Xbox’s New Handheld Can Play PlayStation Games
Xbox Surprises Fans with New Handheld Console
Xbox’s new handheld can play PlayStation games, thanks to its unique Steam integration. The ROG Xbox Ally, made with Asus, lets players enjoy select Sony titles on an Xbox device for the first time.
This is not to mean the handheld natively plays PlayStation games. It instead plays the Steam versions of titles like God of War and God of War: Ragnarok. These are titles that, until now, have only been available on Sony consoles. Now they are open to Xbox players in a different way.
How Steam Access Makes It Possible
The ROG Xbox Ally is running Windows on it, so it’s not exclusively an Xbox console. It’s got support for a variety of platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and GOG. That’s correct; any game that is available on Steam, including games ported from the PlayStation, can be played on the Ally.
Thanks to this, Sony’s library of games can be enjoyed by Xbox gamers if there are Steam releases.
Microsoft Enters the Handheld Market
This is Microsoft’s first serious entry into handheld gaming hardware. The Ally will be competing against the Steam Deck and the soon to be released Nintendo Switch 2.
From early reports, the Ally seems to be just as capable as the Steam Deck. The higher-spec model, the Ally X, might even surpass Valve’s handheld.
What Games Can You Play?
The biggest draw is Sony titles on Steam. God of War and God of War: Ragnarok will be playable on the Ally through Steam. Other Sony titles released on Steam would also work in theory.
Besides PlayStation games, the Ally features:
- Full access to Xbox Game Pass
- Cross-play PC games through Ubisoft Connect and GOG
- The Windows modding and custom install freedom
More Xbox Announcements at the Showcase
The handheld was not the biggest revelation. Xbox also revealed new titles to come out in 2025 and 2026. These include Gears of War: Reloaded, Persona 4 Revival by Atlus, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Square Enix announced Final Fantasy XVI is out on Xbox. Final Fantasy VII Remake also comes out later this year.
Release Date and Pricing
Microsoft plans to launch the ROG Xbox Ally later this year before 2025 ends. It needs to be priced close to other handhelds, probably ranging between $400 and $600 based on the variant.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Xbox Portable Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally combines console gaming with PC gaming into one device. To have Xbox and some PlayStation games on one handheld may change the face of gaming.
The console wars continue, but Xbox just did something huge. PlayStation fans may want to take notice.
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