The ROG Xbox Ally X handheld’s rumored pricing leak ahead of its official announcement has ignited discussion.
This points to ASUS and Microsoft focusing on the premium end of the market.
According to early listings spotted on European ASUS storefronts and confirmed by multiple tech outlets, the base ROG Xbox Ally is expected to launch at €599, while the higher-end Ally X model will carry a hefty €899 price tag.
For the US market, that translates to roughly $699 for the standard unit and approximately $1,050 for the Ally X, which is a price point typical of laptops.
What Do You Actually Get for Paying More?
The Ally X comes with AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme chip, which is a major upgrade over previous models and offers stronger performance and better efficiency.
The specs include 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, a 1TB SSD of full size, and an 80Wh battery with increased capacity. Both models feature the same 7-inch 1080p screen running at 120Hz, but the hardware inside is vastly different.
The base Ally uses a less powerful Ryzen Z2 A chip and comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, which many have compared to the now-aging internals of the Steam Deck OLED.
Some have pointed out that the Z2 A resembles the Steam Deck’s Aerith chip so much that it brings up concerns over its price tag.
While a few think the Ally X might be worth the investment for those looking for cutting-edge performance in a handheld, many argue that the pricing defeats the purpose of a “portable console” in the first place.
Especially when $1,000 could buy a full gaming laptop or a combo like a Steam Deck OLED and a PS5 Pro.
Why Isn’t Microsoft Subsidizing This Like a Typical Console?
Microsoft’s plan to drop its own portable Xbox has reignited frustration since the ASUS deal comes off as more of a marketing test than a focused handheld push.
Unlike Nintendo or Sony, ASUS isn’t in the business of selling hardware at a loss.
There’s no built-in ecosystem to recover costs through game sales or subscriptions, so the full price is passed to consumers — which explains why the Ally X sits in the same price range as premium laptops.
Should We Expect a Price Cut, or Is This It?
It’s still unclear if these leaked prices are accurate, but they match ASUS’ existing ROG Ally pricing, indicating the company might keep this pricing model.
The Ally X’s powerful components come with a price that might only attract a niche crowd of handheld gaming lovers.
Without any last-minute changes, many shoppers may prefer budget-friendly options like the Steam Deck, Legion Go, or Switch 2 as they provide solid performance for their price.
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