheld is set for October 16, according to reliable sources.

ASUS confirms release date for Xbox handheld console

ASUS is preparing to launch the Xbox-branded ROG Ally handheld console on October 16, as reported by leaker Billbil-kun. The ROG Ally will feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. A more powerful variant, the ROG Ally X, will include an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and 24GB of RAM. Pre-orders for both models are expected to start on August 20, with pricing set at €599 for the ROG Ally and €899 for the ROG Ally X. These devices will run Windows 11 and support Xbox Play Anywhere titles, providing access to games from various platforms. An official announcement is anticipated during Microsoft's Gamescom showcase.

The upcoming release of the ROG Ally handheld marks a significant shift for Microsoft in the gaming hardware arena. By collaborating with ASUS, Microsoft aims to strengthen its presence in the portable gaming space, a domain it has yet to fully explore. The intriguing dynamics between third-party partnerships and Microsoft's own development efforts hint at a versatile strategy moving forward. While the internal project is reportedly sidelined for now, the potential for future innovations remains high, especially with the integration of AMD technology in their devices. This approach allows Microsoft to focus on immediate market needs while laying the groundwork for its internal projects to flourish later.

Highlights

The future of portable Xbox gaming may be shaped by third-party partnerships.