jA few days after Nintendo launched its long-awaited Switch successor, Microsoft introduced its own long-term handheld console, the Xbox Ally. This announcement is significant not only due to Xbox’s collaboration with gamers from the High-end PC Specialist Republic for branding, but also because it boasts top-tier hardware. It’s apparent that the Xbox Ally X, one of two models slated for release before Christmas, was revealed just hours prior at the Xbox Showcase on June 8th, positioning itself as a serious competitor to both the Switch 2 and Valve’s Steam Decks.

The Xbox Ally emerges from the collaboration of four major tech companies—Windows, Xbox, AMD, and Asus—marking it as their flagship product. Both the Xbox Ally and Ally X models feature a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen, with the Ally X equipped with 16GB of RAM and the Ally featuring 24GB of RAM, each model offering options of 512GB or 1TB SSD storage. Powered by a Ryzen Z2 chip, the Ally X includes an AI Z2 chip that integrates the AI processor directly into silicon. According to Roanne Sones, head of gaming devices at Microsoft, this integration allows players to “utilize the AI experience without compromising GPU performance.” Although both devices run Windows, the interface has been optimized for gaming.

“I’m not running a Windows desktop,” stated Jason Beaumont, Xbox’s VP of experience. “It’s not about simply playing video games; it’s not bogged down by icons, taskbars, or unnecessary components. It conserves resources and allocates them to enhance performance for gaming.”

Players can access their game library using a dedicated Library button on the device, along with a new Xbox button that functions similarly to the one on the console controller. This library encompasses PC games from Xbox and other platforms, allowing seamless streaming from existing Xbox consoles if owned. With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, hundreds of games become instantly playable on the Ally devices.

During a Microsoft presentation in Los Angeles, I held the Xbox Ally X with my right hand. Although my hands are small, I found it to be sizable (and heavier than the Switch 2), yet still manageable. As someone who favors the ergonomics of Xbox controllers over the PlayStation DualSense, I appreciated the asymmetrical joysticks and the layout that mirrors the Xbox pad.

Upon launching the Xbox Ally X, it immediately presents a homepage reflecting your recently played Xbox games, similar to the console interface. I was prompted to play Gears of War: Reloaded. As a huge Gears fan, experiencing remastered versions of games I hadn’t played in nearly 20 years while holding the console in my hands was surreal.

Muscle memory kicked in right away: I pressed A to move Marcus towards the wall and reload the weapon quickly by timing my R1 button press. Gears of War: Reloaded was selected somewhat unexpectedly, revealing a brief overview video featuring insights from Microsoft, Windows, Asus, and AMD executives. One noted that the Xbox Ally X’s power and capabilities were unimaginable just three years ago.

Perhaps influenced by external economic factors, Microsoft may have hesitated to disclose its full potential during this timeframe. Nevertheless, the design, functionality, and features of the ROG Xbox Ally position it as an excellent choice for anyone seeking access to both Xbox and third-party games in a portable format.

Pricing is a significant consideration. Even budget-friendly handheld consoles may surpass the cost of Nintendo’s new Switch 2. However, for someone who hasn’t invested in Nintendo titles and has previously gifted Steam Decks, the ROG Xbox Ally offers a tempting opportunity to regularly pick up and play.