Rog Xbox Ally X: Everything we know about UK release date, price and pre orders

A handheld Xbox console is coming

Microsoft will take on the Nintendo Switch 2 with the first ever handheld Xbox console after years of speculation.

Just days after the Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale in the UK, Microsoft said it was teaming up with Asus to produce a dedicated handheld console that will allow gamers to play Xbox games on the move.

Using Asus’ handheld consoles as a base is a clever move from Microsoft because the Rog Ally is an established and popular device already. It will now form the basis of the first ever Xbox handheld console called the Rog Ally X.

The Rog Xbox Ally and Rog Xbox Ally X

There will actually be two devices in the range; the Rog Xbox Ally and Rog Xbox Ally X and both will run Windows operating systems with the ability to play your Xbox games library on a handheld device for the first time.

You will also be able to play Steam games via the device thanks to the use of the Windows operating system. In reality this pitches the Rog Xbox Ally against the likes of the Steam Deck as a high end console able to play games previously only available on PC or console.

"Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you," said Xbox head of gaming devices Roanne Sones.

"Both handhelds allow players to play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console in another room."

Rog Xbox Ally and Rog Xbox Ally X launch date and prices

The consoles will only go on sale later in the year. That probably means September onwards with pre orders opening earlier.

Prices have not been confirmed by Microsoft. They will likely be higher than the £395 Nintendo Switch 2. 

The price to aim for will be the £400-£600 gamers will pay for a Stream Deck console. If Microsoft can make the price competitive it will have a chance to competing in the ever-increasingly busy handheld gaming market.