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Microsoft and ASUS Unveil ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds with Game Pass and Cloud Gaming Integration
Jun 9, 2025

Microsoft and ASUS Unveil ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds with Game Pass and Cloud Gaming Integration

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Microsoft and ASUS have introduced the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, two handheld gaming devices designed to deliver a seamless blend of console, PC, and cloud gaming experiences. Unveiled on June 9, 2025, these Windows 11-powered handhelds cater to gamers seeking portability without sacrificing performance, integrating Xbox Game Pass and a tailored full-screen Xbox interface for an optimized gaming experience. ROG Xbox Ally The ROG Xbox Ally targets casual gamers with its AMD Ryzen Z2 APU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, offering robust performance at an accessible price point. For enthusiasts, the ROG Xbox Ally X steps up with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB of storage, and enhanced impulse triggers for a more immersive feel. Both devices feature a 7-inch display and run a custom Xbox interface that consolidates games from Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC platforms like Battle.net into a single, user-friendly library. Designed with portability in mind, the handhelds support Xbox Play Anywhere, ensuring game progress syncs effortlessly across devices. The optimized Game Bar, paired with ASUS’s Armoury Crate, simplifies navigation and input customization, while familiar Xbox design elements like contoured grips and a dedicated Xbox button enhance the user experience. The devices also support cloud gaming, allowing players to stream select owned titles and Game Pass games on the go. ASUS’s hardware expertise shines through, with the Ally X boasting improved ergonomics and impulse triggers for precision gameplay. Both models are set to launch during the 2025 holiday season across multiple markets, including the US, UK, Japan, and others, with availability in additional regions like India to be confirmed later. Microsoft has also partnered with developers to highlight handheld-optimized titles, with Roblox fully supported at launch. This partnership marks a bold step for Xbox to expand its ecosystem into portable gaming, blending ASUS’s hardware innovation with Microsoft’s gaming software prowess to create a versatile, player-centric experience.

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