In a much-anticipated announcement, Microsoft has officially unveiled its new handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally, marking a significant moment for gamers who have been waiting for such a device for years. This innovative console allows users to access their extensive Game Pass subscription library while on the move, effectively giving players starting access to a vast selection of hundreds of games.

The ROG Xbox Ally is the result of a collaboration with Asus, a company well-known for its handheld gaming devices since 2023. The console is slated for release at the end of 2025, although Microsoft has yet to disclose its pricing. This lack of information has led to a flurry of speculation among gamers and industry analysts alike regarding what they might expect to pay for this new technology.

The idea of a handheld Xbox has been floating around for over a decade, with Microsoft initiating and subsequently abandoning multiple projects during that time. The company’s recent announcement comes just three days after the launch of the much-anticipated Switch 2 from Nintendo, a hybrid gaming console that can seamlessly transition between handheld and home console use. This timing has led many to speculate that Microsoft is keen to capitalize on the growing popularity of portable gaming.

Much like the Switch 2, which has received positive reviews for its versatility, the ROG Xbox Ally is designed to appeal to both casual and dedicated gamers. The competition is fierce, especially considering the recent success of Valve's Steam Deck—a handheld PC that allows players to access a wide range of games from their Steam libraries, although not all titles are compatible with the device.

Despite entering a crowded market, Microsoft has a unique selling point with its Game Pass service, which boasts around 34 million subscribers. This feature could help mitigate concerns about being late to the handheld gaming party. The ROG Xbox Ally is set to come in two versions: the standard ROG Xbox Ally and the upgraded ROG Xbox Ally X.

“Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you,” stated Roanne Sones, the head of gaming devices at Xbox. Both versions of the handheld console will support native gameplay, cloud gaming, and remote access to an Xbox console located in another room, ensuring versatility for users.

Both variants feature a 7-inch screen with a full 1080p resolution. The base model is equipped with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, while the 'X' version offers a beefier 24GB memory and double the storage capacity, making it suitable for more demanding gaming applications. Additionally, the X version includes a larger battery and a more powerful processor, catering to gamers who require more robust performance.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the ROG Xbox Ally is its operating system. Unlike traditional handheld consoles, these devices run on Windows, granting gamers access to a plethora of games that are not available on other platforms. This means players can not only access Xbox Game Pass games but can also explore other gaming services like Steam and EA Play directly from their handheld device.

However, this expanded capability comes with a trade-off in weight. The ROG Xbox Ally weighs in at 670 grams for the base version and 715 grams for the X version, which is notably heavier compared to the Nintendo Switch 2 at 534 grams. This added weight could pose a challenge for extended handheld gaming sessions, a consideration that gamers will need to keep in mind.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new handheld, one key question remains unanswered: What will the price point be? Microsoft has refrained from revealing any price details, but it is anticipated that the more advanced X version will carry a higher price tag. For context, the Switch 2 is priced at £395 in the UK, while the Steam Deck ranges from £349 to £569, depending on specifications.

Alongside the handheld announcement, Microsoft also showcased several exciting new game titles that will be available via Game Pass on launch day. This includes highly-anticipated entries such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Outer Worlds 2. Furthermore, the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was confirmed to be on the way, a sequel to the critically acclaimed Black Ops 2 released back in 2012.

Interestingly, while these games were announced for various consoles, there was no mention of the Switch 2 during the event, despite Nintendo previously securing a 10-year deal to bring the Call of Duty franchise to its platforms.

Among the revelations, fans of the Persona series will also be thrilled to hear about the long-awaited remake of Persona 4, subtitled Revival. This remake comes 17 years after the original was launched on PlayStation 2 and is highly regarded as a classic in gaming history. However, Sega and Atlus did not provide a release date for this remake, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further details.

This momentous unveiling of the ROG Xbox Ally marks a significant step forward for Microsoft in the handheld gaming market, and as more details emerge, it is clear that the company is looking to redefine portable gaming experiences.

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