ROG Xbox Ally X: Price and Features of Microsoft's Handheld Console Revealed

The Dawn of a New Era: Xbox's Foray into Portable Gaming

Anticipated Pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally Series

Reports from a Spanish gaming outlet indicate potential pricing for the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally models. The standard ROG Xbox Ally might carry a price tag of around €599, translating to approximately $700, while the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X could reach €899, or about $1,050. These figures, if accurate, position the Ally X as potentially the priciest Xbox console ever released.

Inside the High-Performance Ally X

The premium ROG Xbox Ally X is rumored to feature a powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, part of the Strix Point lineup. This cutting-edge APU, coupled with 24 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and a vibrant 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promises an exceptional portable gaming experience. Despite its impressive specifications, the projected cost of over a thousand dollars raises questions about its accessibility.

The Standard Ally: A Question of Value

In contrast, the more affordable ROG Xbox Ally is expected to be powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A, an APU utilizing older RDNA 2 GPU cores. With only eight of these cores, the base model's performance might resemble that of the Valve Steam Deck, which retails for significantly less. This disparity in hardware capabilities versus pricing could influence consumer perception.

Future Release and Market Speculation

While an official release date remains unconfirmed, initial announcements hinted at a "holiday 2025" launch. However, such timelines are often subject to change within the tech industry. Industry observers suggest that these leaked prices, though possibly placeholders, might not be far from the final retail figures, urging potential buyers to start saving if they desire a high-end, Xbox-branded handheld PC.