Microsoft has opened its doors, showcasing development behind its new handheld Xbox devices ahead of the company’s 25th anniversary. In an exclusive segment aired on “Good Morning America,” viewers were given a first look at the innovative products and insight into their creation within Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington labs.
The new gaming devices, named the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were developed in partnership with Asus. Both devices feature a 7-inch screen and run on Windows 11, allowing users to not only play Xbox games but also access their entire library of PC and streaming games. Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasized the convenience these devices offer, saying, “You can actually have your full high fidelity gaming library and have it in your hands and take it anywhere with you.”
One standout feature highlighted by Bond is the ability for users to seamlessly transition between console and handheld gaming. The device remembers where players left off, enabling them to pick up right where they paused. This feature was also demonstrated during the tour of the Xbox labs, which included various spaces engaged in the product development process, such as a 3D-printing lab and a machine shop designed for rapid prototyping.
The ROG Xbox Ally is aimed at casual gamers with a price tag of $599, while the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X is available for $999, catering to serious gaming enthusiasts. Carl Ledbetter, who heads the design team, spoke about the devices’ high-quality display, which promises vibrant colors and a fast refresh rate shared by both models.
The handheld gaming market continues to expand, with over 3 billion gamers worldwide and Microsoft reporting more than 500 million active monthly users. As the popularity of handheld devices rises, analysts perceive an opportunity for Microsoft to compete more vigorously in the space. Gaming expert Anshel Sag commented on the competition, noting, “I think Nintendo kind of owns the market, and everybody knows it, but Microsoft has the real opportunity to grow the market.”
As excitement builds around the launch, preorders have already sold out in some locations, but Microsoft has assured its customers that sufficient stock will be available on launch day and throughout the holiday season, allowing many eager gamers to get their hands on these cutting-edge devices.