The rumors were true. After months of whispers about “Project Kennan,” Microsoft and ASUS have officially pulled back the curtain, and what they’ve shown is a potential game-changer for PC gaming on the go. Say hello to the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, two super-charged PC gaming handhelds aiming to deliver a true, next-level Windows gaming experience later this year.
This isn’t just another hardware partnership; it’s a deep collaboration that tackles the biggest complaints about Windows on devices like these: battery life and OS overhead. And let’s be real, that’s the secret sauce we’ve all been waiting for.
What is the Xbox Ally? A True PC Powerhouse
At its core, the Xbox Ally is an ASUS-built PC gaming handheld co-designed with Microsoft. It’s designed to be a premium, portable Windows 11 machine that leverages Xbox’s design knowledge and software ecosystem. But the real headline here is the custom AMD silicon and a revolutionary new version of the Xbox app that promises to finally make Windows feel right at home on a handheld.
Microsoft and ASUS are dropping two distinct models to give gamers options.
The Xbox Ally: The Mainstream Challenger
The base model, reportedly aimed at the mass market, according to Windows Central, is designed for gamers seeking a solid, reliable handheld. It’s packing a new AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor focused on power efficiency, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Don’t let the “base model” tag fool you. This thing is still a beast, reportedly capable of running well-optimized AAA and indie games, per Windows Central. It’s for the gamer who wants a solid, reliable handheld without necessarily needing to push every single setting to Ultra.
The Xbox Ally X: The Premium Beast
This is the one for the spec-heads. The Xbox Ally X is the no-compromise, premium option. It’s powered by the top-tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, which includes an AI Boost NPU for future-facing tech like advanced frame generation. It also comes loaded with a massive 24GB of ultra-fast LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a larger 80Wh battery.
a console-level experience in the palm of your hands. This monster is going to be a performance king, but you can bet it’ll have a price tag to match.
| Category | Xbox Ally | Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) |
| Display | 7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7″ 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics with AI Boost |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x USB4 Type-C w/ Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader (DDR200), 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Network | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Audio | Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone | Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone |
| Dimensions & Weight | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 670g | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm, 715g |
| Launch Date | Holiday 2025 | Holiday 2025 |
| Price | Unknown | Unknown |
The Real Game-Changer: A Revamped Windows for the Xbox Ally
Okay, let’s talk about the biggest news. The Xbox Ally devices will launch with an exclusive (for now) version of the Xbox app and Windows 11 that could finally solve the handheld headache.
For the first time, you can set the Xbox app to a full-screen mode that completely takes over. This isn’t just a skin like Steam Big Picture; it fundamentally changes how the OS runs. When active, it:
- Disables non-essential Windows processes, including the entire desktop shell.
- Frees up to 2GB of RAM and redirects it straight to your game.
- Reduces idle power consumption by two-thirds, which is massive for battery life.
Even better, you can still multitask using a new Xbox Game Bar and alt-tab interface, so you won’t lose access to Discord or Chrome. It’s the versatility of Windows without the performance-sapping bloat. This is a huge deal, and Microsoft says these features will eventually roll out to other devices in early 2026.
Design, Ergonomics, and Release Date
The design is unmistakably ASUS ROG, but with a heavy dose of Xbox DNA. You’ll see the Xbox font on the face buttons, and the triggers and joysticks are shared with standard Xbox controllers. The grips are chunkier, but for a good reason—they’ve been retooled with Xbox’s ergonomic data to improve balance and reduce hand fatigue for those long gaming sessions.
So, when can you get your hands on one? Both the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are slated for a Holiday 2025 launch.
Pricing is still under wraps, but we’re bracing our wallets. Given the tech inside, don’t expect these to be cheap.
This is the most aggressive move Microsoft has made in the handheld space, and it puts them in direct competition with the Steam Deck. By tackling the software, they’re addressing the one area where Windows handhelds have consistently stumbled. If they nail the performance and the price, the Xbox Ally could very well become the new king of the hill.
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