Xbox Ally: A New Handheld Rival to Steam Deck, Collaborates with Asus ROG

The newly unveiled Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest 2025, mark a powerful collaboration between Microsoft and Asus ROG. These handheld gaming devices are set to launch later this year and are positioned as strong contenders in the growing handheld PC gaming market—directly rivaling devices like the Steam Deck.

A Fresh Take on Handheld Gaming

Developed under the codename Project Kennan, the Xbox Ally series aims to deliver a seamless hybrid of console-style convenience with the flexibility of PC gaming. Both models boot directly into a full-screen Xbox interface, offering immediate access to your game library across platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net.

Xbox Ally vs. Xbox Ally X – What’s the Difference?

• The Xbox Ally (white model) is built for efficient 720p gameplay. It features:

  • AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor
  • 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • 512GB SSD storage

• The Xbox Ally X (black model) steps it up, targeting resolutions from 900p to 1080p performance. Its specs include:

  • AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip with a 50 TOPs NPU
  • 24GB faster RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate

Both units feature high-capacity batteries—60Wh for the Ally and an impressive 80Wh for the Ally X, representing a significant upgrade over previous Asus ROG Ally models. Running a streamlined version of Windows 11, these devices aim to maximize battery life while minimizing background processes for a smoother, more responsive experience.

A Highlight Reveal: Hollow Knight: Silksong

One of the most exciting moments during the showcase was the live demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong running smoothly on one of the devices. This moment not only confirmed that the device is capable of handling demanding indie titles but also generated massive excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting the game's release.

With premium hardware, optimized software, and a console-like UI, the Xbox Ally lineup brings a new level of polish to handheld PC gaming. As competition heats up, the battle for portable dominance has never been fiercer.