Microsoft has finally revealed the launch date for its Xbox handheld, the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, first announced in June 2025. Microsoft and ASUS aim to launch the duo on October 16, 2025. While the exact price of each console remains unknown, Microsoft revealed more details about them, including a new compatibility program that will help you ensure the games you want to play can run on each device.
Unlike existing PC-based handhelds, the ROG Ally offers a few unique features that aim to improve handheld PC gaming. Those include a dedicated, purpose-built, full-screen Xbox experience based on Windows 11. The ROG Ally and Ally X boot directly to the game launcher, and the OS itself has several modifications that minimize background activity to make sure games have access to as many resources as possible.
The handhelds also have a dedicated Xbox button that can open an "enhanced Game Bar overlay." The latter lets you browse your library, launch games, access social features, and more. Speaking of game libraries, you will be able to browse games in one place from different stores, be it Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, or something else.
Microsoft has also announced the new Handheld Compatibility Program, a new initiative designed to help users find supported games. In the announcement post, Microsoft says it partnered with multiple game studios to test, optimize, and verify thousands of games. This will allow users to start playing without tweaking settings, installing additional software, or connecting extra hardware.
The new initiative is similar to Valve"s Steam Deck Verified. Users will see games with one of the following badges:
- Handheld Optimized: These games are ready to play, and they have mapped controller inputs, an easy-to-use text input method, clear text, and proper resolution in full-screen mode.
- Mostly Compatible: These games run, but they might require a few in-game settings tweaks.
There are two more badges that indicate performance expectations: "Should play great" and "Should play well.
Future updates for both consoles will deliver additional features, including Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for image upscaling powered by the NPU in the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and Highlight reels, an AI-powered video capture system that records various interesting moments of your gameplay.
Also, Microsoft is working on Advanced Shader Delivery, a new feature that preloads shaders during download so that games can launch up to 10 times faster, run smoother, and consume less power. Gamers can also look forward to a wide range of accessories and enhancements to the docking experience.
You can read more about the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X in the announcement post.