MICROSOFT has finally launched a handheld Xbox console after years of speculation.
And it’ll be available just in time for Christmas this year in the UK and the US.
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Rather than being entirely Microsoft-made, the new ROG Xbox Ally devices come as part of a collaboration with ASUS, which has already dabbled in handheld gaming.
There are two models, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
The latter has a more powerful chip inside, alongside bigger memory, storage, battery and more ports available too.
Both will allow players to access their Game Pass subscription library on the go.
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But you can enjoy content from Battle.net and other “leading PC storefronts” too.
Users can play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console in another room.
“Whether you’re at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you,” explained Xbox head of gaming devices Roanne Sones.
“With Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) or Remote Play, you can access your full Xbox console library and keep playing—wherever you are.”
As part of the move, Roblox will be among the launch titles with a version optimised for handheld gaming.
But pricing has not been announced just yet.
The existing ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming console costs about £800 / $800.
“Only way price is significantly cheaper is if Microsoft subsidize and takes part of the loss,” one gamer speculated on Reddit.
“The only way this thing retails for under $700 is if Microsoft really, REALLY wants to prove the viability of their new Windows gaming variant,” another wrote.
It comes just days after Nintendo launched its brand new Switch 2 console.
NINTENDO SWITCH 2: FIRST THOUGHTS
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
I was among the first members of the press to get hands-on with the console before the general public, at a special event in Paris in April.
The first thing you will notice is the display is vastly improved.
It’s not a glossy OLED but does support 1080p and the screen itself is bigger too, measuring in at 7.9 inches wide.
The frame rate is 120 fps, meaning popular titles play super smooth compared to the last Switch.
Some much-loved previous titles have been upgraded to take in the enhancements and are dubbed “Switch 2 Edition”.
I got a flavour of the new Mario Kart World game among the hands-on, though I didn’t get to try out every mode.
There are some fun new mechanics, such as the ability to grind, as well as exciting new items.
Read my full early preview here
