Xbox Ally Preorders Live: $999 for X Model
▼ Summary
– Microsoft and Asus have opened preorders for the ROG Xbox Ally ($599) and ROG Xbox Ally X ($999) in the US, with both models shipping on October 16th.
– The pricing positions these Xbox handhelds as expensive compared to traditional consoles, costing more than a Switch 2 or an Xbox Series X at launch in some regions.
– These are the first handhelds to feature a new Windows build that hides the desktop interface to free up memory and enable full controller navigation.
– The high-end Ally X’s price is comparable to other flagship handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, and the devices are noted for their comfortable design.
– The base model Ally uses an unproven, lower-performance Ryzen Z2 A processor, making it a less powerful and more uncertain choice compared to the Ally X.
Preorders for the highly anticipated ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are now officially available. The standard model starts at $599 in the United States, while the more powerful X variant is priced at $999. Both devices are scheduled to begin shipping on October 16th. For international customers, pricing varies significantly, with the Ally X reaching $1,599 AUD in Australia and £799 in the United Kingdom.
When viewed through the lens of traditional console pricing, these new Xbox handhelds represent a substantial investment. The entry-level white Xbox Ally costs $150 more than a Switch 2 and even surpasses the launch price of the more powerful Xbox Series X. In European and UK markets, the base Ally is priced identically to an Xbox Series X console. However, the value proposition shifts when considering portability; you cannot play a standard Xbox console from a passenger seat or on a commute.
For PC gamers or those looking to enter the PC gaming space, the outlook is more favorable. These devices are pioneering a new, streamlined version of Windows that conceals the traditional desktop interface. This specialized software is designed to free up significant memory for gaming and aims to provide a fully controller-navigable experience, a first for Windows-based handhelds.
The trend of increasingly expensive handheld gaming devices continues, with flagship models now rivaling the cost of full-sized gaming laptops. At its $999 price point, the Xbox Ally X appears competitive when compared to rivals like the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, which is similarly priced, or the more expensive Lenovo Legion Go 2. A key advantage noted by early hands-on impressions is the exceptionally comfortable design of the new Ally models, which features prominent grips that enhance the holding experience.
Potential buyers should be aware of a significant difference between the two models. Opting for the $599 Ally means you are getting a device powered by a previously unseen Ryzen Z2 A processor. This chip is architecturally much closer to the one found in the Steam Deck, featuring 4 Zen 2 CPU cores and 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores with a thermal design power (TDP) range of 6 to 20 watts. This contrasts sharply with the Ally X’s AMD Z2 Extreme chip, which boasts 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores capable of operating between 15 and 35 watts for substantially higher performance.
In-depth reviews for both the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are expected to be published in the coming weeks. Microsoft has confirmed a wide global release for the handhelds, with availability spanning numerous countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including additional launches planned for markets like Brazil, China, and India.
(Source: The Verge)
