Technology

Mark Your Calendars: Xbox Ally Handhelds Are Coming on October 16th!

2025-08-20

Author: Ying

Exciting Release Date Announcement!

Get ready, gamers! Microsoft and Asus are thrilled to announce that their highly anticipated Xbox Ally handhelds are set to launch on **October 16th**. Both the **Xbox Ally** and the upgraded **Xbox Ally X** will hit markets across the globe, but there's a catch—preorders and pricing details remain under wraps for now.

Rumored Pricing: What to Expect?

Speculation is swirling with leaks suggesting that the Xbox Ally might debut around **€599** (approximately **$699**), while the premium Xbox Ally X could come in at **€899** (around **$1,049**). Microsoft had originally planned to unveil the pricing details today but opted to only confirm the launch date. Stay tuned, as they promise to disclose the pricing and preorder details in the coming weeks!

Key Markets and Global Availability

Mark your regions! Both handhelds will launch in a plethora of countries including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the UK, and the US, among others. Excitingly, there are plans to introduce these devices in Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Thailand as well.

Gaming Performance and Specs: A Closer Look

The Xbox Ally is designed for **720p gaming**, while the powerful Xbox Ally X targets **1080p**. Both models sport a vibrant **7-inch 1080p screen** with a stunning **120Hz refresh rate** and **VRR support**, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.

Here’s what’s under the hood: - **Xbox Ally**: Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and 512GB of M.2 SSD storage. - **Xbox Ally X**: Upgraded with AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, and a spacious 1TB M.2 SSD.

Game Compatibility Made Easy!

Microsoft is introducing a **handheld compatibility program** that optimizes thousands of games for the Xbox Ally devices. They’ve ensured that players can dive right into their favorite games with minimal fuss—no complicated setups required!

Games will be categorized into **Handheld Optimized** and **Mostly Compatible**. Optimized games will feature default controller inputs and ideal screen resolutions, while those deemed mostly compatible might need minor in-game adjustments.

Enhanced Gaming Experience and Features

Both Xbox Ally handhelds will provide the full Xbox experience, seamlessly integrating Windows to ensure smooth gameplay. Upcoming features like **advanced shader delivery** will preload game shaders for faster launches and smoother performance, crucial for portable gaming! Plus, early 2026 will see the introduction of **Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR)** on the Xbox Ally X, enhancing the gaming experience even further.

What's Next?

Microsoft is also planning improvements for docking to enrich your gaming at home, providing high-performance setups for an unforgettable experience. With so much to anticipate, mark October 16th in your calendars, and prepare to elevate your gaming adventures with the new Xbox Ally handhelds!