Microsoft and Asus team up for Xbox Ally gaming handhelds

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Microsoft and Asus are shaking up portable gaming with the launch of two brand-new Xbox Ally handhelds, designed specifically for a smoother, more console-like experience in a PC-powered device. 

Set to debut later this year, these handhelds are the result of a close collaboration between the two companies under a project called Project Kennan.

There will be two versions of the new handheld:

• The white Xbox Ally focuses on 720p gaming, using a newly revealed AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
• The black Xbox Ally X targets 1080p gaming, powered by a more advanced Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.

Both share a 7-inch 1080p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support, making them great for fast-paced gameplay. 

The Ally X even includes impulse triggers, like on an Xbox controller, for more immersive haptic feedback.

What really sets these handhelds apart is a new Xbox full-screen interface built into Windows. 

Instead of dealing with menus and desktop clutter, the device boots straight into a streamlined Xbox-style dashboard, where players can access games from Xbox, Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, and more. 

Thanks to a dedicated Xbox button, you can quickly jump back into the main interface, and with updated software features, users can now navigate the system with just the controller, skipping the need for touch inputs entirely.

Microsoft and Asus also focused heavily on battery life and cooling. The standard Xbox Ally packs a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X gets a massive 80Wh battery, one of the largest ever in a handheld. 

Combined with the efficiency of AMD’s new chips and smarter Windows management, users can expect longer playtime and quieter operation.

For extra power, you can also connect the devices to external GPUs, like Asus’ XG Mobile unit with an RTX 5090, transforming the handheld into a full-blown gaming rig.

The new Xbox Ally handhelds are expected to launch this holiday season, with pricing and pre-order details coming soon.

Do you like this new gaming handheld? Will you be buying one? Tell us what you think below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.