Microsoft may soon reveal the official release date for its first-ever handheld gaming consoles — the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X — according to a new report. Industry insider billbil-kun claims the devices will launch on October 16, 2025, with pre-orders opening on August 20, coinciding with Gamescom 2025.
The tech giant is expected to showcase both handhelds at its Gamescom booth, offering demos of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. These devices are co-developed with Asus and were first announced during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase in June.
Features and Performance
The ROG Xbox Ally series marks Microsoft’s first Windows-based handheld consoles, running a customised version of Windows 11 optimised for smaller screens and faster performance.
Pricing and Models
As per French publication Dealabs , the European price for the standard ROG Xbox Ally is expected to be €599, while the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, may cost €899. These prices could vary by region and are not yet officially confirmed. For comparison, the Asus ROG Ally X — the blueprint for Microsoft’s version — is priced at €900 in France and about $900 in the US.
Xbox Interface: Boots directly into a console-style UI with streamlined software.
Game Library Access: Supports Xbox Game Pass, PC titles, and third-party launchers like Steam and Epic Games Store.
Expanded Use: Dual-boot capability allows access to the full Windows desktop for apps and emulation.
Both models use AMD’s Ryzen Z2 processors and can support up to 24GB RAM, with the X variant offering enhanced power and battery life.
Why It Matters
While priced above the current Xbox Series X (around $600), the ROG Xbox Ally lineup brings portability plus full PC gaming compatibility, allowing users to play everything from Halo Infinite to PlayStation-published PC hits like God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn.
If Microsoft confirms the reported dates, Gamescom could bring the first clear look at launch timelines, regional pricing, and preorder details.
