Gamescom 2025: New Handhelds, Game Announcements, and Industry Innovations

Gamescom 2025, held in Cologne, Germany, concluded on August 24, 2025, unveiling a series of significant developments poised to reshape the gaming landscape. Key announcements included the launch of ASUS's ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, the introduction of new titles in beloved franchises, and the expansion of gaming experiences across multiple platforms.

ASUS, in collaboration with Microsoft, announced the release of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices, set to hit shelves on October 16, 2025. The ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD. The premium ROG Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. Both models boast a 7-inch Full HD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and run on Windows 11, offering an integrated gaming library across multiple storefronts. Roanne Sones, Corporate Vice President at Xbox, stated, "We wanted to create an authentic Xbox experience in a handheld form factor. With ROG, we made it happen on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X." (asus.com)

TT Games unveiled "Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight," an open-world Gotham adventure featuring a detective vision mechanic and actor Matt Berry voicing the character Bane. The game promises an original storyline that immerses players in the iconic city. (techradar.com)

Team Cherry announced that "Hollow Knight: Silksong," the highly anticipated sequel to the indie hit "Hollow Knight," will release on September 4, 2025, across all major platforms. The game introduces new gameplay features and expands upon the original's rich, atmospheric world. (techradar.com)

Activision debuted a trailer for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7," set in 2035. The game introduces a cooperative campaign and an open-world finale called "Endgame," with a scheduled release date of November 14, 2025. (los40.com)

Capcom revealed "Resident Evil: Requiem," introducing a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, and delving into her disturbing backstory. Set 30 years after the Raccoon City outbreak, the game is slated for release on February 27, 2026. (gadgetmatch.com)

Game Science announced "Black Myth: Zhong Kui," a follow-up to "Black Myth: Wukong." The game focuses on Zhong Kui, a renowned ghost-slaying Taoist deity from Chinese folklore, and is currently in early development. (techradar.com)

The introduction of high-performance handheld devices like the ROG Xbox Ally series signifies a shift towards more portable and versatile gaming experiences, catering to the growing demand for gaming on the go. Games like "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" highlight the industry's increasing embrace of diverse cultural narratives, bringing Chinese folklore to a global audience. The revival of beloved franchises such as Lego Batman and Resident Evil demonstrates a balance between nostalgia and innovation, appealing to both long-time fans and new players.

Gamescom 2025 has set the stage for a transformative era in gaming, showcasing a blend of technological advancements, cultural representation, and the evolution of established franchises. These developments reflect the industry's commitment to innovation and its responsiveness to the diverse interests of the global gaming community.