With the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner, it seems that another portable video game console could also be arriving at the end of the year with the Xbox Portable. Since June 2024, rumors (and now hints and confirmations) have been multiplying, and it seems pretty certain that Microsoft is preparing something.
Clearly, all the lights are green for an upcoming announcement and a release at the end of the year. To make sure you don't miss any news about this new console, check out our complete report to find out everything about this Xbox Portable, including the first rumors, rumors, and confirmations from Microsoft.
Of course, like most of our "Red Thread" reports, this report is a first draft and will be regularly updated over the weeks and months to add all the new information and official announcements from Microsoft.
- Date of creation of the report : April 10, 2025
- Date of update of the report: June 24, 2025
Xbox Portable: official statements from Microsoft
Most recent update: June 24 2025
It was during the Summer Game Fest at the beginning of the month that Microsoft formalized the arrival of two portable consoles in partnership with Asus: ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Both consoles are expected to be released worldwide by the end of 2025.
The starting point for this Xbox Portable dates back to June 2024, during the Summer Game Fest. It was at this time that Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's Gaming branch, implied that Xbox should have a portable console during an interview with IGN: "I think we should also have a portable console".
This is not the first time that the boss of Xbox has mentioned the idea of an Xbox Portable, particularly for Game Pass. But, this is the first time he has made it so clear.
Subsequently, as part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary, during a new interview, this same Phil Spencer once again alluded to a portable console. When asked what he thought about the future of Microsoft and Xbox, the latter replied that he was very enthusiastic: "I'm very enthusiastic because we both travel and it's not always possible to take your console or desktop computer with you.".
A new allusion that no longer seems to leave much room for doubt.
Xbox Portable: statements from journalists and insiders
As for reliable and reputable journalists and industry insiders, things remain fairly calm. In November 2024, it was Jez Corden, the journalist and insider at Windows Central, who is generally very well informed about Microsoft's plans (he was the one who first announced the existence of the Xbox Series S, for example), who confirmed the information.
According to his information, which he shared during a new podcast "The Xbox Two" on Rand al Thor 19's channel, Xbox would aim to release new portable hardware by the end of 2025.
In March 2025, it was once again Jez Corden/Windows Central who confirmed that the Xbox Portable was indeed in preparation and planned for the end of the year. The console would be codenamed "Keenan", and would be produced in collaboration with Asus for the software part and in partnership with OEM, an equipment manufacturer that has already collaborated with brands such as Lenovo, ASUS and Razer for the aesthetic part. The console would resemble the Xbox Series X/S in terms of its design and shape.
Clearly, this Xbox Portable would be quite close to a ROG Ally, halfway between a console and a Windows laptop, with the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass at the center of its ecosystem. Windows Central confirms that players should be able to install Steam on this Xbox Portable.
Still according to Jez Corden, the goal of this Xbox Portable would be to complete the Xbox Play Anywhere ecosystem with the next Xbox Prime.
Xbox Portable: finally two machines in the works?
As the months go by, we are learning a little more about Microsoft's plans for its Xbox Portable. According to information from journalist Jez Corden, at Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable consoles. The first, which is expected for the end of 2025 and which would be a collaboration with Asus for a Cloud console to highlight the Game Pass.
As well as a second, entirely designed by Microsoft to be a true portable Xbox. The latter was initially expected for 2027 before being put on hold. The project is not canceled, but is no longer a priority for Microsoft, which clearly wants to focus on the first Xbox Portable (planned for the end of this year) and on the Xbox Prime project.
Xbox Portable: a release window?
Most recent update: June 24, 2025
During the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest 2025, Microsoft confirmed the release of its consoles in partnership with Asus for the end of 2025.
Update: June 2, 2025
According to information from Jez Corden and Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable Xbox consoles. The first, in collaboration with Asus, is expected to be released at the end of 2025. Then, a second, entirely designed by Microsoft, was planned for 2027 and is now on standby.
The release of this new portable console is expected for the end of 2025, without further details.
What is the price of this portable console?
Most recent update: June 24, 2025
According to initial rumors, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X should be offered at a relatively steep price. We're talking about a price of 599 euros for the Xbox Ally and a price of 899 euros for the Ally X. More information in our dedicated article.
A real portable console? Or a Cloud Gaming accessory?
Most recent update: June 24, 2025
Following the official announcement of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X consoles at Summer Games Fest, Microsoft confirmed that these machines would be able to offer us three gaming modes: Remote Play, allowing you to play remotely with your Xbox console turned on. Cloud Gaming, allowing you to play via streaming. Native gaming, allowing you to download and install your game on your portable console to play it even without internet access.
Update: June 2, 2025
According to information from Jez Corden and Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable Xbox consoles. The first would be made in collaboration with Asus and could be a Cloud Gaming console to highlight XCloud and Game Pass. A second machine, entirely designed by Microsoft (and which would now be on standby) could be a more ambitious project allowing you to play native games like on Switch 2.
According to initial information, this console would allow you to play your games natively, without going through Cloud Gaming, since the latter would offer the Windows operating system and it would be possible to install Steam. We can therefore imagine that it will also be possible to install Xbox games.
How powerful is the Xbox Portable?
Most recent update: June 24, 2025
The two ROG Xbox Allys offer very good specs. We start with the Xbox Ally X:
- AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU processor
- 24GB of RAM
- 1TB of SSD
- 7-inch touchscreen (approximately 17.8 cm), Full HD 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
- 80Wh battery
- WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4
- Dimensions of 290.8×121.5×50.7mm for a weight of 715g
- Steam OS
For its part, the ROG Xbox Ally offers:
- AMD Ryzen Z2 A APU processor
- 16GB of RAM
- 512GB of SSD
- 7-inch touchscreen 7 inches (approximately 17.8 cm), Full HD 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
- 60Wh battery
- WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4
- Dimensions of 290.8×121.5×50.7mm for a weight of 670g
- Steam OS
Discover all the information and technical specifications of this new Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in our dedicated article.
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