Microsoft has made a significant move into the handheld gaming market, unveiling its new console duo during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. The presentation featured a visually striking trailer, showcasing a floating block of ice that transforms into the handheld device, culminating in the emergence of the Xbox logo. The two models, the ROG Xbox Ally and its more robust counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X, are designed with a unique aesthetic—essentially a pair of controllers affixed to a wide screen. Both devices are anticipated to hit the market this holiday season, although specifics regarding pricing, accessories, and preorder options remain undisclosed.
Microsoft’s Long-Awaited Entry
The arrival of a true Xbox handheld has been a long time coming. While competitors such as Nintendo, Sony, and Valve have successfully launched handheld or hybrid consoles, Microsoft has been relatively slow to embrace portable gaming. This delay has arguably cost the company a competitive edge against popular devices like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. Despite its commitment to the concept of “Xbox anywhere,” the absence of a portable console has been a notable gap in Microsoft’s gaming strategy.
Developed in collaboration with ASUS, the Ally consoles will enable users to engage in gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the handheld itself. Both models will operate on Windows 11, a choice that has sparked mixed reactions due to the operating system’s controversial features, such as pop-up ads and a less-than-favorable start menu. Nevertheless, the consoles promise access to a wide array of PC games, modding capabilities, and popular applications like Discord and Twitch, while also incorporating the accessibility features that Xbox is known for. Players will enjoy seamless integration across Xbox, PC storefronts, Game Pass, and Battle.net, allowing for a cohesive gaming experience across platforms.
In a previous conversation with The Verge, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged the company’s efforts to learn from Nintendo’s success with the Switch. He has also expressed admiration for other handheld devices, including the Steam Deck and the ROG handheld. A leak from Microsoft in September 2023 hinted at a “hybrid game platform” expected to launch in 2028, further fueling speculation about the company’s future in this space. Xbox fans have noted Spencer’s engagement with tweets suggesting that a handheld console was “inevitable.”
The Appeal of Portability
As the gaming landscape evolves, the focus has shifted from merely enhancing console power to creating devices that offer portability. The allure of gaming on the go—whether on a plane or from the comfort of one’s bed—has become increasingly appealing. Many gamers, myself included, find that while powerful consoles like the Xbox Series X may sit unused, handheld devices like the Switch are indispensable travel companions. Titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may draw players back to their Xbox briefly, but the desire for portable options remains strong.
Initial impressions of the Ally consoles have been encouraging. GameFile noted, “It ran nicely, felt good in my hands … the controls felt like Xbox controller grips,” while IGN highlighted the crisp gameplay experience, albeit with suggestions for a more intuitive user interface. A writer from The Guardian remarked on the potential for the Ally to emerge as a serious contender against both the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck.
Timing and Game Library
Microsoft’s entry into the handheld market comes at a time when a variety of major video games are available across different handheld platforms. With the Switch 2 already on the market, Nintendo has a head start as the holiday season approaches, raising concerns about potential tariffs or production challenges that could affect Microsoft’s launch. However, Microsoft boasts a robust library of games, showcased during Xbox’s Summer Game Fest. Upcoming titles include Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outerworlds 2, a remake of Persona 4, and the highly anticipated sequel Silksong for Hollow Knight. Notably, the Ally will debut with the immensely popular Roblox, marking its first availability on a handheld device. This extensive game library could provide Xbox with the competitive edge it needs—or at the very least, a fighting chance in the evolving gaming landscape.
