The Xbox Handheld PC Is Real: 7 Shocking Details Of The Leaked ROG Ally X With AMD CPU

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The dream of a true, dedicated Xbox handheld PC is no longer a rumor—it’s a reality, albeit one forged through a powerful partnership. As of late 2025, the most concrete and officially branded 'Xbox' portable device to emerge from the recent flurry of leaks and rumors is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, a high-end handheld PC that leverages a cutting-edge AMD CPU and deep Xbox integration. This device finally delivers the full Windows and Xbox Game Pass experience in a portable form factor, directly challenging the dominance of the Steam Deck and other dedicated gaming handhelds.

The device, which saw its initial details surface through leaks—including inadvertent photos from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 7, 2025—represents a significant pivot in Microsoft's hardware strategy. While the company reportedly canceled an in-house Xbox handheld project, this collaboration with ASUS ensures the Xbox brand is front and center in the booming handheld PC market, powered by the latest advancements in AMD’s mobile processing technology.

The ROG Xbox Ally X: Complete Leaked & Confirmed Specifications

The ROG Xbox Ally X, which carries the Xbox branding and deep software integration, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor and a formidable competitor in the handheld space. Its core architecture is built around a powerful AMD processor, ensuring AAA gaming performance on the go.

  • Model Name: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
  • Processor (CPU/APU): AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
  • RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X (High-speed, likely 8000MHz)
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4x4 SSD (User-upgradeable)
  • Operating System: Windows (Full access to Windows 11)
  • Display: 7-inch FHD (1080p), 16:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Battery: Significantly larger than the original Ally (unspecified exact capacity, but a major focus of the upgrade)
  • Weight: Approximately 1.58 pounds
  • Key Feature: Integrated Xbox software for seamless access to Xbox Game Pass
  • Release Window: Late 2025 (Initial pre-orders and announcements occurred earlier in the year)

The choice of the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is a game-changer, offering a blend of powerful CPU and integrated GPU performance alongside dedicated AI processing capabilities. This chipset is designed to handle modern AAA titles while also optimizing for power efficiency, a critical factor for any portable gaming device.

3 Reasons Why the AMD CPU Leak is So Important

The confirmation of a high-end AMD processor in the Xbox-branded handheld is not just a technical detail; it's a strategic move with major implications for the entire gaming industry. It solidifies the device's position as a true portable gaming PC, unlike cloud-streaming-only accessories.

1. Direct Competition with Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch

By opting for a powerful, custom-designed AMD Ryzen chip, the ROG Xbox Ally X is positioned as a direct, high-performance competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck and the anticipated Nintendo Switch successor. The inclusion of 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM is particularly noteworthy, providing a massive advantage for memory-intensive games and multitasking within the Windows environment. This hardware push signals an intent to capture the premium segment of the handheld PC market, offering a superior performance ceiling for demanding titles like Elden Ring, Starfield, and Cyberpunk 2077.

2. The Full Windows and Xbox Game Pass Ecosystem

Unlike the Steam Deck, which runs on a Linux-based SteamOS, the Xbox Ally X runs a full version of Windows. The significance of this cannot be overstated: it means native compatibility with virtually every PC game, launcher (Epic Games, GOG, etc.), and application. More importantly, the Xbox integration is seamless, making the device the ultimate portable machine for accessing the vast library of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The leak confirms Microsoft's strategy is to push its subscription service across all relevant hardware, whether it’s a console, a PC, or a dedicated handheld.

3. The Ghost of Microsoft's Canceled Internal Project

The leak of the ROG Ally X provides context for a separate, earlier rumor: the cancellation of an in-house Microsoft-designed Xbox handheld. Reports suggested that Microsoft considered building its own console-like portable device using a custom AMD gaming CPU but ultimately abandoned the project. The alleged sticking point was a massive commitment required by AMD—a reported 10 million unit sales minimum—which Microsoft deemed too risky. The ASUS partnership, therefore, acts as an agile workaround, allowing Microsoft to have a powerful, Xbox-integrated handheld on the market without the immense financial risk of manufacturing and selling it entirely in-house.

What the Future Holds for Xbox Portable Gaming

The ROG Xbox Ally X is likely just the beginning of Microsoft’s renewed focus on portability, a strategy championed by Xbox head Phil Spencer. The company's vision for the future, set to be fully revealed around 2026, involves a blurring of lines between PC and console hardware.

The 'Kennan' Codename and Future Hardware

While the ROG Ally X is the current focus, the FCC leak also mentioned a device codenamed "Kennan." This suggests that Microsoft and its partners may be exploring multiple iterations or form factors. The broader strategy involves a modular design and a commitment to high-end, premium technology developed in tandem with AMD, expanding across consoles and handhelds.

This long-term vision suggests that future Xbox handhelds may move away from the full Windows experience and toward a more streamlined, console-like OS, similar to the abandoned "Project Keystone" streaming-only device. However, for now, the path is clear: the Xbox ecosystem is fully embracing the powerful, open nature of the handheld PC, using the cutting-edge performance of AMD's mobile CPUs to deliver a truly portable AAA gaming experience.

The leaked details and subsequent confirmation of the ROG Xbox Ally X prove that the demand for a powerful, Xbox-branded handheld was undeniable. Gamers no longer have to wait; the future of portable Xbox gaming is here, running on an AMD powerhouse.

The Xbox Handheld PC is Real: 7 Shocking Details of the Leaked ROG Ally X with AMD CPU
xbox-branded handheld pc with an amd cpu leaked
xbox-branded handheld pc with an amd cpu leaked

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