Microsoft is preparing to launch the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and its premium variant, the ROG Xbox Ally X, in October 2025. The handheld gaming devices were first showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this year, but pricing details were held back. Now, a fresh leak has reportedly revealed what they will cost.
According to well-known tipster billbil-kun, the standard ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at $549.99, while the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X will retail for $899.99. However, neither Microsoft nor Asus has officially confirmed these figures. The company is expected to formally announce the prices at Gamescom 2025 on August 20, just ahead of their October release.
The two handhelds were also spotted on an e-commerce website, complete with specifications.
First unveiled on June 8, the ROG Xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM (6,400MHz) and up to 512GB expandable storage. It features a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 SSD for faster data performance.
The device sports a 7-inch Full-HD LCD display with 500 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for smooth handheld gaming. Notably, the ROG Xbox Ally will not run native Xbox console games but instead functions as a Windows-based handheld PC. It ships with Armoury Crate SE and dedicated Xbox Game Bar buttons, enabling quick access to performance settings.
Other highlights include a 60Wh battery, ergonomic “Contoured Grips”, ABXY buttons styled after Xbox controllers, and similarly placed joysticks for a familiar console-like experience. Unlike Valve’s Steam Deck, which runs on Linux-based SteamOS, the ROG Xbox Ally runs Windows, offering broader compatibility with PC games.
FAQs
1. What is the ROG Xbox Ally and how is it different from the ROG Xbox Ally X?
Answer:
The ROG Xbox Ally is a Windows-based handheld gaming device developed by Asus in collaboration with Xbox. The ROG Xbox Ally X is its premium variant, expected to feature enhanced hardware specs, a higher price tag, and possibly better battery life or expanded storage. Both models aim to deliver a high-performance gaming experience on the go.
2. What is the expected price of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?
Answer:
According to leaks, the ROG Xbox Ally is expected to retail for \$549.99, while the ROG Xbox Ally X could be priced at \$899.99. These prices are not officially confirmed and may be announced by Microsoft and Asus at Gamescom 2025 on August 20.
3. When will the ROG Xbox Ally be released?
Answer:
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are expected to launch in October 2025. An official release date and pricing announcement is anticipated during Gamescom 2025.
âť“ 4. Can the ROG Xbox Ally play Xbox console games?
Answer:
No, the ROG Xbox Ally does not play native Xbox console games. Instead, it operates as a Windows-based handheld PC, allowing players to run PC games and access Xbox Game Pass titles through the cloud or Xbox app on Windows.
5. What are the key specs of the ROG Xbox Ally?
Answer:
The ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset, up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. It includes a 7-inch Full-HD LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 60Wh battery, and Xbox-style ABXY buttons and joysticks for a console-like feel. It runs Windows, making it more versatile than Linux-based handhelds like the Steam deck.
