Asus and Microsoft Reveal Launch Date for ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds

While gamescom is underway in Cologne, Asus and Microsoft have unveiled their release plans for ROG Xbox Ally handhelds: These will be available in numerous countries on October 16.

At gamescom itself, the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds are a prominent example of Microsoft's Play Anywhere strategy. And while the trade fair is underway in Cologne, both partners have unveiled their global release plans for the new handhelds. The launch in most countries is scheduled for mid-October, or more precisely, October 16.

Xbox Ally handhelds will be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, China (Xbox Ally X only), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam. According to Microsoft and Asus, availability will follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold today, including Brazil, India, Indonesia and Thailand. In China, the Xbox Ally will launch early next year.

At the same time, Microsoft has also introduced a new Handheld Compatibility Program. This program displays how well a title is suited for handheld use in the Game Library. There are two levels: - Handheld Optimized: This indicates games that are ready to go—with default controller inputs, an intuitive text input method, accurate iconography, clear text legibility, and appropriate resolution in full-screen mode—so you can spend less time adjusting settings, and more time defeating that next big boss.
- Mostly Compatible: This indicates games that may require minor in-game setting changes for an optimal experience on handheld.

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