Table of Contents
- 1. TL;DR: Xbox Ally and Ally X pre-orders now available
- 2. Introduction to the Xbox Ally
- 3. Details of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X models
- 4. Pricing and availability
- 5. Competition in the handheld market
- 6. Conclusions and future expectations
TL;DR: Xbox Ally and Ally X pre-orders now available
- Pre-orders open for Xbox Ally ($599) and Xbox Ally X ($999).
- Available in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other countries.
- Launch scheduled for October 16.
- Price comparison with other handheld gaming devices.
- New features and performance improvements.
Introduction to the Xbox Ally
Microsoft and Asus have taken a significant step in the handheld video game market by announcing the opening of pre-orders for their new devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. These devices, which will launch on October 16, promise to offer a unique gaming experience, combining the power of Windows with the ergonomics of an Xbox controller.
Details of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X models
Technical specifications
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X models feature technical characteristics that set them apart notably. The base model, Xbox Ally, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the Xbox Ally X uses the more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. Both models have a 7-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
| Model | Processor | Storage | RAM | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Ally | AMD Ryzen Z2 A | 512GB | 16GB | 60Wh |
| Xbox Ally X | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme | 1TB | 24GB | 80Wh |
Comparison table of technical specifications for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X models.
Performance differences
The performance of both models varies significantly. The Xbox Ally offers performance similar to the Steam Deck, while the Xbox Ally X promises to be one of the most powerful devices in the handheld market, with performance superior to its predecessor and other competitors.
“The Xbox Ally X could be the device of choice for enthusiasts who can justify its high price.”
IGN
Pricing and availability
Price comparison in different regions
The prices of the new devices are as follows:
| Region | Xbox Ally | Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $599 | $999 |
| Canada | $799 CAD | $1299 CAD |
| Europe | €599 | €899 |
| United Kingdom | £499 | £799 |
| Australia | $799 AUD | $1599 AUD |
Price table for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in different regions.
Impact of prices on the market
The prices of the new devices have sparked debate in the gaming community. Compared with other devices such as the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch 2, the Xbox Ally models are positioned in a premium price range, which could limit their accessibility.
Competition in the handheld market
Comparison with Steam Deck and Switch 2
The Xbox Ally faces tough competition in the handheld console market. Although it offers unique features, its price is higher than that of most of its competitors, which could affect its acceptance among consumers.
Reaction from the public and analysts
The initial public reaction has been mixed, with some enthusiasts excited about the new features, while others criticize the prices. Industry analysts suggest that the devices’ success will depend on software quality and the user experience.
Conclusions and future expectations
With preorders opening, Microsoft and Asus are positioning the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X as serious competitors in the handheld device market. The combination of powerful hardware and an optimized software ecosystem could attract a diverse audience, although price remains a critical factor.
Martin Weidemann is a specialist in digital transformation, telecommunications, and customer experience, with more than 20 years leading technology projects in fintech, ISPs, and digital services across Latin America and the U.S. He has been a founder and advisor to startups, works actively with internet operators and technology companies, and writes from practical experience, not theory. At Suricata he shares clear analysis, real cases, and field learnings on how to scale operations, improve support, and make better technology decisions.