Microsoft has partnered with hardware firm Asus for its first-ever portable Xbox.
The Big M has announced two consoles as part of this initiative; the Xbox Ally and the slightly more beefy Xbox Ally X, both of which are powered by – surprise, surprise – Windows 11. Being Windows-based, there's greater compatibility with other launchers out the box, including Battle.net. Of course, Game Pass is front and centre, too, as is the Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming service.
Outside of an improved and apparently more efficient edition of Windows 11 focused on games, it's not clear how much difference there is between this Xbox hardware and ROG's existing line-up of Ally handhelds.
"With the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, players can look forward to an approachable gaming experience that travels with you wherever you go, featuring several new and first-of-their kind features on both devices—from an immersive Xbox full screen experience, an aggregated gaming library with access to installed games from leading PC storefronts, and more," Roanne Sones, Xbox's SVP of gaming devices and ecosystem wrote on Xbox Wire.
"We’ve optimised Windows 11 to be easy to use on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X from the moment you power on. Game Bar makes it easy to return home, browse your library, launch or quit games, chat with friends, open apps, adjust settings, and more."
There's no price info yet but the tech is set to launch towards the end of 2025.