Xbox Announces ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds, Its Answer to Steam Deck and Switch

Microsoft is teaming with ASUS to “combine the power of Xbox with the freedom you expect from Windows.” That’s a fancy way of saying it will soon have its own answer to Steam Deck and the Switch. The two models of this new handheld device will run on AMD processors. Each will let players connectquicklyto their favorite games via the cloud or with their nearby Xbox console.

The company describes the ROG Xbox Ally (16 GB RAM, 512 GB) as an “essential handheld at a great value for everyone from the casual player to the avid enthusiast.” It calls the ROG Xbox Ally X (24 GB RAM, 1 TB) “the ultimate high-performance handheld, built for the most demanding players.” No matter which version you get your (literal) hands on, each will come with both traditional Xbox features and “several new and first-of-their kind features.” Most exciting, though, might an old school gaming feature. Microsoft highlighted how quickly you can power up a game and start playing.

The ROG will also allow you to play more than just your own library of Xbox games. Because both will run Windows, you’ll also have access to PC only titles. And those are just some of the many bonuses and crossovers gamers will get. You can read the full list at Microsoft’s official announcement. Microsoft also released a behind-the-scenes video showing off the device’s features.

As for when you will be able to purchase either the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, it won’t actually be that long. At least in some “select” markets. They’ll arrive in some places in time for the holiday season. A full rollout will then follow. As for how much both will cost we also have to wait for those details.

For now Xbox just wants you to get excited about its new entry into the handheld gaming market. It doesn’t want you to also complain about what that will mean for your wallet.