Microsoft unveils new handheld console. Too little, too late in the game?
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has officially entered the handheld gaming arena with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally, a portable console
The announcement comes just three days after Nintendo (OTC Pink:NTDOF) launched the Switch 2 console
The device is slated for release at the end of 2025, though Microsoft has yet to disclose pricing details
Microsoft stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) opened trading at US$470.46
After years of speculation and abandoned prototypes, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has officially entered the handheld gaming arena with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally (pictured above), a portable console developed in partnership with Asus. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the tech giant, which has long been rumored to be working on a handheld Xbox device.
The ROG Xbox Ally is designed to give gamers full access to their Game Pass subscription library on-the-go, effectively launching with a catalog of hundreds of titles. This native integration with Game Pass could be a game-changer for Microsoft's 34 million subscribers, offering a seamless way to continue their gaming experience beyond the living room.
Asus, known for its ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand, brings its expertise in handheld gaming hardware to the table. Since 2023, the company has been refining its portable gaming devices, and the ROG Xbox Ally appears to be the culmination of that experience, now backed by Microsoft's software ecosystem.
The device is slated for release at the end of 2025, though Microsoft has yet to disclose pricing details. The announcement comes just three days after Nintendo (OTC Pink:NTDOF) launched the Switch 2 console, a hybrid console that continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering both portable and docked play modes.
The timing of Microsoft's reveal is notable. The Switch 2's early success has reaffirmed the demand for hybrid and handheld gaming, a trend that also inspired the development of Valve's Steam Deck. That device, a handheld PC, allows users to access their Steam libraries on the go—though compatibility issues with certain titles have been a sticking point.
Microsoft's entry into this space raises a compelling question: Is it too late to the game? With established competitors already thriving, the ROG Xbox Ally faces a steep climb. However, its native Game Pass support—a feature neither the Switch 2 nor the Steam Deck can offer—may be the key to carving out a strong foothold in the market.
As the holiday season approaches and more details emerge, all eyes will be on how Microsoft positions the ROG Xbox Ally in a rapidly evolving handheld gaming landscape.
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corp. develops and supports software, services, devices and solutions. The company's segments include productivity and business processes, intelligent cloud and more personal computing.
Microsoft stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) opened trading 8 cents higher at US$470.46 and has levelled up 10.02 per cent since this time last year.
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