ROG Xbox Ally X Prices Have Been Leaked
The highly anticipated ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft and ASUS’s collaborative entry into the burgeoning handheld PC gaming market, has had its pricing prematurely revealed. According to a report by 3DJuegos, an apparent oversight on the ASUS website has shown that the standard ROG Xbox Ally will retail for €599 (~RM2,972), while the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X will be priced at €899 (~RM4,461). These leaks come months ahead of the devices’ scheduled release at the end of 2025.
The Evolving Handheld PC Landscape
The handheld console landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with devices blurring the lines between traditional consoles and portable PCs. Valve’s successful Steam Deck in 2022 paved the way for a new category of “console PCs,” prompting tech giants like Lenovo and ASUS to introduce their own contenders. A key debate in this evolving market revolves around the operating system, with gamers choosing between Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS and Microsoft’s Windows 11.
Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally
The ROG Xbox Ally, unveiled by Microsoft a few months ago, represents a direct challenge to existing handhelds. Manufactured by ASUS in collaboration with Xbox, these devices are slated for a late 2025 debut. Two distinct versions are planned: the premium ROG Xbox Ally X, featuring a Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24 GB of RAM, a 1080p display, 1TB of storage, and adaptive triggers; and a more accessible version with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. While their raw specifications may not drastically outperform competitors, their unique selling point lies in a modified operating system designed specifically for gaming.
‘Xbox Full Screen Experience’ and Leaked Pricing
A standout feature of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X is its new ‘Xbox full screen experience’ interface. This custom UI aims to centralise game libraries from various platforms, including Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC digital storefronts, promising a seamless gaming experience. Until now, the pricing for these innovative devices remained a mystery, but the recent leak on the ASUS website has provided a clear indication of what consumers can expect.
The leaked prices, €599 for the standard ROG Xbox Ally and €899 for the ROG Xbox Ally X, are currently unofficial and await confirmation from Microsoft or ASUS. However, the accidental publication suggests these figures are highly indicative of the final retail costs.
Future Outlook and Competition
Looking ahead, Microsoft has confirmed that the optimisation work done on Windows 11 for the ROG Xbox Ally will extend to other portable devices in 2026, signalling a broader push into the handheld PC space.
