Microsoft and ASUS have officially announced the preorder details for their ROG Xbox Ally handheld PC gaming series, initially introduced in June and slated for release on October 16. Preorder pricing has been set at $599.99 for the standard ROG Xbox Ally model and $999.99 for the advanced ROG Xbox Ally X.
The base price for the ROG Xbox Ally aligns it with competitors like Valve’s Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo’s Legion Go S, and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2. However, the premium ROG Xbox Ally X commands a significantly higher price tag, primarily due to its advanced components, including a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and a neural processing unit (NPU), which ASUS claims will enable it to support future game releases enhanced by artificial intelligence.
This high level of capability may seem excessive, especially considering that many Steam Deck users are satisfied with the device’s performance for playing lower-end titles such as Vampire Survivors and Hades. However, ASUS has reported that initial tests of the ROG Xbox Ally X show “up to a 30% performance enhancement” compared to the 2024 ROG Ally X when running demanding games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Additionally, the latest hardware reportedly achieves “up to twice the battery life” for titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
The ROG Xbox Ally retains its predecessor’s 7-inch 1080p display and initial RAM and storage capacities. Alongside the upgraded processors, the new devices feature Xbox-brand controls and logos. They offer an “Xbox experience for handhelds,” facilitating access to a wide variety of games available on Windows and managing various storefronts and launchers.
Further evaluations will be necessary to determine how the enhanced specifications and interface of the ROG Xbox Ally measure up against its rivals. In the meantime, the ROG Xbox Ally is available for preorder via the ASUS store, as well as at retailers such as Microsoft and Best Buy.
| Company | Name | Release Year | Current Starting Price | Processor | Starting Storage | RAM | Screen Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve | Steam Deck LCD | 2022 | $399.00 | AMD Zen 2 | 256GB | 16GB | 7 inches |
| Asus | ROG Ally | 2023 | $499.99 | Ryzen Z1 | 512GB | 16GB | 7 inches |
| Valve | Steam Deck OLED | 2023 | $549.00 | AMD Zen 2 | 512GB | 16GB | 7.4 inches |
| Asus | ROG Xbox Ally | 2025 | $599.99 | Ryzen Z2 A | 512GB | 16GB | 7 inches |
| Lenovo | Legion Go S | 2025 | $649.99 | Ryzen Z2 Go | 512GB | 16GB | 8 inches |
| Lenovo | Legion Go | 2023 | $749.99 | Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 1TB | 16GB | 8.8 inches |
| Asus | ROG Ally X | 2024 | $799.99 | Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 1TB | 24GB | 7 inches |
| Asus | ROG Xbox Ally X | 2025 | $999.99 | Ryzen Z2 Extreme | 1TB | 24GB | 7 inches |
