Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds launch Oct 16: Specs, price, release

New Delhi: At Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Microsoft and ASUS confirmed the global launch of two new handheld gaming consoles the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. The date is set for October 16, 2025, across more than thirty markets, but Indian gamers will need to wait a bit longer as local availability is expected after the global rollout.

The devices mark Xbox’s most ambitious attempt at building a proper handheld ecosystem, with direct Game Pass integration, AI-powered performance features, and a new compatibility program designed to make gaming on the go smoother.

Both Xbox Ally models will release on October 16, 2025, across the US, UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada. China will initially get only the Ally X, with the base Ally coming next year. Microsoft said India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand are among the additional markets that will follow after the first wave.

Dealabs earlier reported prices of $549 (₹47,763) for the base Xbox Ally and $899 (₹78,213) for the Ally X in the US. Microsoft, however, did not confirm pricing during Gamescom, citing "macro-economic conditions,” and promised that final pre-order details will be revealed closer to launch.

The ROG Xbox Ally handheld is being pitched as the entry option, while the black-coloured Xbox Ally X is built for players who want higher-end performance. Both share a 7-inch 1080p screen with 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support.

Both models run Windows 11 Home and include a new Xbox full-screen mode optimised for handheld gaming. There’s also a dedicated Xbox button with a revamped Game Bar overlay for easier access to friends, settings, and quick resume.

Microsoft also unveiled a new Handheld Compatibility Program at Gamescom. Games in the library will carry labels like Handheld Optimised or Mostly Compatible, so players can quickly see which titles are expected to run smoothly. A Windows Performance Fit indicator will further guide users about performance expectations before they boot up a game.

The Xbox Ally X will eventually gain AI-powered features such as Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) to upscale games with smoother frame rates, and AI highlight reels to automatically capture key gameplay moments.

Microsoft also teased advanced shader delivery, aimed at reducing stutter during the first game launch while improving battery efficiency. Regular software updates are planned for docking, controller pairing, and display improvements.

The lineup will support accessories under the Designed for Xbox program. ASUS confirmed the upcoming ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller, which launches later this year with anti-drift joysticks, dual-mode triggers, and a 1,000Hz polling rate.

This feels like Microsoft is finally treating handhelds as a proper category, not just a side project. The bigger battery on the Ally X is something many will appreciate, while the compatibility program could be the feature that decides whether this works in the long run.