Microsoft Unveils Its First-Ever Xbox Handhelds in an Exclusive GMA Tour
In a landmark moment for portable gaming, Microsoft lifted the lid on its first-ever handheld Xbox devices, introducing two models that pair Xbox gaming with full Windows 11 capability. The reveal came ahead of the company’s 25th anniversary and was showcased to a broad audience during a special segment with Good Morning America (GMA).
The devices, developed in collaboration with Asus, are the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally. Both models share a 7-inch display and run Windows 11, enabling users to play not only Xbox titles but also any PC or streamable game. The move signals Microsoft’s ambition to expand gaming beyond consoles and PCs into highly portable form factors that can be taken anywhere.
Design, Hardware, and the Vision for On-the-Go Gaming
Speaking with GMA correspondent Becky Worley, Xbox President Sarah Bond described how the devices transform the idea of a gaming library. “You can actually have your full high fidelity gaming library and have it in your hands and take it anywhere with you,” Bond said in an exclusive interview. A built-in feature further enhances the experience: the handhelds can resume a console game exactly where the player left off, continuing progress from the living room to the road in a seamless transition.
Executive insights from the product team were highlighted during a tour of Microsoft’s Redmond labs, including Building 87. Worley visited the 3D-printing lab, the machine shop, and a dedicated Xbox lab that maps how people might game in varied environments, even in airplane seats. This behind-the-scenes access offered a rare glimpse into the iterative development process that makes the handhelds more than just compact consoles.
Two Models, Two Audiences
The ROG Xbox Ally is positioned for casual gamers and is priced at $599, while the higher-performance ROG Xbox Ally X targets more demanding players with a higher price tag of $999. Both devices rely on Asus hardware engineering and a high-quality display that emphasizes color richness and fast refresh rates, according to Xbox design lead Carl Ledbetter.
“It has a high quality display, and both devices share the same display. It gives you rich color and a fast refresh rate,” Ledbetter explained to Worley, underscoring the handhelds’ visual punch and responsiveness. The combination of a seven-inch touchscreen, Windows 11 compatibility, and native Xbox access gives players a unique blend of ecosystems—Play Xbox titles, stream PC games, or install compatible Windows games directly on the device.
Industry Context and Market Potential
Microsoft’s move arrives amid a surge of handheld gaming interest. With more than 3 billion people gaming worldwide and Xbox logging hundreds of millions of active monthly users, expanding into handheld territory could broaden the audience even further. Industry analysts weigh in on the potential for Microsoft to disrupt a market arguably dominated by Nintendo. Anshel Sag, a principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noted, “I think Nintendo kind of owns the market, and everybody knows it, but Microsoft has the real opportunity to grow the market.”
Preorders for the ROG Ally and Ally X have already sold out in some regions, but Microsoft assures customers that stock will be replenished as launch day arrives and through the holiday season. The company’s strategy appears to focus on accessibility and continuity—core themes that could sustain momentum as more players seek portable, high-fidelity experiences without sacrificing access to a broad library of games.
What This Means for Gamers
For fans, the advent of officially supported Xbox handhelds means a more flexible path to gaming on the go. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply lounging on a couch away from the television, the Ally devices promise a credible bridge between home console play and portable entertainment. The blend of Windows 11, Xbox software, and a robust display may also attract PC gamers who want a compact secondary device that preserves their library and progress across devices.
Microsoft’s embrace of handheld gaming is a reminder that the future of gaming lies in seamless cross-device experiences. As the company continues to refine the handhelds and expand game compatibility, players can anticipate ongoing updates, more titles, and additional hardware tweaks that will keep the ROG Xbox Ally family at the forefront of portable gaming innovation.
