> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://devdocs.xbox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Windows & ROG XBOX Ally overview

> Ship XBOX games on Windows PCs and handhelds like the ROG XBOX Ally using the GDK, with handheld-aware input, power, and screen-size considerations.

This path is for teams shipping to **Windows PCs** and **Windows handhelds** like the ROG XBOX Ally. You'll build with the GDK on Windows and account for handheld-specific concerns — controller-first input, power, and smaller screens.

<Tip>
  **Is this the right path for you?** Pick this if you're targeting Windows desktops and/or handhelds. If you also ship to XBOX consoles, look at [XBOX Series X|S](/paths/series-xs/overview) or the combined [Play Anywhere](/paths/play-anywhere/overview) path. Using Unreal or Unity? Start at [Unreal](/paths/unreal/overview) or [Unity](/paths/unity/overview).
</Tip>

## Before you start

Make sure the following are in place. If anything is missing, go back to the [Home](/) guided path.

* **ID\@XBOX onboarding complete** — see [ID@XBOX onboarding](/home/onboarding).
* **Dev PC ready** — Visual Studio, Windows SDK, and the GDK installed. See [Setup & install](/home/setup-install/get-started).
* **A test handheld or PC** representative of your target hardware.
* **Partner Center product** with the desktop and/or handheld device rows checked.

## Build & develop

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="GDK on PC" icon="windows" href="/build/gdk-and-engines/gdk-and-engines">
    Build with the GDK on Windows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Handheld considerations" icon="mobile" href="/build/console-features/index">
    Input, power, and screen size.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Packaging" icon="box" href="/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging">
    Package MSIX for Windows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="MicrosoftGame.config" icon="file-code" href="/build/core-features/common/game-config/MicrosoftGameConfig-Overview">
    Configure your title.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Input" icon="gamepad" href="/build/core-features/common/input/overviews/input-overview">
    Gamepad, keyboard, and touch.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Debugging" icon="bug" href="/build/core-features/common/async/index">
    Debug on Windows.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Add services

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="XBOX Services" icon="server" href="/services/xbox-services/index">
    Identity, presence, social.
  </Card>

  <Card title="PlayFab" icon="database" href="/services/playfab/get-started/what-is-playfab">
    LiveOps, economy, multiplayer.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Publish

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Overview" icon="compass" href="/publishing/game-publishing/overview">
    Publishing basics.
  </Card>

  <Card title="XBOX Requirements" icon="clipboard-check" href="/publishing/certification/xbox-requirements">
    XR compliance.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Certification" icon="shield-check" href="/publishing/certification/overview">
    Cert process.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Store listing" icon="store" href="/publishing/game-publishing/overview">
    Product page.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricing" icon="tag" href="/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/availability/sale-pricing">
    Pricing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ratings" icon="star" href="/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/age-ratings">
    Age ratings.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Optimize & reference

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Optimize" icon="gauge-high" href="/tools/index">
    Profilers, diagnostics, and performance tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API References" icon="brackets-curly" href="/reference/system/gc-reference-system-toc">
    Gaming Runtime, XBOX Services, and platform APIs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Related API documentation

* [XGameRuntime features reference](/reference/system/xgameruntimefeature/xgameruntimefeature_members) — GDK feature surface on Windows
* [XSAPI overview](/reference/live/xsapi-c/atoc-xsapi-c) — XBOX Services APIs
* [GameInput reference](/reference/system/gc-reference-system-toc) — input on PC and handheld


## Related topics

- [PC handheld overview](/build/gdk-and-engines/handheld/overview.md)
- [XBOX Series X|S overview](/paths/series-xs/overview.md)
- [Unity overview](/paths/unity/overview.md)
- [Porting overview](/paths/porting/overview.md)
- [Play Anywhere (Console + PC) overview](/paths/play-anywhere/overview.md)