The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 wrapped up this weekend, revealing new game updates, features, and hardware. It could be said that 2025 might be one of the best in a while for the Xbox brand, as Microsoft has experienced a multitude of successes since the start of the year, and it appears things are just getting started. Perhaps the biggest announcement was the reveal of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally series handhelds, which are designed as a mobile Xbox using Windows 11.
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X
It was only last week when news broke that Microsoft was temporarily pausing development of its own in-house Xbox gaming handheld in order to provide support to its partners, and the first models have been revealed. Both models come with Windows 11 Home, which has been optimized for power efficiency and modified by removing unneeded features, but then also had other changes made to provide a more user-friendly experience for those used to the Xbox OS. Microsoft has elaborated a little bit more with The Verge regarding the changes made to bring the two operating systems together.
“We were able to take people who have been working on the Xbox OS for 20 years or more and have them work directly on the Windows codebase and start reimagining what that operating system looks like for this form factor, these two things combined led us to build a bunch of features.”
Jason Beaumont – Vice president of experiences at Xbox
Specifications:
| ROG Xbox Ally | ROG Xbox Ally X | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Comfort & input | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU | Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade |
| Display | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection | 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate FreeSync Premium Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible |
| 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0 | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode) | |
| 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | ||
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm | 290.8*121.5*50.7mm |
| 670g | 715g | |
| Battery | 60Wh | 80Wh |
| Included | ROG Xbox Ally 65W charger Stand | ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger Stand |
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced, but those interested can go here to learn more about how to register for pre-order notifications.
Xbox Play Anywhere
Well, anyone who has ever had to deal with the frustration of buying a game on one platform only to do so again for another will appreciate this new feature. Xbox Play Anywhere will allow owners of games purchased on the Xbox Store to be played on consoles, PC, and the newly announced Xbox gaming handhelds. As Microsoft says, buy once, play anywhere. Cross-platform also includes game saves, add-ons, and achievements and according to MS, there are already over 1,000 titles to choose from.
“With a single purchase, you can play with Xbox, including your progress and achievements, across Xbox console, PC and Xbox Ally—at no additional cost.”
-Microsoft
Game Updates
No less than thirty games were mentioned during the event, and so there are far too many to go over, but here are some highlights.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Will launch this summer and continue story elements from Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 2.
2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants – Arriving on September 4, the paid DLC will take players on a quest to learn more about the giants at they explore the crypts beneath Rome.
3. Clockwork Revolution – This steampunk-styled RPG has previously been shown, but appears to be nearing its final phases of development and has attracted attention for its impressive-looking visuals and gameplay.
4. The Outer Worlds 2 – A new trailer for the upcoming sequel set to arrive on October 29.
5. Gears of War Reloaded – Per Microsoft, “This is the definitive release, optimized for each platform, featuring 4K textures, 60 FPS in Campaign, 120 FPS in Multiplayer, cross-play, cross-progression and more. “. A two-week multiplayer event is planned to start this coming weekend, beginning on June 13.
6. Ninja Gaiden 4 – The legendary franchise returns for PC, Xbox, and PS5 on October 21.
7. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 – A demo is already available with the full game launching on July 11 for PC, Xbox, and PS4/PS5.
This is just a small handful of titles showcased at this weekend’s event, but trailers and details for many more can be found here.