The first Xbox handheld might arrive sooner than expected

Asus ROG Xbox Ally releases with AMD Ryzen Z2, starting at $697 in October.

: Microsoft might soon announce the release date for its Xbox handheld device, with leaks suggesting an October launch. The devices are named Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, priced at 599 euros and 899 euros respectively. These Windows-based handhelds are optimized for gaming and will launch at the Microsoft booth during Gamescom. They will include unique features like dual booting with regular Windows, allowing access to Game Pass and several launchers.

Microsoft is near to revealing its highly anticipated Xbox handheld, with the name Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, which are expected to debut by October. Reliable sources indicate that the announcement might take place at Gamescom on August 20. This development follows hints from tech news source Dealabs, guided by leaker 'billbil-kun,' pushing the release date to October 16. However, this might specifically pertain to Europe, aligning with previous remarks from Asus and Xbox about a fall release.

The Xbox Ally and Ally X are the first handheld Xbox devices engineered for mobile gaming with a Windows interface tailored for small screens. Notably, the Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, perfect for high-performance gaming. The base model, Ally, is expected to sell for 599 euros ($697), while the Ally X might retail for 899 euros ($1,047). These prices emerged through leaked Google store listings, although official confirmation from Microsoft is still pending.

On the software side, the handhelds will feature a uniquely streamlined Xbox app interface, minimizing unnecessary software bloat to enhance performance. They include dual-boot capability to run regular Windows, offering versatility and access to broader gaming ecosystems like the Xbox Game Pass and third-party launchers like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Microsoft is yet to confirm if other launchers such as GOG will be supported.

Competing firms like MSI and Lenovo are also entering the handheld market with devices that could feature distinct design elements and capabilities. MSI is set to launch its Claw A8 model, while Lenovo's Legion Go 2 includes a notable OLED display. The competition intensifies with companies waiting on Microsoft's reveals about its Windows setup before launching their own models, highlighting the importance of this announcement in the broader landscape of handheld gaming devices.

Sources: Gizmodo, Dealabs, Best Buy

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