In a recent video by BBC’s Tom Gerken, we got a fresh look at the new Xbox Ally X handheld. The review dives into its key features and how well it plays popular PC games. The hands-on footage shows its performance with Game Pass cloud gaming and a variety of Windows titles.
One of the highlights comes from Jason Ronald, VP of Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem, who discussed the handheld’s timing. He expressed that now is an ideal moment for Xbox to step into the portable gaming world. He believes that current player habits, technology advancements, and industry trends align perfectly for this.
As Ronald put it, “We’re always thinking about what the future of gaming is and new ways for people to be able to play.” This suggests that Xbox is very much focused on evolving gaming experiences for its users.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Gerken asked Ronald about expanding backwards compatibility, a hot topic among gamers. Ronald responded cautiously, teasing fans but not confirming any specifics. He mentioned Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026, hinting that it’s a significant time for potential announcements. His response hinted at possible plans, saying, “I can’t announce anything today, but stay tuned. We have a lot of exciting things to share next year.”
This sense of anticipation has sparked chatter on social media. Fans are eager to see if Xbox will enhance its Game Pass library with more classic titles, especially with many Activision games now part of the Xbox family.
Additionally, a recent survey from a gaming industry research firm indicated that around 70% of gamers are interested in portable consoles, showing a rising trend in handheld gaming. This could further validate Xbox’s decision to enter this particular market.
The bottom line? Xbox is poised to make a splash in handheld gaming, and fans can expect to hear more exciting news soon. As we look towards the 25th anniversary, it seems there’s plenty on the horizon for Xbox enthusiasts.
For more details, you can check out the full video here.

