2026 Game Releases: Full Upcoming Games Calendar & Release Dates (PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch / Switch 2)

You’ve probably clocked the name ASUS ROG Xbox Ally floating around. But here’s the deal: it’s not just another Xbox app - it’s born from a Microsoft x ASUS collab, blending console power with PC freedom. Phil Spencer even called it “the tightest collaboration between Xbox and Windows teams in 30 years”. Big words, and honestly, the hype feels justified.

That’s why we’ve put together this Xbox Ally review - not the boring, corporate kind, but a proper walkthrough that shows you what it does, how it works, and whether it’s worth your time in 2025.

If you’re already knee-deep in the Xbox ecosystem or just nosy about where Microsoft’s headed, this is the lowdown you need.

What Is Xbox Ally?

Right, let’s cut through the noise. Xbox Ally isn’t just some side app you download, mess about with once, and then forget exists. It’s Microsoft’s latest move to glue the whole Xbox ecosystem together - console, PC, mobile, even handhelds like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally (2025). Basically, it’s the command

The ROG Xbox Ally is ASUS's latest handheld gaming console, built in collaboration with Xbox. It combines ASUS's ROG hardware expertise with Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, and it has been making waves in the UK gaming community since its launch in October 2025.

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a competitive gamer, this device promises a lot. But is it actually worth your money?

This guide covers everything you need to know before buying: UK pricing, hardware specs, real-world performance, battery life, and honest pros and cons. No fluff. Just the facts you need to make a smart purchase.

1. Design and Build Quality

Feels Solid, Not Plasticky

The ROG Xbox Ally has a premium polycarbonate shell with a matte finish that resists fingerprints well. The build feels genuinely robust in hand. It doesn't feel cheap or toy-like.

• Weighs 1.47lbs (approximately 667g), well balanced for long sessions

• Chunkier, more ergonomic grips than most competing handhelds

• Subtle ROG eye and Xbox sphere co-branding

Hands-on Verdict: Ryzen Z2 a Performance, Thermals & Value

When ASUS first launched the ROG Ally in 2023, it was a statement, Windows handheld gaming done properly. But three years later, we’re looking at something subtler: refinement. The 2025 ROG Xbox Ally (RC73YA-NH002W) swaps its original Ryzen Z1 Extreme for AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A — a newer, cooler, and more efficient APU built on Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 architecture.

The question isn’t whether the Ally is still good - it’s whether this revision is worth the upgrade for existing owners or the clear pick for newcomers. After three weeks of daily use, testing everything from Game Pass titles to Steam AAA releases, here’s the full verdict.

1. Design & Build Quality — Lighter Touch, Same DNA

The 2025 Ally doesn’t reinvent its chassis. At 608 grams, it’s still comfortably lighter than the Steam Deck OLED, with the same 7-inch 120 Hz Full HD display, tactile hall-effect sticks, and well-spaced face buttons.

Subtle tweaks make it nicer to live with:

If you’ve just unboxed your ASUS ROG Ally, your first question might be: how do I get all my launchers - Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, into one unified view?

Ally runs Windows 11, but its front-facing UI is Armoury Crate SE, which provides a console-like experience. Armoury Crate SE auto-scans installed games and apps, lets you pin games or launchers, and offers control-mode switching and performance profiles. Note that while many units ship with Game Pass integration or promotional offers, that can vary by region or bundle.

Here’s how to set everything up properly and reliably.

Understanding the Armoury Crate SE Home Screen

• Armoury Crate SE is your central “hub” - it aggregates games, apps, and hardware settings in one interface, so you rarely must go back to the Windows desktop.

• Every title on the home screen is a shortcut to a game or application. Some are auto detected (e.g. Xbox App/Game Pass), while others must be added manually (like Steam or Epic).

• You have control: you can

I’ll be honest, I’ve been waiting eagerly to try the Xbox Ally X ever since Microsoft and ASUS announced it. The idea of a proper Xbox handheld gaming machine, one that blurs the line between console and PC, had me curious but also sceptical. After all, we’ve seen plenty of handheld PCs already, and most of them promise the world but trip over Windows bloat or weak battery life.

When I finally picked up the Ally X, my first reaction was: this thing feels serious. It’s not a toy, it’s not a Switch, and it’s definitely not a Steam Deck clone. It feels like a machine built for Xbox fans first, but with the flexibility of a full Windows 11 PC under the hood. In this Xbox Ally X review, I’ve spent as much time diving into the specs, benchmarks, software, and real-world use as I could. Here’s my take and whether it lives up to the hype.

