Microsoft made headlines during its annual Xbox Games Showcase with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld consoles—developed in collaboration with ASUS. Positioned as a bold step into the handheld gaming market, the ROG Xbox Ally combines Xbox Game Pass functionality with compatibility across leading PC storefronts, including Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect.
But one of the event’s most talked-about surprises? The ability to play select PlayStation first-party titles on Xbox’s new handheld—thanks to their Steam ports.
In a move as cheeky as it is unprecedented, Microsoft confirmed (albeit indirectly) that Sony-developed games like God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok, which are available on Steam, will be fully playable on the ROG Xbox Ally. This marks the first time that these major Sony IPs will be accessible on a device carrying the Xbox brand.
A Handheld Rival to Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch
The ROG Xbox Ally is expected to directly compete with the Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, boasting performance on par—or superior, in the case of the Ally X. Players will be able to:
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Play Xbox first-party titles and Game Pass games.
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Access Steam’s vast library (including PC versions of Sony exclusives).
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Use the console for remote play or standalone gaming.
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Tap into other storefronts like GOG and Ubisoft Connect.
Xbox Ally Launch and Other Showcase Highlights
Set to launch later in 2025, the ROG Xbox Ally was just one of many major announcements during the Xbox Showcase:
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Gears of War: Reloaded was unveiled.
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Atlus revealed Persona 4 Revival.
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Final Fantasy XVI shadow-dropped on Xbox.
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Final Fantasy VII Remake is coming to Xbox later this year.
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And yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong was teased once again—confirmed to be compatible with the new Xbox handheld.
A Subtle Shift in Console Gaming
While Sony and Microsoft have often guarded their exclusives, the ROG Xbox Ally’s openness to Steam ports marks a playful yet significant step forward in cross-platform access. It’s not that Xbox is licensing PlayStation games—but by embracing open ecosystems like Steam, Xbox gamers can now play select PlayStation hits on an Xbox handheld. It’s a twist no one saw coming—but fans are here for it.
