Xbox set to release new handheld console

Xbox has unveiled its first-ever handheld gaming console, a collaboration years in the making with computer company ASUS. 

It’s been long rumoured and hinted at for months now, but it was all finally revealed during Monday’s Xbox Games Showcase.

There are two versions of the new Xbox handheld: ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.

The standard Xbox Ally will be able to play all the latest Xbox games and features the latest AMD processor. The X model is essentially the pro version, with greater specifications and more storage — and they’ll be priced accordingly.

I feel it’ll be a true contender in the handheld space, right up the with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go — only time will tell.

If you’ve used the ROG Ally devices, I imagine it’ll all be a similar experience. Xbox wants players to be able to boot directly into the Xbox user interface from the get-go — that said, it’s also compatible with Steam and you’ll be able to access your full library there too. 

How much is the new ROG Xbox Ally?

We don’t have any pricing at this stage. The current generation ROG handhelds are retailing for about $1599. At that price point, I can’t see it being big with the consumer. However, if it’s more in line with the Steam Deck, this handheld will be serious contender.

There’s no official release date just yet but we can expect it before Christmas this year.

In addition to the news around the handheld, Xbox also unveiled dozens of new games coming to console and PC.

Some of the highlights include Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Clockwork Revolution, Keeper as well as the news that Call of Duty Black Ops 7 is on the way. 

There’s also big updates coming to The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76.