Scalpers Are Inflating ROG Ally X Prices, But Retailers Still Have Stock

The highly anticipated Asus ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC has become a target for opportunistic resellers, who are listing the device on platforms like eBay at significantly marked-up prices. Despite these inflated offerings, the ROG Ally X is still readily available for pre-order at its official retail price of $999 through authorized channels. Potential buyers are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and avoid third-party marketplaces to ensure they secure the device at a fair cost.

Reports indicate that certain eBay listings for the ROG Ally X are commanding prices upwards of $2,500, a substantial increase over its $999 manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The base model of the Xbox Ally is also set to launch at $599. Both the ROG Ally X and its standard counterpart are scheduled for release on October 16.

To circumvent these exploitative practices, consumers are advised to bypass eBay entirely for their purchases. As of current information, pre-orders for both the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are still accessible through major retailers such as Best Buy, Asus's official store, and Microsoft. International buyers can consult the official Xbox pre-order page to locate authorized distributors in their respective regions. Given the device's already premium price point, it is crucial for buyers to resist paying inflated sums to scalpers.

Microsoft has positioned the ROG Ally X as an integral part of its Xbox ecosystem, making it the most expensive Xbox offering to date. Priced at $1,000, this portable gaming powerhouse boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, a generous 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a vibrant 7-inch Full HD IPS display. Initial benchmark tests suggest that the Z2 Extreme chip delivers a noticeable performance boost compared to the Z1 Extreme found in last year's non-Xbox ROG Ally X, particularly when operating at lower graphical settings.

For owners of the 2024 ROG Ally X, the forthcoming Xbox variant might not present a compelling enough upgrade to warrant the $1,000 investment. However, for individuals transitioning from older or more budget-friendly handheld devices, or for those making their inaugural foray into the handheld gaming PC market, the Xbox Ally X emerges as a more justifiable option.

Nevertheless, at its current price, the Xbox Ally X finds itself in direct competition with a range of budget gaming laptops, many of which feature dedicated GPUs capable of delivering superior performance. While the handheld form factor undoubtedly offers a distinct advantage in portability, prospective buyers should thoroughly evaluate all available portable gaming alternatives—including the Steam Deck, whose LCD version is currently offered at an enticing price of $320—before making a purchasing decision.