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Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Enters Handheld Gaming Market with ROG Xbox Ally

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Microsoft has announced its entry into the handheld gaming console market with the ROG Xbox Ally, a device designed in partnership with Asus and its gaming sub-brand ROG. The ROG Xbox Ally and its more powerful variant, ROG Xbox Ally X, are souped-up versions of existing Asus ROG Ally handheld hardware, but instead of running Windows, they boot into a dedicated Xbox app operating system, allowing access to digital Xbox games and Game Pass games via the cloud.

Microsoft's decision to enter the handheld gaming market with the ROG Xbox Ally is seen as a low-risk move, leveraging existing hardware and focusing on the Xbox ecosystem. The device will support third-party PC apps like Discord and rival storefronts like Steam, Epic Games, and GOG, making it a versatile gaming device. The ROG Xbox Ally X is designed for 1080p gaming, while the entry-level ROG Xbox Ally targets 720p.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ROG Xbox Ally is a redesigned version of the Asus ROG Ally handheld hardware, optimized for Xbox gaming.
  • The device boots into a dedicated Xbox app operating system, providing access to digital Xbox games and Game Pass games via the cloud.
  • The device will support third-party PC apps like Discord and rival storefronts like Steam, Epic Games, and GOG.
  • The ROG Xbox Ally X is designed for 1080p gaming, using an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
  • The entry-level ROG Xbox Ally targets 720p, using an AMD Ryzen 2A processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
  • The device features a 7in, 1080p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support.
  • The Xbox controller's impulse triggers are included, delivering more realistic haptic feedback.
  • Microsoft has yet to reveal prices for the ROG Xbox Ally, but the existing ROG Ally costs £449, and the ROG Ally X is £799.

Statistics:

  • The ROG Xbox Ally is due to launch later in 2025.
  • The device will support Xbox games and Game Pass games via the cloud.
  • The ROG Xbox Ally X is based on the current ROG Ally X from Asus, which features a powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with 24GB of RAM.
  • The entry-level ROG Xbox Ally targets 720p and uses an AMD Ryzen 2A processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
  • The ROG Xbox Ally gets longer, contoured hand grips that resemble the Xbox controller.
  • The Xbox controller's impulse triggers deliver more realistic haptic feedback.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] - "Microsoft Enters Handheld Gaming Market with ROG Xbox Ally" by Steve Hogarty, The Guardian
  • [Source 2] - "Asus ROG Ally X" on Currys.co.uk
  • [Source 3] - "Steam Deck" on Steampowered.com

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