The Xbox Ally X Is Real — Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft’

After months of rumors and leaks, Microsoft has finally made it official: the Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC is coming, and it’s set to launch during the holiday season of 2025. This is the first true Xbox-branded handheld device, designed to bring PC gaming in a portable form factor, powered by Windows 11 tailored specifically for handheld use.

Two Versions: Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X

Microsoft revealed two versions of its new handheld:

• The Xbox Ally X — the premium model featuring the brand-new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, 24GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a powerful RDNA 3.5 GPU with 16 cores. It also boasts an 80Wh battery and a 1080p, 120Hz display with VRR and FreeSync Premium support.

• The standard Xbox Ally — a lighter, less powerful model running on the AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip with 4 cores/8 threads, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and RDNA 2 GPU cores. It has a smaller 60Wh battery but shares many of the same design principles.

The Xbox Ally X’s chip includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 50 TOPs of AI performance, essentially turning it into a “Copilot+” gaming laptop in handheld form — perfect timing as Microsoft integrates Copilot deeper into the Xbox ecosystem.

What Makes Xbox Ally Unique?

Unlike previous Windows handhelds that struggled with Windows 11’s desktop-focused interface, the Xbox Ally series will boot directly into a new, handheld-optimized Xbox App. This redesigned app will be your central hub for launching all your PC games across platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and more — no more fumbling around Windows menus.

Microsoft has worked closely with Asus — makers of the ROG Ally X — to tune the hardware and software experience. The goal is to make handheld PC gaming intuitive, smooth, and truly portable without the usual compromises.

How Does It Compare?

If you’re familiar with the Asus ROG Ally X released in 2024, the Xbox Ally X shares many specs and features, including the 1080p 120Hz display with VRR. This suggests a premium gaming experience that competes with other handheld PCs but with deep integration into Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem.

When Can You Get One?

Microsoft has not revealed an official release date but expects the Xbox Ally and Ally X to launch during the 2025 holiday season. Pricing isn’t confirmed yet either, but considering the specs and comparisons to the ROG Ally X, expect something in the $700-$800 range for the Ally X.

What This Means for Gamers

The Xbox Ally series represents a major leap for handheld gaming PCs, especially for Xbox and PC gamers wanting to take their libraries on the go. With a dedicated handheld Xbox experience, AI-powered hardware, and high-end specs, Microsoft is finally bridging the gap between console gaming and portable PC gaming.

As Windows handhelds become more refined and user-friendly, 2025 looks to be an exciting year for gamers craving powerful gaming wherever they are.

Stay tuned to Denny’s Mod Shop for all the latest Xbox Ally news, and get ready for the next generation of handheld gaming!