Xbox Handheld Pricing and Release Date Confirmed

Microsoft has finally announced the official pricing for its upcoming handhelds:

• ROG Xbox Ally – £499 GBP / $599 USD

• ROG Xbox Ally X – £799 GBP / $999 USD

Launch Date: October 16, 2025

Back on August 20, 2025, Microsoft confirmed that both handhelds – the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X – will launch globally on October 16, 2025.

This follows the original announcement from June 2025, when Microsoft first revealed it was entering the handheld gaming market with two new devices built in partnership with ASUS.

Built for Xbox Gamers

Designed from the Ground Up

According to ASUS, the handhelds were “built from the ground up,” while Microsoft says it has “dedicated years” to this project. Both devices are designed for comfort and familiarity, featuring contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers for a natural, all-day gaming feel.

Shared Features

• 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen (16:9)

• 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium

• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4

• Identical dimensions and button layouts

ROG Xbox Ally: Entry-Level Model

The standard Ally is designed as the more affordable option, targeting casual players.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A

• RAM & Storage: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

• Performance: Optimized for 720p gaming (1080p capable)

• Battery: 60Wh

• Ports: Two USB 3.2 Type-C

ROG Xbox Ally X: High-End Option

The Ally X is built for gamers who want more power and endurance.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

• RAM & Storage: 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD

• Battery: 80Wh

• Ports: One USB 4 Type-C + microSD expansion

• Extra: Double the storage and more powerful hardware than the base Ally

A New Xbox Interface for Handheld Gaming

While both handhelds are technically gaming PCs running Windows, they won’t boot into the standard desktop interface. Instead, Microsoft has developed a custom Xbox front-end designed for handheld use.

This full-screen Xbox UI streamlines performance by stripping away unnecessary Windows processes, freeing up RAM and processing power for faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a more console-like experience.