The handheld gaming market is rapidly catching up with the console and PC gaming sector when it comes to delivering high-resolution and fully optimized performance on the move. Joining the fray alongside the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS are the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld consoles.

The result of a long-anticipated partnership between Microsoft and ASUS’ ROG division, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are two devices that promise to deliver impressive gaming performance. In addition to full compatibility with the Xbox games library, the consoles are expected to be linked to the Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect game stores.

Both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X can be linked to Game Pass accounts, while the creators of Roblox are planning on creating their first game natively playable on a gaming handheld. In terms of the console’s controls and features, both feature a dedicated physical Xbox button, with a Game Bar overlay for quick switching between games, apps, and other media.

Performance varies between devices, with the ROG Xbox Ally using an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The Ally X delivers a more powerful 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, with both models sporting a seven-inch 16:9 display at 1080p, with 500 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate.

With cutting-edge haptic feedback and an extensive back catalog of titles to choose from, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are hot contenders for the best handheld console of 2025.

In other news, check out the Lenovo Legion Go S.