Xbox and ASUS unveil ROG Xbox Ally consoles with a Handheld Compatibility Program, reshaping portable gaming with clarity and performance.
The new Xbox handheld era begins on October 16, 2025, combining Game Pass, optimized gameplay, and transparency for gamers worldwide.
Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X promise smooth handheld gaming with badges, performance indicators, and full Xbox ecosystem support.
Xbox is about to introduce a new console era to gamers. Challenging the dominance of Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck in handheld gaming, Microsoft is bringing an Xbox handheld console, named ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, on October 16, 2025. The company announced it on Wednesday at Gamescom 2025.
This partnership of Microsoft and ASUS is aimed at redefining handheld gaming by combining the Xbox ecosystem with powerful Windows‑based hardware. The core of the new experience contains the Handheld Compatibility Program, which is especially designed to enable gamers to understand how well their favorite titles perform on these devices.
Let’s take a look at what this means for Xbox gaming and how Xbox handheld will reshape the portable gaming industry.
Microsoft announced the Handheld Compatibility Program at Gamescom 2025, alongside the new handheld consoles. This brand-new feature will bring clarity to handheld expectations. As per the latest announcement, the compatibility of the games on the console will be shown in the console’s game library.
This program indicates that the Xbox team will test thousands of games to categorize them under specific badges. Players will find two different types of badges:
Handheld Optimized: If you see a game marked as Handheld Optimized, it means it will run smoothly on both handheld consoles, with controller-friendly UI, legible text, and effective input mapping to suit the screen of the consoles. Therefore, players can simply jump into it without switching settings.
Mostly Compatible: If a game has this label, it means the game will run on the handheld consoles, but may require a few settings adjustments for the best experience.
These badges are backed by a Windows Performance Fit indicator, which allows players to determine game performance, including the expected frame rate. This approach addresses one of the key shortcomings of the hardest competitor, the Steam Deck, where even a ‘Verified’ label doesn’t guarantee a smoother experience.
Also Read: How to Play and Stream Xbox Games on PC Without Game Pass?
As the gaming ecosystem has been constantly evolving, gamers have been looking for a smoother gameplay experience on consoles. For those who want satisfaction with compatibility, this program brings the following benefits:
Reduced Uncertainty: This program will bring a transformation in the trial-and-error cycle that Steam Deck players often face. The tested badges will determine whether a game is fully compatible with ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, or if adjustments are needed in their settings.
Improved User Experience: These handheld consoles will come with Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass compatibility. Therefore, players can launch games that are compatible with these consoles on day 1 and can have smoother gameplay performance across Xbox, PC, and the handheld.
Simplifies Game Discovery: Players can now filter their library to find only games optimized for these handheld consoles. It will make the browsing experience better and easier than before.
Better Expectations vs. Reality: If players are aware of the game's performance level beforehand, they won’t have unrealistic expectations when they start playing. Also, they will be prepared for the required adjustments.
This transparency signals evolution in handheld gaming by combining the convenience of consoles with the power of a PC.
Also Read: Microsoft Store Unexpectedly Removes 27 Xbox Games from the European Region
To sum up, the Handheld Compatibility Program elevates portable gaming by offering better precision, reliability, and visibility. It transforms the handheld gaming experience from guesswork to clarity by letting gamers know what will provide them the most hassle-free experience.
With Xbox and ASUS working together with developers to test and mark thousands of games, there’s a minimal chance of error that players often encounter with other handheld consoles. Xbox Handheld console prices are pretty affordable, $549 and $899, respectively ,for ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
So, whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a casual player, or a power user, this compatibility program is for everyone who seeks smart design without compromising on user trust and transparency.
1. Will all Xbox games be playable on the new Xbox handheld devices?
Ans: Most Xbox games will run on the Xbox handheld, but some may require updates or Handheld Optimized versions for best performance and controls tailored to the portable format.
2. What does the Handheld Optimized badge mean for Xbox handheld games?
Ans: The Handheld Optimized badge indicates games are specifically adjusted for handheld play, ensuring UI, controls, and performance are enhanced for smaller screen and portable use.
3. Are there any Xbox games that require setting adjustments to work well on the handheld?
Ans: Some Xbox games need display or control setting tweaks on the handheld to run smoothly, such as adjusting resolution or button mapping for optimal handheld gameplay experience.
4. Can the Xbox handheld stream games from Xbox Cloud Gaming or other Xbox consoles?
Ans: Xbox handheld supports streaming games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or Xbox consoles, expanding compatibility beyond native handheld titles, allowing access to the full Xbox game library over the internet.
5. Will the Xbox handheld support connecting to external displays for a bigger screen experience?
Ans: The Xbox handheld can connect to external displays or docks, enabling a larger screen experience while using the handheld as a controller or secondary device for flexible gaming setups.