Confirmed: ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Launch Oct. 16 — Microsoft and ASUS’ Windows Xbox Handhelds Hit Stores

The release date for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X has been confirmed: both handhelds will arrive in stores on Oct. 16. Microsoft announced the date during the first of two Xbox broadcasts from Gamescom, where attendees could try the devices and play a new demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong.

What the announcement covers: release date, where it was announced, hardware specs for both models, software and compatibility details, Microsoft’s handheld program and future hardware direction.

Release date and Gamescom demo

Microsoft and Asus revealed that the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X will be available on Oct. 16. The announcement came during an Xbox broadcast at Gamescom, and both handhelds were on-site for attendees to test using a demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Models and hardware specs

Microsoft presented two models with concrete specifications. The premium model, the ROG Xbox Ally X, includes an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme GPU, 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. The standard model, the ROG Xbox Ally, ships with an AMD Ryzen 2A processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

Software and compatibility

Both handhelds run a custom version of Windows 11 and present a full-screen Xbox interface. They are compatible with Xbox Game Pass titles and Xbox Play Anywhere games. In addition, users can install and link libraries from other PC game launchers such as Steam, GOG and Battle.net.

Handheld Compatibility Program

Microsoft is rolling out a Handheld Compatibility Program for PC games. The program will tag games with Handheld Optimized and Mostly Compatible badges, similar in intent to Valve’s Steam Deck verification system.

Future Xbox hardware direction

Separately, Microsoft announced a partnership with AMD on future Xbox hardware. Xbox president Sarah Bond indicated that upcoming Xbox consoles would be Windows-based and would permit users to install other storefronts like Steam.