Xbox Ally X vs Ally: Do You Really Need the Upgrade?

The Xbox Ally X launch date was 16th October 2025, arriving alongside the standard ROG Ally. Microsoft

Black Friday has become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, offering massive discounts across various categories. For gamers, it's an exciting time to buy your own Black Friday PS5/Xbox bundles. These bundles provide an excellent opportunity to pick up a new console with accessories, games, and more at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking for the best PS5 Black Friday deals UK 2025 or Xbox Series X Black Friday bundles UK, this guide will break down what to expect and when to snag the best deals.

As you plan your Black Friday sale shopping, knowing which consoles and accessories typically go on sale, and when these deals drop, will give you a significant advantage. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

What is Black Friday PS5/Xbox Bundle?

PS5 and Xbox Series X: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the details of PlayStation bundle deals Black Friday UK and Xbox Series X Black Friday bundles UK, it’s important to understand what a console bundle

If you're looking to unlock true next-gen performance on your Xbox Series X without stretching your budget, you’re in the right place. The console is capable of extraordinary visuals, which includes from razor-sharp 4K resolution and buttery-smooth 120Hz gameplay to HDR brilliance and ultra-low latency. But to experience these features properly, you need the right display. That’s why we’ve curated a detailed guide to the best budget-friendly 4K monitors for Xbox Series X, helping you choose a display that enhances every moment of your gaming while keeping your wallet happy.

Why a 4K Monitor is Ideal for Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X was built for 4K gaming. While you can play on lower resolutions, a monitor that fully supports the console’s capabilities will significantly improve your experience. Here’s why a 4K monitor for next-gen consoles is the perfect match:

True 4K Resolution

With a 4K monitor, you get four times the pixel density of 1080p, giving you:

• Sharper textures

• Improved

The return of the beloved Kirby Air Ride with the sequel, Kirby Air Riders, has set the gaming world buzzing. This is a game that perfectly blends frantic racing action with the delightful charm of the Kirby universe.

But there’s a big question for fans: when it comes to experiencing this title, which console truly delivers the best performance? Is it the original Nintendo Switch or the powerhouse that is the Nintendo Switch 2?

The simplest answer, which immediately clarifies the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch for Kirby Air Riders debate, is this:

Kirby Air Riders is an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2.

This means if your main goal is to experience this specific game, the choice is already made—the Switch 2 is your only option.

Why the Nintendo Switch Cannot Play Kirby Air Riders

Kirby Air Riders is a fast-paced, colourful racing game, released on November 20, 2025, as a direct sequel to the GameCube classic, Kirby Air Ride.

The new title's enhanced visuals, deeper mechanics,

You’ve waited eight years for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to finally drop, and now Nintendo’s gone, “Surprise, it’s on two consoles.” Cheers for that, lads.

Here we are, Switch vs Switch 2 for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The game is the same, but the experience won’t be. If you crave fluid and faster loading or a future-proof setup, this isn’t a casual purchase, it’s a hardware crossroads.

The Short Answer for Nintendo Switch vs Switch 2 for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

If you’re mid-mission and just need a snap call, here’s the quick read:

• Already own a Switch and mostly play handheld? You’re fine. The game runs well, looks solid, and you don’t have to upgrade right now.
• Care about high FPS, cleaner image quality and future-proofing? Switch 2 is absolutely the smarter play for Metroid Prime 4 and beyond.
• Speedrunner vibes? Faster loads + smoother frametimes on Switch 2 will make your life noticeably better.
• Tight budget? Grab the best offer you can find from best gaming consoles and upgrade later

Since its launch on 5th June 2025, the new Nintendo Switch 2 has taken the gaming world by storm. This new console promises a substantial upgrade in power and features over its predecessor.

But what does this really mean for the games you love? The best way to find out is to put it through its paces with a demanding title. That is why we are focusing this Nintendo Switch 2 review on Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.

This new entry in the action-packed Hyrule Warriors series is the perfect showcase. It features the massive, chaotic battles that pushed the original Switch to its limits. We will explore how the Switch 2 stacks up. Expect to see major improvements in visuals, frame rate, and overall gameplay.

If you are considering an upgrade or looking for the perfect platform for this epic hack-and-slash adventure, this is the guide you need.

Technical Specifications of the Nintendo Switch 2

Before diving into the gameplay, it helps to understand the hardware inside the Nintendo Switch