Microsoft is rewriting the rules of handheld gaming with the new ROG Xbox Ally X, set to launch this holiday season. Revealed during an exclusive press event attended by Game Informer, the Xbox Ally X stands out not just for its premium ergonomic design but for its powerful software integration—especially the ability to launch Steam games natively from the Xbox dashboard.
This sleek handheld gaming device bridges the gap between platforms by allowing players to access their entire gaming library—whether from Xbox, Steam, or Epic Games Store—through a dedicated dashboard button. Titles from all platforms are displayed in a unified library, each clearly labeled with its respective storefront.
“Because this is Windows, you can launch and play natively both your games from Xbox as well as other leading PC storefronts,” said Roanne Sones, head of Xbox devices. “You can also stream your console games through cloud gaming or remote play.”
By pressing the Xbox button, users can quickly pull up the Windows Game Bar, granting instant access to third-party apps like Steam and Epic Games without leaving the Xbox experience.
Notably, this move positions the Ally X as more than just a traditional console—it’s a portable PC gaming powerhouse with seamless integration. Gamers can dive into Game Pass titles, launch installed PC games, and even stream console games, all from a single device.
Questions remain about cross-platform achievement tracking, especially when launching titles from non-Microsoft storefronts. However, the Ally X’s open ecosystem could mark a shift toward true platform-agnostic gaming in the portable space.
