Microsoft is rolling out what it calls the Handheld Compatibility Program ahead of the launch of its Rog Ally handhelds.

In a post on Xbox Wire, the company detailed the scheme, which is designed to highlight what games are ready to go on the soon-to-be-released hardware. Basically, it's Microsoft's version of Valve's Deck Verified initiative for the Steam Deck. 

Xbox has divided its titles into two sections; Handheld Optimised, which are games fully ready to play on the ROG Ally hardware – meaning native controls work, it has an "intuitive" method of inputting text, text is readable and so on. The other is Mostly Compatible, which represents titles that require "minor" tweaks to get them running on the tech. 

There's one final wrinkle to Microsoft's verification scheme and that is the Windows Performance Fit, which lets players know how a game will perform on the hardware. 

"But our work doesn’t stop there," wrote Roanne Sones, Xbox's CVP for gaming devices and ecosystem. 

"We’re continuing to partner with developers to submit new and existing PC titles for handheld compatibility testing, so you can continue to grow your library of handheld compatible games over time." 

The ROG Xbox Ally hardware is set to launch on October 16th. There's no word on pricing just yet but the rumours suggest that the base model will cost $549.99, while the beefier ROG Xbox Ally X will set consumers back $899.99.