Microsoft officially unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld consoles in partnership with ASUS during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. Scheduled for release in December, the devices promise to combine the performance of Xbox with the flexibility of Windows 11, in addition to debuting Roblox natively on a portable console.
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The models come in two versions: one more affordable and another geared towards demanding gamers. Furthermore, both allow you to play Xbox, Steam, and other platforms, with the promise of high performance and immediate access to the Game Pass ecosystem. Thus, native compatibility with Roblox marks an important step in the platform's expansion among mobile gamers.
Microsoft's portable consoles hit the market with an ambitious proposal
Developed in partnership with ASUS Republic of Gamers, both models are expected to hit stores in late 2025, just in time for the holiday season. The project aims to offer a complete experience for gamers who want portability without sacrificing performance and the variety of games available in the Xbox ecosystem.
The ROG Xbox Ally is the entry-level model, focusing on accessibility and value for money. The ROG Xbox Ally X is aimed at enthusiasts, with more robust specifications. Both will come with Windows 11, which expands access not only to Game Pass, but also to platforms like Steam and Battle.net. Thus, the proposal is to deliver a portable console with the freedom of a gaming PC.
Technical differences between the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X
While they share the same core design, the two models feature distinct configurations. The ROG Xbox Ally will feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of internal storage. The Ally X, on the other hand, will feature the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. The aim is to cater to both casual and demanding gamers.
In addition to superior performance, the X model offers longer battery life and a more ergonomic design. Both devices support local gaming, cloud gaming, and streaming via Xbox Remote, allowing players to continue their game even when away from their main console. The physical Xbox button on the chassis of the handhelds reinforces the brand's focus on user experience.
Roblox will be playable natively for the first time on a handheld console
One of the most notable announcements was the inclusion of Roblox as a native game on the ROG Xbox handheld consoles. For the first time, the platform will be optimized from launch to run on Windows mobile devices. This opens up new possibilities for both players and content creators in the Roblox community.
According to the company, this integration will allow experiences already created in the Roblox ecosystem to be enjoyed with minimal adaptation effort. The public will have immediate access to millions of immersive experiences, while developers will be able to reach an engaged and growing user base, especially in the mobile segment.
Portability as a trend and opportunity for expansion in the gaming market
The portable console market has expanded rapidly with the success of devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Microsoft's entry into this segment with a hybrid offering that combines the power of Xbox and the versatility of Windows strategically positions the company to meet gamers' new demands.
The partnership with ASUS adds credibility and technical expertise to the project, while the holiday launch could boost initial sales. The ability to access multiple digital stores and multiplatform titles on a single device
