Accordance to reports, the ROG Xbox Ally is speculated to debut in October; however, I remain skeptical about finding a compelling reason to purchase it at the moment.
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, two new contenders are set to join the fray. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, handheld gaming PCs from ASUS, are scheduled to launch on October 16, 2025, according to multiple reliable sources. Pre-orders for both devices are expected to start on August 20, 2025, coinciding with Xbox's presence at Gamescom 2025.
The ROG Xbox Ally is anticipated to retail at approximately €599 ($699) in Europe, while the ROG Xbox Ally X is expected to carry a higher price tag of €899 ($1,050) in the same region. These prices, reported by Dealabs and appearing in metadata leaks from the ASUS online store, may vary in other regions due to tariffs and currency conversion.
The ROG Xbox Ally's high-end counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X, boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, which contributes to its higher price point.
The handheld gaming PC market is already quite competitive, with options such as the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go and the MSI Claw 8 AI+. The Steam Deck, known for its budget-friendly approach, remains a popular choice. The Ayaneo Flip DS and MSI Claw 8 AI, both renowned for their performance, also hold their own in this market.
As the launch dates for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X approach, these devices have a lot to prove in the handheld gaming PC market. Early testing suggests that the memory bandwidth could be a potential issue for the ROG Xbox Ally's chip.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox division is making strides towards becoming a third-party game publisher. However, the company is currently undergoing mass layoffs, and its shareholders are conducting investigations into its "human rights due diligence".
In exciting news for gamers, Xbox president Sarah Bond announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available at launch and in Game Pass when the ROG Xbox Ally releases later this year.
The author of the initial leaks, billbil-kun, has a history of accurate industry leaks, lending credibility to these reports. For those looking for a handheld gaming PC with a larger screen, the Lenovo Legion Go could be an attractive alternative. The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS ed., considered the best overall handheld gaming PC, is another option worth considering.
As we gear up for the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, it's clear that these devices are poised to make a significant impact in the handheld gaming PC market. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the pre-order and launch dates.
- Fans of handheld gaming PCs are eager to win games on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, set to launch on October 16, 2025.
- The ROG Xbox Ally's chip, while powerful, might face potential memory bandwidth issues, according to early testing.
- With a higher price tag of €899 ($1,050), the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU.
- As the handheld gaming PC market grows more competitive, gadget enthusiasts may find the Lenovo Legion Go and its SteamOS version an appealing alternative, particularly for those looking for a device with a larger screen.
- The author of the initial leaks, billbil-kun, has a track record of accurate industry leaks, adding credibility to the reports of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
