Xbox at Gamescom 2025 spotlights the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. Hands-on demos, rumored pricing, and pre-order news ahead of a potential Oct 16 launch.
The Future of Handheld Gaming Arrives
Xbox is bringing the heat to gamescom 2025, and this year’s spotlight belongs to handheld gaming. Xbox has announced that its August 20 showcase will spotlight the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series, created in collaboration with ASUS. Promoted as the “closest you can get to hands-on from home,” the livestream will deliver in-depth coverage while attendees at Hall 8.1 will get to try the devices for the first time on the show floor.
Reports suggest pre-orders may open on Aug 20, with a possible October 16, 2025 launch date. Pricing rumors place the standard Xbox Ally at €599, while the higher-end Ally X could retail around €899 in Europe. Although Xbox and ASUS have not yet confirmed these details, fans are eager for the official reveal.
Hands-On Demo at Gamescom
For those attending in person, ASUS ROG’s booth at Hall 8.1 promises an in-depth Ally showcase on Aug 20 at 3 PM CET. Viewers can expect live gameplay demos, guest appearances, and deep dives into the features of these handhelds during the session. At the same time, the Xbox broadcast will stream worldwide, highlighting more than 20 playable titles. Among them, Hollow Knight: Silksong stands out as one of the most anticipated booth titles.
Letting fans try the Xbox Ally and Ally X on the show floor signals a key step in Xbox’s portable gaming plans. For the first time, players will get to compare the new handhelds directly with consoles and other devices.
A Closer Look at the Specs
First revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, the ROG Xbox Ally models were co-developed with ASUS to deliver a console-like Windows 11 experience. Powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 chips, the devices integrate directly with the Xbox dashboard and Game Bar, blurring the line between PC and console.
While final specifications will be confirmed during gamescom week, early previews suggest that the Ally X will feature stronger performance, improved battery life, and a premium build designed for players who want more power on the go. The base model, meanwhile, is expected to balance affordability with accessibility, positioning itself as an entry point into handheld gaming within the Xbox ecosystem.
Why It Matters for Xbox
The ROG Xbox Ally stands as more than a typical hardware reveal. It signals Xbox’s expanding vision of gaming everywhere—whether on console, PC, cloud, or now a dedicated handheld device. With Game Pass integration, players could carry their library anywhere, enjoying seamless transitions between TV, desktop, and handheld play.
This move also positions Xbox to compete directly in the handheld gaming space, alongside the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and upcoming next-gen competitors. By leveraging Windows 11 and Xbox’s ecosystem, the company may create the most versatile portable gaming option to date.
Countdown to the Launch
Gamescom is set to be a defining moment for the Xbox Ally line. With speculation around pricing, pre-orders, and the first public showcase, this event is likely to shape how the community views the device ahead of its rumored October 16 launch. Whether you’re watching the Xbox livestream at home or lining up at Hall 8.1 in Cologne, the spotlight is firmly on handheld gaming this summer.The anticipation is clear: fans don’t just want another device, they want a handheld that truly feels like Xbox. With the Ally X promising higher performance and the base Ally targeting accessibility, the stage is set for one of the most exciting hardware launches of 2025.
Stay tuned to Baskin Gamer as we bring you the latest updates on game news, releases, and more!
Leave a Reply