We finally know when the handheld ROG Xbox Ally will arrive and its sooner than you think

Microsoft recently revealed its Xbox handheld console in collaboration with Asus, as has been long rumoured. Asus is no stranger to handhelds itself with its ROG Ally line. The new handheld comes hot on the heels of the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s even branded ROG Xbox Ally to place it alongside the other Asus handheld devices.

Now, at Gamescom 2025, Asus has revealed when the ROG Xbox Ally will arrive. It will hit shelves on 16 October 2025. While this is still a few months away, it’s sooner than I first thought. We’re getting the console with plenty of time before the holidays. Pricing is yet to be announced, but leaks have suggested the Xbox Ally will land at €599, while the Ally X will sit at €899.

• Read more: We may already know how much the ROG Xbox Ally will cost and you might be surprised

For those that are unfamiliar with the upcoming console, there are two versions of the 7in handheld. There’s a white ROG Xbox Ally model designed for HD 720p and a black ROG Xbox Ally X model that has more powerful specs and is capable of Full HD 1080p. Both offer a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR).

Both use a new full-screen Xbox interface that’s based on Windows – but you wouldn’t know it as it appears that Microsoft has tried to ensure the complexities of Windows are kept in the background. That’s easier said than done and we’ve seen some frustrating clunkiness on previous Microsoft tablet and phone devices based on Windows. Let’s hope it does a better job this time around.

Naturally you will be able to download games from various stores. You can also play natively, via Xbox Cloud Gaming or remotely from your main Xbox console in another room.

At launch Microsoft says the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. And if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll be able to do so from 16 October.

• Related: A new Xbox has launched – but it’s not a console. It’s a special edition of the Meta Quest 3S

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home