Xbox Ally handhelds land October 16

Microsoft and Asus announce an October 16 release for the Xbox Ally handhelds, with price and preorder details still to come.

Xbox Ally handhelds launch October 16

Microsoft and Asus have set October 16 as the release date for the Xbox Ally handhelds, the standard Ally and the higher end Ally X, with a wide international rollout planned. Prices and preorder details were not disclosed at the announcement, though leaks have suggested the base model could cost around €599 and the top model about €899. In the United States, Dealabs cited potential prices of $549.99 for the base device and $899.99 for the Ally X, while Microsoft pledged to share official pricing in the coming weeks. The devices will launch in a long list of markets including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United States and many European countries, with additional launches planned for Brazil, India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Both handhelds use a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR. The base Ally runs on AMD Ryzen Z2 A with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, while the Ally X uses the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. Microsoft introduced a handheld compatibility program with two forms: Handheld Optimized and Mostly Compatible. The program aims to simplify play by providing default inputs and screen sizing for Handheld Optimized titles, while Mostly Compatible titles may need minor in-game changes.

A Windows desktop mode remains accessible via the Xbox Game Bar, signaling an integrated experience that blends Windows and console-like play. Microsoft also plans an advanced shader delivery feature to preload shaders during downloads, reducing stutter and improving battery life. Early 2026 will bring Automatic Super Resolution on the Ally X, using an NPU to upscale images and enable a highlight reels feature for sharing gameplay moments. Docking improvements are also on the roadmap to enable seamless big-screen play and smoother performance.

The move positions Microsoft and Asus to push a hybrid model that blends portable PC power with console-style gaming. By building a compatibility framework and a Windows-powered handheld experience, they are inviting big game studios to optimize for a smaller screen rather than force players to endure compromises. The strategy hinges on software polish as much as hardware, and it looks aimed at reducing friction for players who want instant access to Windows games on the go.

Highlights

The next weeks will reveal how this hardware bet fits into a shifting landscape of portable gaming