If you're wondering whether Microsoft will ever launch a handheld Xbox console similar to the Nintendo Switch, the news you’ve been waiting for is finally here—kind of.
🚀 Official Xbox-Branded Handheld: ROG Xbox Ally (Coming Holiday 2025)
Yes—Microsoft has officially entered the handheld space through a partnership with ASUS, launching two Xbox-branded handheld PCs:
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ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X
Unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, the two devices are built around ASUS’s ROG Ally hardware, but customized with Xbox branding and a console-like experience RedditNotebookcheck+9The Sun+9Reddit+9Game Informer+13Lifewire+13Indiatimes+13press.asus.com+13Polygon+13GameSpot+13. -
Specs & Features:
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Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 7″ 120 Hz screen, handheld UI optimized for Xbox Game Pass, Cloud, Steam, Battle.net, and more moneycontrol.com+2Forbes+2Wikipedia+2.
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Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, high-end battery life and ports including USB‑C with Thunderbolt support and impulse triggers familiar from Xbox controllers Wikipedia+4Forbes+4GameSpot+4.
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Launch Timing: Both models are slated for Holiday 2025 and available in global markets including the US, UK, Sweden, Japan, Australia, and more Pure Xbox+5Pure Xbox+5The Sun+5.
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Pricing (Estimated): No official price yet, but speculation suggests around $600 for Ally and $800–$999 for Ally X, unless Microsoft subsidizes part of the cost moneycontrol.com+15The Sun+159meters+15.
🧠 What About Microsoft's Own Handheld Console?
Earlier in 2024 and 2025, Microsoft hinted at developing a first-party Xbox handheld (codename "Project Keenan"), potentially launching in 2027 or later. However, recent reports indicate that Microsoft has indefinitely shelved this in-house hardware project to focus on optimizing handheld gaming experiences via Windows and partnerships like the ROG Ally series Reddit+15Retro Handhelds - Play It Forever+159meters+15.
Even Phil Spencer, Xbox’s head, has said:
"I think we should have a handheld, too," but also emphasized the importance of local (offline) gameplay—something he felt cloud-only devices lack Windows Central+15Notebookcheck+15Wikipedia+15.
✅ Summary: Xbox Handheld Timeline
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a new Xbox handheld now? | Yes—the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X coming in Holiday 2025. |
| Is Microsoft making its own handheld after that? | Possibly, but that in-house project is currently delayed/paused. |
| What will the handheld run on? | Windows 11 with an Xbox-optimized interface, plus support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and more. |
🎯 Why This Matters
Microsoft is shifting away from hardware development in favor of making Xbox a platform across devices—focusing on software, services, and PC-based ecosystems. The ROG Xbox Ally devices represent this new strategy: console-like Xbox gameplay, powered by Windows, in a portable form GameSpot+1Indiatimes+1Windows Central+159meters+15Pure Xbox+15Wikipedia+2Retro Handhelds - Play It Forever+2Reddit+2Polygon+15Tom's Hardware+15Reddit+15Forbes.
🛍️ Looking Ahead: What to Expect
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Holiday 2025: Launch of ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X; preorder details should follow in the coming months.
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Long-term: If Microsoft brings back its own Xbox-branded handheld (2027 or later), expect tighter integration and possibly enhanced portability built from the ground up for console gaming.
💬 Final Thoughts
Microsoft is officially stepping into handheld gaming—not with traditional consoles but via high-performance Windows devices like the ROG Xbox Ally series, coming this holiday season. While the company hasn’t ruled out making its own console-style handheld in the future, for now, its vision emphasizes partnerships that bring the full Xbox experience anywhere you go.
