As of September 27 at 5:30 AM ET, the ROG Xbox Ally X remains available for preorder exclusively at Best Buy. This high-end gaming handheld, priced at $1,000, quickly sold out on the Microsoft Store within hours of its September 25 preorder launch, and Asus also depleted its stock for a second time after a recent restock. Prospective buyers are advised to secure their preorder from Best Buy promptly, as availability is limited. Both the Ally X and the more affordable $600 ROG Xbox Ally are set to release on October 16. The standard ROG Xbox Ally can currently be purchased from a wider range of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Asus.
It appears that Amazon and Walmart will not be stocking the Xbox Ally X at launch. Asus confirmed the pricing for both models when preorders commenced, resolving previous speculation. Detailed specifications for these initial Xbox-branded handhelds are provided below.
ROG Xbox Ally X Gaming Handheld
$1,000 | Releases October 16
The ROG Xbox Ally X, the more powerful variant, features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor (Zen 5), 24GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Its Z2 Extreme CPU boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, complemented by a GPU with 16 cores based on RDNA 3.5 architecture. The device`s grips are inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, incorporating all standard Xbox controller inputs plus two remappable back buttons. Other enhancements in the Ally X include a UHS-II microSD card reader (compatible with UHS-I cards), a USB4 Type-C port alongside a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and Xbox`s Impulse Triggers, unlike the base model`s Hall Effect triggers.
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
-
Display:
- 7″ FHD IPS (Gorilla Glass Victus)
- 120Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync Premium
-
Controller Design:
- Contoured grips
- Impulse Triggers
- Shoulder bumpers
- ABXY buttons
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Analog sticks with light rings
- 6-Axis motion controls
- HD haptics
- 5 menu/settings buttons
-
Ports:
- USB4 Type-C
- USB 3.2 Type-C
- 3.5mm audio
- microSD: UHS-II reader (also reads UHS-I)
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.4
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 715g
- Dimensions: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Handheld
$600 | Releases October 16
The standard ROG Xbox Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor (Zen 4), 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The Z2 A processor features 4 CPU cores and 8 threads, half that of the Z2 Extreme, and its GPU has 8 cores built on RDNA 2 architecture. In terms of specifications, the ROG Xbox Ally is generally comparable to the Steam Deck OLED. Both models share a 7-inch FHD IPS display with Gorilla Glass, a 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium.
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SSD
-
Display:
- 7″ FHD IPS (Gorilla Glass Victus)
- 120Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync Premium
-
Controller Design:
- Contoured grips
- Hall Effect triggers
- Shoulder bumpers
- ABXY buttons
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Analog sticks with light rings
- 6-Axis motion controls
- HD haptics
- 5 menu/settings buttons
-
Ports:
- 2x USB 3.2 Type-C
- 3.5mm audio
- microSD: UHS-II reader (only UHS-II)
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.4
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 670g
- Dimensions: 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm
The official pricing of $600 for the standard model and $1,000 for the Ally X was somewhat higher than initial market expectations, though not entirely unforeseen, especially after Best Buy prematurely listed and then withdrew lower prices ($550/$850). Both Asus and Microsoft delayed the announcement of pricing and preorder information, a common trend for new tech products this year. This pricing strategy also comes amidst broader market pressures, including ongoing tariff situations in the US, which are expected to drive up hardware costs for PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox in 2025. Microsoft, for instance, recently announced price increases for its Xbox Series X|S consoles in the US, effective October 3.
While the `Xbox` branding naturally invites comparisons to the Xbox Series X|S, it`s crucial to understand that these devices are fundamentally Windows PCs. Both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X run on Windows, featuring a custom user interface that evokes the Xbox experience. Ultimately, they are designed to play Windows PC games, not exclusive Xbox console titles. Their pricing, therefore, aligns more closely with other Windows-based handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. A significant advantage of this PC architecture is the freedom to access a wide array of game clients beyond the Xbox Store, including Steam, GOG Galaxy, and the Epic Games Store.
ROG Xbox Ally Accessories
Official Accessories:
- ROG Xbox Ally 100W Charger Dock — $100
- ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Case — $70
Asus has also revealed official accessories for the ROG Xbox Ally. These include a hardshell carrying case and a portable charger dock. The $70 2-in-1 Premium Case, which features a built-in stand and a mesh bag for small items, is currently sold out at Amazon and Best Buy, though third-party alternatives are emerging. The 100W Charger Dock, priced at $100, is listed at Best Buy but preorders are not yet open. This dock serves as an AC adapter and includes an HDMI 2.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports, allowing the Ally to connect to a monitor or TV.
For those looking to expand storage, the standard ROG Xbox Ally requires UHS-II microSD cards, as specified by Xbox. The Ally X, however, is compatible with both UHS-I and UHS-II cards, potentially allowing users to repurpose existing cards. The necessity of UHS-II, a relatively niche and pricier format compared to UHS-I, marks the second time this year a handheld manufacturer has made such a requirement. Despite their higher cost—sometimes exceeding that of the faster microSD Express Cards used by the Nintendo Switch 2—UHS-II cards offer significantly faster speeds, up to three times that of UHS-I. Several recommended UHS-II microSD cards are listed below:
Expand your ROG Xbox Ally Storage:
-
Lexar Professional Gold UHS-II microSD (280MB/s)
- 128GB — $34.54
- 256GB — $65
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Gigastone Ultimate Pro UHS-II microSD (280MB/s)
- 128GB — $30 (previously $40)
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Kodak UHS-II microSD (300MB/s)
- 128GB — $33 (previously $40)
- 256GB — $44
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Nextorage UHS-II microSD (280MB/s)
- 128GB — $40
- 256GB — $70
- 512GB — $140
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ProGrade Digital UHS-II microSD (250MB/s)
- 128GB — $46
- 256GB — $81
- 512GB — $141
Third-party Cases + Screen Protectors (unlicensed)
- CoBak Hardshell Carrying Case — $30
- CoBak Tempered Glass Screen Protector (2-Pack) — $10 (previously $15)