ROG Xbox Ally set for October 16 release

Microsoft and Asus launch a two model handheld that runs Windows and aims to bring Xbox play on the go.

ROG Xbox Ally Aims to Challenge Steam Deck

Asus and Microsoft are teaming up to release the ROG Xbox Ally, a two model handheld that runs Windows 11 and targets portable Xbox play. The release date is set for October 16, with the base Xbox Ally and a higher end Xbox Ally X. Leaked price estimates place the base model at 599 euros and the Ally X at 899 euros, with US pricing expected to mirror this range. Preorders are not yet open, but Best Buy listings hint at the scale of pricing and availability.

On the hardware side, the base model uses a Ryzen Z2 A processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the Ally X swaps in a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Both use a 7-inch 1080p display at 120Hz and run Windows 11 Home, aligning with a more PC like experience than Valve's Steam Deck. The two devices share many features but differ in performance, battery capacity, and memory, signaling a premium tier in handheld Windows gaming. The big question remains whether tariffs and currency effects will push US prices higher, and whether the Xbox ecosystem can truly lure players away from Steam Deck with Windows based play, Xbox Cloud streaming, and direct game downloads. The market faces a tough climb as Valve could respond with hardware updates, including a potential Steam Deck successor.

The ROG Xbox Ally signals a broader push to merge the Xbox ecosystem with portable PC gaming. With a Windows based handheld, Microsoft bets on a seamless Xbox experience on the go, yet the price tag and potential tariff driven costs threaten broad appeal. The two model lineup creates clear buyer segmentation but also adds complexity for retailers and developers looking to optimize titles for a hybrid OS. If the Ally can deliver reliable performance without compromising battery life, it could push Steam Deck to a more aggressive upgrade cycle. The real test will be how players respond to the combination of OS familiarity, Xbox integration, and the practical realities of handheld power and endurance in real world use.

Highlights

The pace of this war in the pocket will hinge on price, performance and how players respond to a Windows powered Xbox experience on the go.