Xbox Ally: Asus and Microsoft build two Windows handhelds

Microsoft and Asus have presented two handheld PCs with Xbox branding: The Xbox Ally and the technically more powerful Xbox Ally X. Both models are due to be launched at the end of the year, with prices yet to be announced by Microsoft.

The new handheld PCs with Xbox branding run Windows, but will be launched with a revised interface. In this special Xbox interface, not all background processes that usually run with Windows are loaded. This is reported by the technology magazine The Verge, which has already been able to test the handhelds.

Nevertheless, it should be possible to access games from various PC stores via the interface, including Steam. Even games from the Xbox console are displayed there so that they can be streamed via Xbox Cloud Gaming, for example.

Ryzen Z2 processors

Both handheld PCs from Asus and Microsoft have a 7-inch FullHD screen that displays 120 Hertz and supports VRR. The weaker of the two models comes in white, offers 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage space. At its heart is the new AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor.

The more powerful model is black and is equipped with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. It also comes with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TByte of M.2 storage space. Microsoft has not yet announced official prices. Preliminary reports from the past few months have speculated a price range of 500 to 600 for the cheaper model and 550 to 650 euros for the Xbox Ally X.

Microsoft has collaborated with Asus for the Xbox Ally handhelds. The company has already gained experience in the handheld market with its own Ally models. In the meantime, Microsoft has also pushed ahead with the development of its own Xbox handheld. However, the project is now to be put on ice.

According to WindowsCentral, the background to the decision is the software: before Microsoft launches its own hardware on the market, the company wants to better optimize the Windows software for use on handheld PCs, according to the report. This would also be important because Valve has recently started offering its SteamOS for independent PCs.

(dahe)

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This article was originally published in

It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.

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