Microsoft is making a big move into portable gaming , officially unveiling its new console, the ROG Xbox Ally , after years of rumors and speculation.
The new portable device, created in partnership with Asus , promises to bring the Xbox experience and Game Pass subscription to the palm of your hand, with two versions, Windows support, and access to hundreds of titles - both natively and via cloud or remote play. Its release is expected in late 2025 , but the price has not yet been announced.
Speculation about Microsoft building a portable Xbox has been widespread for more than a decade, with the company launching and rejecting various attempts over the years.
Microsoft's announcement comes just three days after the launch of the Switch 2 .
Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 is a hybrid gaming device—meaning it can be played both on the go and connected to a TV.
Its success likely led to the design of Valve's Steam Deck, a portable computer that gives gamers access to their entire library of titles they've purchased through the Steam game distribution service—though not all games work on the device.
This means Microsoft can be accused of being slightly late to the game when there are already rivals in the space, but the advantage of native Game Pass support will likely address many concerns for its 34 million subscribers .
Two versions
As reported by the BBC , Microsoft's new portable device will be released in two versions , the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X.
“Whether you’re at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you,” said Xbox head of gaming devices, Roanne Sones.
"Both portable devices allow gamers to play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console in another room."
The two versions both share a 7-inch display with 1080p resolution .
The base version has 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, while the “X” version has 24GB of memory and double the storage .
The more powerful version of the mobile device also features a larger battery and a more powerful processor.
In both cases, Xbox will hope to convince gamers that it offers something its competitors don't - Microsoft's operating system .
“Because these portable devices run Windows, you have access to games you can’t find elsewhere, so you can enjoy the full freedom and flexibility of PC gaming,” said Ms. Sones.
In other words, gamers can leave the Xbox app and launch other gaming platforms—like Steam and EA Play—through the device.
However, all these features come at a cost in terms of weight.
At 670g and 715g respectively, the base and X versions of the Xbox Ally may be heavier than what handheld gamers are used to - with Nintendo's new Switch 2 weighing considerably less, at 534g .
And one big unanswered question remains - the price.
Microsoft decided not to reveal how much its new portable device will cost , but it goes without saying that the more powerful X version will also be more expensive.
The Switch 2, which has a similar screen, is sold in the UK for €465, while the Steam Deck costs between €410 and €675 depending on specifications.
Games revealed
Part of Game Pass' success is that many highly anticipated new releases appear on the service on launch day , meaning players can save money on their subscription—though you do lose access to a game if you cancel your subscription.
At the launch event where it unveiled the new handheld, Microsoft announced several new games—including the reveal that 17 new titles will be coming to Game Pass PC & Ultimate on day one .
Many of these are highly anticipated games, such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Outer Worlds 2.
It also includes the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 when it releases - likely later this year.
The new game will be the sequel to Black Ops 2, which has received rave reviews and was first released in 2012.
Interestingly, while the game was confirmed for several consoles, there was no mention of the Switch 2 at the event - despite Nintendo previously signing a 10-year deal to bring the series to its consoles in 2022.
But there's something else that many gaming fans would be excited to finally see revealed.
The long-awaited remake of Persona 4, subtitled Revival, is set to be remade 17 years after its first release on PlayStation 2 .
The original game, in which a group of friends investigate a series of murders in the Japanese countryside, is considered a classic.
But fans of the series will have to wait, as Sega and Atlus did not share a release date for the remake.
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