2025-06-17 19:30:00
Microsoft and AMD Team Up for Next-Gen Xbox
Microsoft is deepening its partnership with AMD, sparking rumors of a new handheld Xbox.
- Microsoft and AMD are collaborating on chips for future Xbox consoles and other devices.
- The partnership hints at a possible handheld Xbox.
- Microsoft is focused on expanding xbox beyond customary consoles.
Is a handheld Xbox on the horizon? Microsoft announced a strategic partnership with AMD on Tuesday to co-engineer silicon for a range of devices, including the next-generation Xbox. The move has fueled speculation about a portable xbox console, potentially bringing gaming experiences to your hands.
Microsoft released a video detailing its “multi-year” partnership with AMD, which currently supplies chips for the Xbox Series X and the Xbox One. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated that the collaboration will span “a portfolio of devices, including our next-generation Xbox consoles, in your living room, and in your hands.”
the phrase “in your hands” has intensified rumors about a handheld Xbox, despite earlier reports that Microsoft had paused the project. Bond also mentioned a commitment to an Xbox experiance “not locked to a single store, or tied to one device,” potentially opening the door for Xbox games on platforms like Steam.
The video underscores Microsoft’s ambition to broaden the xbox ecosystem. The company is aiming to extend its reach to various third-party devices using cloud gaming. Bond emphasized that the AMD partnership will lead to enhanced graphics and more immersive gaming experiences.
“The next generation xbox is coming to life and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to show you what’s next,” Bond said in the video, without providing any specific dates.
AMD’s SVP for Computing and Graphics, Jack Huynh, shared a similar sentiment in a tweet: “This isn’t just a hardware evolution-it’s a bold, shared vision to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.” He added that it involves creating “an open, player-first ecosystem-not locked to a single device or store.”
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Microsoft faces competition from Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2. Moreover,Valve’s Steam Deck has made a mark in the handheld PC gaming space.
In response, Microsoft has teamed up with Asus to develop an Xbox-themed handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, both of which will use AMD chips. these handhelds are slated to launch later this year, but pricing and a specific release date have yet to be announced.
Diving Deeper: The Xbox Ally Handhelds
Building on the announced partnership with AMD and the hints at a handheld Xbox, let’s focus on the upcoming ROG Xbox ally and Ally X. These devices represent Microsoft’s direct response too the growing handheld gaming market.
The ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds are designed to deliver the Xbox experience on the go. They will boot directly into an Xbox-focused interface optimized for handheld gaming [[1]], offering a seamless transition from console to portable play. The modifications made to the software will minimize background activity, dedicating more system resources to gameplay [[1]].
The Ally X, in particular, is expected to ship later this year [[2]].This handheld will also feature software tuned for optimal performance on a portable device [[2]]. Initial impressions suggest the Ally X is an remarkable piece of hardware [[3]].
Did you know? The ROG Ally is developed in partnership with ASUS, leveraging their expertise in gaming hardware. This collaboration aims to integrate the Xbox experience into a high-quality, portable form factor.
The handhelds will provide access to your Xbox gaming library. This means you can continue your progress wherever you go, seamlessly switching between your console and the handheld device. More details will be available in the coming months.
Key Features and Expected Benefits:
- Xbox Ecosystem Integration: Direct access to your Xbox account, games, and services.
- Optimized Performance: Software and hardware enhancements designed for handheld gaming.
- AMD Powered: AMD processors for graphics and processing power.
- Portability: Play your Xbox games on the go.
Many people are curious about the specifics of these handhelds. Will the ROG Ally and Ally X be able to run all Xbox games? While not all games may be optimized for handheld play at launch, Microsoft is committed to deliver a complete Xbox experience.What will the price point be of these devices? Pricing and release dates have yet to be released; though, more information will be provided soon.
Microsoft’s move further into the handheld market signals their understanding of shifting gaming preferences. The focus on a portable device will allow players to experience content irrespective of location.
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