Microsoft Unveils Fullscreen Xbox Handheld UI to Rival Steam Deck and Switch 2

Microsoft is officially entering the handheld gaming race in earnest. After years of testing the waters, the tech giant is now collaborating with Asus to create a console-like gaming experience on handheld devices — a move aimed squarely at competing with Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s new Switch 2.

Enter the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, two Windows-based handhelds that feature a redesigned, fullscreen Xbox interface tailored for gaming on the go. Unlike previous portable Windows PCs, these devices offer a stripped-down, performance-optimized environment focused entirely on gameplay.

A Console-Like Interface for Windows Gaming

At the heart of the ROG Xbox Ally devices is Microsoft’s new fullscreen Xbox UI. Gone are the traditional desktop, taskbar, and other PC elements. Instead, gamers are greeted with a clean, controller-friendly dashboard that launches directly into a unified game library. Players can access titles from Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games, and more — all in one seamless experience.

Microsoft has also minimized background processes to optimize performance. The new interface frees up approximately 2GB of system memory, allowing games to run smoother with better frame rates and responsiveness. Additional updates include improvements to the Xbox Game Bar, enhanced multitasking, and simplified controls for settings like Wi-Fi and battery management.

Hardware Specs: Two Powerful Models

ROG Xbox Ally

• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Target resolution: 720p

ROG Xbox Ally X

• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
• RAM: 24GB
• Storage: 1TB
• Target resolution: 900p–1080p

Both devices sport 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR displays and a dedicated Xbox button for deeper integration with the new Xbox UI.

Broader Rollout and Future Plans

The fullscreen Xbox experience will debut exclusively on the new ROG Xbox Ally models but will later become available to current ROG Ally users through a software update. In 2025, Microsoft plans to extend the interface to additional Windows-based handhelds and introduce a “Verified for Handheld” label, much like Steam Deck’s compatibility program, to help users identify optimized games.

The Big Picture

Microsoft’s latest initiative signals a serious commitment to handheld gaming — an area long dominated by Valve and Nintendo. With tighter UI integration, performance gains, and a user-first design, the company hopes to finally deliver a compelling alternative to traditional console and PC setups.

Pricing and release dates are still under wraps, but one thing is clear: Microsoft is finally treating handheld gaming as a top-tier priority.