Microsoft and Asus Launch Xbox Ally Handhelds with New Fullscreen Xbox Experience

Microsoft and Asus have teamed up to launch two new handheld gaming devices under the Xbox Ally brand, marking a significant evolution in portable PC gaming. These devices come with a fresh fullscreen Xbox experience designed to simplify Windows and focus entirely on gaming, addressing previous frustrations with navigating Windows on handhelds.

Two Models Tailored for Different Gaming Needs

The white Xbox Ally targets 720p gaming and is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Meanwhile, the black Xbox Ally X offers enhanced performance with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of faster RAM, and a 1TB SSD, supporting gaming resolutions from 900p to 1080p.

Both models feature a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support, along with Xbox-style contoured grips for comfortable handheld play. The Xbox Ally X enhances immersion with impulse triggers that provide haptic feedback, replicating in-game sensations like terrain texture and shooting impacts.

Revolutionizing Software with the Fullscreen Xbox Experience

The standout innovation is the new fullscreen Xbox experience on Windows, which boots directly into a streamlined interface that hides the traditional Windows desktop and background processes. This approach frees up system resources for gaming and creates a more intuitive, joystick-friendly environment.

Gamers can access their entire PC game library—including titles from the Microsoft Store, Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games Store, and others—in one unified interface within the Xbox PC app. This aggregation simplifies game discovery and launch, similar to platforms like GOG Galaxy.

Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play integration allow users to stream games from their Xbox consoles or the cloud, offering flexibility whether games are installed locally or streamed over Wi-Fi.

The interface also supports controller-based login and a handheld-optimized Game Bar for quick access to apps like Discord, settings, and multitasking without relying on touchscreen controls.

Efficiency and Battery Life Take Center Stage

Both Xbox Ally devices emphasize efficiency to deliver cooler, quieter gameplay and extended battery life. The Xbox Ally uses a 60Wh battery—50% larger than its predecessor—while the Xbox Ally X packs an 80Wh battery, the largest in any handheld gaming PC today.

Microsoft’s software optimizations also reduce power consumption significantly when the device is idle or asleep, contributing to longer play sessions.

For users seeking even more power, Asus offers an optional XG mobile dock featuring an RTX 5090 laptop GPU, enabling desktop-class gaming performance on the handheld devices.

What This Means for the Future of Handheld Gaming

Microsoft and Asus’s collaboration signals a new era where handheld gaming PCs are no longer hampered by traditional desktop operating systems. By merging the best of Xbox and Windows into a seamless, handheld-optimized experience, they are setting a new standard for portable gaming.

Launching this holiday season, the Xbox Ally devices promise to deliver powerful, efficient, and user-friendly handheld gaming that appeals to both PC and console gamers. The integration of cloud gaming and remote play further expands gaming possibilities beyond local hardware.

This innovation invites developers and gamers alike to rethink how portable gaming can blend performance, accessibility, and convenience in one device.