Microsoft has confirmed which existing gaming handhelds will be eligible to receive Windows 11’s new Xbox Handheld Gaming Mode. While the functionality will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, it will also be making its way to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ as well as the Lenovo Legion Go S and the Asus ROG Ally X.
The dust has now settled on the official launches of both the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X during Gamescom 2025. While Asus and Microsoft’s collaborative efforts will be the first to showcase Windows 11’s Handheld Gaming Mode, they will not be the last.
Instead, Microsoft has now quietly confirmed that three other existing gaming handhelds will also receive Windows 11’s new handheld mode. To recap, the company outlined in June the following:
The Xbox full-screen experience will first come to the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, and our next focus will be updating the in-market ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X…Similar full-screen Xbox experiences will be rolling out to other Windows handhelds, starting next year.
Now, the Xbox on Handhelds website reflects Microsoft’s earlier statement regarding the ROG Ally X. For some reason, the website does not include the ROG Ally. Instead, it lists the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8 AI+ (curr. $999 on Amazon) beside the ROG Ally X. Unfortunately, we are still none the wiser on a timeline for the rollout of Windows 11’s new Handheld Gaming Mode to existing devices. Nonetheless, more details can be found on the Xbox website and in the hands-on videos embedded below.
Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 13053 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
Alex Alderson, 2025-08-26 (Update: 2025-08-26)