Pre-Order the ASUS ROG Ally & Ally X Gaming Handhelds Now
▼ Summary
– The ROG Xbox Ally ($599) and Ally X ($999) handheld consoles are now available for pre-order from Asus, Microsoft, and various third-party retailers.
– The Ally X is exclusively available at Best Buy and features more powerful hardware, including an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD.
– The standard Ally model is available from multiple retailers and features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD.
– Both consoles feature a design inspired by Xbox controllers, an Xbox-optimized interface over Windows 11, and the same 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display.
– Pre-orders are available internationally, and U.S. customers who order through the Asus Shop are entered into a sweepstakes to win accessories.
The highly anticipated ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X gaming handhelds, developed in partnership with Microsoft, are now officially open for pre-order. Gamers eager to get their hands on these powerful portable consoles can secure their unit through a variety of major retailers, marking a significant new entry into the handheld gaming market.
Pre-orders for both models are being accepted directly through the ASUS and Microsoft online stores. Additionally, several third-party retailers have opened their order books. Amazon, Best Buy, Ant Online, and Walmart are all offering the standard ROG Ally. However, the more advanced ROG Ally X will be sold exclusively through Best Buy, making it the sole destination for that particular model.
The ROG Ally X is priced at $999 and represents the premium offering. It is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, a substantial 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, and a spacious 1TB SSD. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the standard ROG Ally costs $599. This model features the capable AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD.
An exciting incentive is available for customers in the United States who choose to pre-order via the official ASUS Shop. They will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a range of high-end accessories. The prize pool includes an ROG Strix Arion external SSD enclosure, an ROG Raikiri controller, ROG Cetra Wireless earbuds, an ROG Bulwark TV dock, or a premium 2-in-1 case designed for the Ally.
First revealed during Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase in June, both handhelds boast an ergonomic design heavily inspired by Xbox controllers. This includes large, contoured grips, impulse triggers, and a dedicated Xbox button. The consoles boot into a custom, streamlined interface optimized for handheld use, which sits atop Windows 11. This setup provides seamless access to the Xbox ecosystem while still supporting other popular PC game launchers.
Beyond the core processing and storage differences, the two models share several key specifications. Both feature a vibrant 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support. They also include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual USB-C ports. Notably, one of the USB-C ports on the Ally X supports the faster USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 standards. Battery capacity is another differentiator, with the Ally containing a 60Wh unit and the Ally X boasting a larger 80Wh battery for extended gameplay.
International availability is broad, with pre-orders live in numerous regions including Australia, Canada, the UK, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Pricing varies by market, with the standard Ally starting around €599 / £499 and the Ally X beginning at approximately €899 / £799. It’s important to note that some markets may only have one of the two models available for purchase.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
