Microsoft has lastly introduced the Xbox Ally X, after months of hypothesis that it was engaged on some sort of handheld gaming PC. What makes this handheld particularly fascinating is that Microsoft is tuning up its software program to make Home windows extra usable with a controller, even having the OS launch straight right into a refined Xbox App.
If that sounds acquainted, it is as a result of the Steam Deck works in a really comparable means. Valve tuned its handheld to run on a specialised model of Linux, and the machine boots straight into what’s basically a handheld model of Steam Large Image mode. If Microsoft is ready to pull it off, this might be the second Home windows handhelds have been ready for.
We’ll have to attend a bit longer to see simply how properly the Xbox Ally X holds its personal in opposition to the Steam Deck, however we already know a bunch concerning the new handheld. So how do the 2 evaluate thus far?
Xbox Ally X vs. Steam Deck: Specs
Each the Xbox Ally X and the Steam Deck are constructed on AMD APUs that have been particularly made for handheld gaming PCs. Nevertheless, with three years seperating the gadgets, lots has modified.
The Steam Deck got here out earlier than the Z1 Excessive that powered the primary wave of mainstream Home windows handhelds just like the ROG Ally. However the chip is analogous in loads of methods. It is an APU with a 4-core, 8-thread Zen 2 CPU, which is paired with an 8-core RDNA 2 GPU. Whereas this chipset can do lots, particularly within the lower-specced indie video games that thrive on the hand-held, it’s getting up there in age. In any case, Zen 2 launched in 2019 with the Ryzen 9 3900X, and RDNA 2 in 2020 with the Radeon RX 6800 XT.
The Steam Deck processor really appears lots just like the non-X Xbox Ally, which has AMD’s new ‘Z2 A’ APU. Regardless of that new title, nevertheless, it very carefully matches the Steam Deck’s specs.
The opposite Microsoft handheld takes issues to a different degree although. The Xbox Ally X is powered by the AMD AI Z2 Excessive. This APU is practically equivalent to the Z2 Excessive that AMD introduced at CES 2025, simply with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) stapled onto it. Past the AI capabilities although, it is nonetheless an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 5 CPU, paired with an RDNA 3.5 GPU with 16 cores. If the RDNA 3.5 structure title appears bizarre to you, you are undoubtedly not alone. However all you might want to know is that it is mainly the identical because the RDNA 3 structure that powered the Radeon 7000 collection of graphics playing cards, however with some optimizations for low-power APUs.
Not solely does the Xbox Ally X have actually double the CPU and GPU cores of the Steam Deck, however it’s utilizing a lot newer silicon. I will not know precisely how the brand new handheld performs till I get it within the lab, however I can already inform you that it should be a lot quicker.
Winner: Xbox Ally X
Xbox Ally X vs. Steam Deck: Show
As a lot as I like a high-resolution display, Valve actually did make a terrific alternative through the use of an 800p show for the Steam Deck. By holding the decision down, extra video games are in a position to run properly on the Steam Deck with out having to tweak with settings an excessive amount of. Yeah, 800p is arguably low-res in 2025, however that does not cease the Steam Deck OLED from trying unbelievable, particularly in video games like Hades.
The Xbox Ally X is taking a special strategy with its 1080p 120Hz LCD show. Not solely does it have a better decision, however it’s additionally quicker than even the 90Hz Steam Deck OLED, which is large for video games that may really run that quick on a handheld.
The controversy between quick screens and fairly screens is nothing new, so actually it is dependent upon what you are in search of. I am a agency believer that even a lower-res OLED show appears higher than a high-res LCD display, however if you happen to’re purely after response instances, the Xbox Ally X goes to be higher.
Winner: It relies upon.
Xbox Ally X vs. Steam Deck: Sport Compatibility
Wanting again on it, it is type of unbelievable that the Steam Deck was in a position to play so many video games out of the gate, regardless of operating on Linux. This was thanks largely to Valve’s Proton translation layer, which basically permits the machine to emulate Home windows. It isn’t an ideal answer, however it did give the Steam Deck entry to a ton of Home windows video games that it would not in any other case have entry to. But it surely was largely locked to Steam.
You completely may set up Home windows 11 on the Steam Deck and get it operating the Xbox app and different launchers, however it was an enormous to-do that most individuals did not wish to, uh, do. The Xbox Ally X, nevertheless, would not want a translation layer to run video games.
The large benefit of Microsoft co-developing a handheld is that it is operating Home windows. Microsoft is modifying it a bit to make it simpler to make use of on a handheld, however the guts are nonetheless the identical, which suggests just about any PC recreation will work on the brand new machine. So whereas Steam has an undeniably big library, with the ability to entry any recreation that runs on Home windows routinely offers the win to the Xbox Ally X.
Winner: Xbox Ally X
Xbox Ally X vs. Steam Deck: Worth
Past a imprecise “Vacation 2025” launch window, I don’t know when the Xbox Ally X will probably be popping out, not to mention how a lot the factor will value. Nevertheless, it’s in all probability going to be a bit costlier than the Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally X – which launched with very comparable specs however with the last-gen equal APU – ran for $799 at launch. Provided that the whole lot is getting costlier this yr, I’d at the least not anticipate it to be cheaper.
We all know precisely how a lot the Steam Deck prices, although. You may get a base-model Steam Deck beginning at $399. That’ll get you a handheld with a 256GB SSD and an LCD show. You possibly can up that value to $549 for the OLED model with a 512GB SSD and a barely greater battery. Or, you possibly can go all out for $649 to improve to a 1TB SSD.
As a result of Microsoft can subsidize its {hardware} a bit, I may see the Xbox Ally X launching for a similar worth as 1TB Steam Deck OLED, however not for a lot much less. And you would be lacking out on the attractive OLED show.
(Probably) Winner: Steam Deck
The Winner (for Now): Xbox Ally X
A lot of what’s going to really make the Xbox Ally X higher than the Steam Deck is type of in limbo proper now, however at the least one factor is for sure: It’s going to be extra highly effective. Plus, operating Home windows will give it simpler entry to mainly any PC recreation ever. Actually, the factor I am ready to see is how a lot Microsoft can really enhance the Home windows 11 expertise on a handheld. If the corporate may even convey it near the identical ease-of-use loved by the Steam Deck, it will be an enormous win for the Xbox handheld.
The worth is probably going going to be the ache level for most individuals. Microsoft hasn’t revealed how a lot both of its new handhelds are going to value, however there is a motive the Steam Deck has remained so well-liked, even when it appears a bit lengthy within the tooth in comparison with costly gadgets just like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X.
For now, issues are trying good for the Xbox Ally X. We’re simply going to have to attend and see the way it does within the lab to make a definitive name on this handheld cage match.
Jackie Thomas is the {Hardware} and Shopping for Guides Editor at IGN and the PC elements queen. You possibly can observe her @Jackiecobra