MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Top Handhelds Get Windows 11 Gaming Boost

Key Takeaways

1. Asus and Microsoft’s partnership launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X during Gamescom 2025, showcasing Handheld Gaming Mode for Windows 11.
2. Microsoft plans to extend the new handheld mode to three additional gaming handhelds currently available on the market.
3. The Xbox full-screen experience will first be available for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, with updates for existing models to follow.
4. The Xbox on Handhelds website has been updated but does not include the ROG Ally, focusing instead on the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8 AI+.
5. A clear timeline for when the Handheld Gaming Mode will be available for existing devices has not yet been provided.

The recent launches of the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X during Gamescom 2025 have finally wrapped up. Asus and Microsoft’s partnership is set to be the first to demonstrate the Handheld Gaming Mode of Windows 11, but they won’t be the only ones.

Upcoming Updates for Existing Devices

Microsoft has now subtly let it be known that three other gaming handhelds currently on the market will also get the new handheld mode for Windows 11. In June, the company shared some details, mentioning:

The Xbox full-screen experience will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, and our next priority will be to update the available ROG Ally and ROG Ally X… Similar full-screen Xbox experiences are planned for other Windows handhelds, beginning next year.

Details from the Xbox on Handhelds Website

Interestingly, the Xbox on Handhelds website has updated to match Microsoft’s previous announcement about the ROG Ally X. However, the ROG Ally is oddly missing from the site. Instead, it features the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8 AI+ (currently priced at $999 on Amazon) alongside the ROG Ally X. Sadly, we still don’t have a clear timeline for when Windows 11’s new Handheld Gaming Mode will reach existing devices. For further information, you can check the Xbox website and watch the hands-on videos linked below.

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