Microsoft has announced that the ROG Xbox Ally devices will launch globally on October 16. While the release date is set, the company has yet to reveal official pricing or preorder details, advising fans to await further announcements. Concurrently, a new report suggests that the premium ROG Xbox Ally X model might carry a price tag of $900.
Xbox executive Jason Ronald attributed the delay in pricing to a “challenging macro-economic climate,” likely referencing ongoing tariff issues that have impacted the cost of various goods, including gaming hardware.
Ronald further explained that establishing a product`s price point is inherently difficult, especially when aiming for the “right balance between affordability and price point,” beyond just the influence of tariffs and broader economic conditions. He added that this challenge is amplified for mobile devices, where factors like battery life also play a crucial role in pricing considerations.
Asus executive Shawn Yen echoed this sentiment, stating that the company requires “more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing.” Both companies confirm that fans can anticipate official pricing and preorder information in the “coming weeks.”
Despite the official silence, a report from billbil-kun suggests the standard ROG Xbox Ally could retail for $550, while the ROG Xbox Ally X might be priced at $900. These figures remain unconfirmed, though Best Buy briefly listed product pages with these prices before their removal. This uncertainty highlights potential changes due to tariffs and market fluctuations, reminiscent of Nintendo`s decision to delay Switch 2 preorders and increase accessory prices due to tariffs, even if the console price remained stable.
New Features Unveiled
Alongside the release date announcement, Microsoft also unveiled the Handheld Compatibility Program. This initiative, similar to Steam Deck Verified, will categorize games as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” to assist users in identifying suitable titles for their devices.
Furthermore, Microsoft introduced an “advanced shader delivery” feature designed to preload game shaders during downloads. This is expected to enable selected games to launch up to ten times faster, run more smoothly, and consume less battery. The ROG Xbox Ally X is also slated to receive AI-powered features via a 2026 update, including automatic super resolution and an AI-driven “highlight reel” to capture key gameplay moments.
Separately, Microsoft is collaborating with AMD on a new Xbox home console. While the current Xbox Series X|S generation nears its end, details regarding the next console`s reveal remain undisclosed.