Digimagaz.com – Microsoft has officially lifted the curtain on pricing for its new line of handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally series, developed in partnership with ASUS’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) division. Preorders are now open in the United States, with two models positioned to target different types of gamers.
The ROG Xbox Ally X, described as a premium device designed for “the most demanding players,” will retail at $1,000. The standard ROG Xbox Ally, which aims to strike a balance between accessibility and performance for both casual and enthusiast players, carries a more affordable $600 price tag. Both are slightly more expensive than ASUS’ existing ROG Ally handhelds, which currently range between $500 and $800.
A Strategic Move Ahead of Holiday Season
The pricing announcement follows Microsoft’s earlier reveal of the devices during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest in June. At that time, the company confirmed the consoles would be ready for the holiday shopping rush. The official release date has been set for October 16, giving Microsoft and ASUS a strong entry into the handheld gaming market ahead of Black Friday and holiday sales.
Windows 11 at the Core
What sets the ROG Xbox Ally apart from most handheld consoles is its full integration with Windows 11, making it a versatile platform beyond Xbox titles. Players will be able to:
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Access their existing Xbox game library across console and PC.
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Install and play PC games from any digital storefront directly on the device.
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Stream titles from Xbox Cloud Gaming or from their home Xbox console.
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Sync progress seamlessly across devices, ensuring a consistent experience.
At launch, Microsoft has committed to labeling thousands of titles as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible”, helping users know which games are best suited for portable play.
Expanded Ecosystem with Accessories
To complement the handhelds, Microsoft is also rolling out accessories tailored to the new hardware. These include a SanDisk microSD card built specifically for the ROG Ally and a Seagate SSD supporting Microsoft DirectStorage, both now available for preorder.
Availability and Retail Options
Preorders are live through the Xbox Store, ASUS’ official site, and major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. With the console gaming market leaning increasingly toward hybrid and portable systems, the ROG Xbox Ally could represent Microsoft’s strongest push yet to meet players where they are—whether at home or on the go.
