As of September 27, the high-demand ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC remains available for preorder exclusively at Best Buy. This follows swift sell-outs at other major retailers like the Microsoft Store and Asus, which experienced two rapid stock depletions since preorders began on September 25. Priced at $1,000, the premium Windows handheld is set for an October 16 launch. Its more affordable counterpart, the $600 ROG Xbox Ally, is readily available for purchase at multiple outlets including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Asus.
It appears that Amazon and Walmart may not offer the Xbox Ally X upon its release. The pricing for both models, a subject of much speculation, was officially confirmed when preorders commenced. Below, you`ll find a detailed breakdown of the specifications for these initial Xbox-branded handhelds.
ROG Xbox Ally X Gaming Handheld
$1,000 | Releases October 16
The ROG Xbox Ally X, positioned as the more powerful variant, boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor (Zen 5), 24GB of DDR5 RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD. Its Z2 Extreme CPU features 8 cores and 16 threads, complemented by a GPU with 16 cores based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture. The device incorporates an ergonomic design inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller, including all standard Xbox inputs plus two customizable back buttons. Key enhancements on the X model include a versatile UHS-II microSD card reader (compatible with UHS-I cards, unlike the base model which only supports UHS-I), a USB4 Type-C port alongside a USB 3.2 Type-C port (the base model has two USB 3.2 ports), and Xbox`s signature Impulse Triggers, a step up from 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
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Controller Design:
- Contoured grips
- Impulse Triggers
- Shoulder bumpers
- ABXY bumpers
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Analog sticks with light rings
- 6-Axis motion controls
- HD haptics
- 5 menu/settings buttons
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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. This model features a Z2 A CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads, and an 8-core GPU built on RDNA 2 architecture, suggesting performance comparable to the Steam Deck OLED. Both the Ally X and standard Ally share a vibrant 7-inch FHD IPS display protected by Gorilla Glass, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium technology.
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 bumpers
- 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 and $1,000 exceeded some initial expectations but wasn`t entirely unexpected, especially after Best Buy briefly listed lower prices ($550/$850) before quickly removing them. Similar to other recent tech launches, Asus and Microsoft delayed the announcement of pricing and preorder specifics. This aligns with broader market trends, including tariff-related price hikes for gaming hardware from PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox, set to impact 2025. Microsoft, for instance, recently confirmed price increases for its Xbox Series X|S consoles in the US, effective October 3.
While the Xbox branding naturally invites comparisons to Xbox Series X|S consoles, it`s crucial to understand that these are fundamentally Windows PCs. Both the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X operate on Windows, featuring a custom user interface that evokes the Xbox experience. Consequently, they run Windows-compatible games, placing their pricing in line with other Windows-based handhelds such as the standard Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. A significant advantage of this PC nature is the freedom from being confined to the Xbox Store; users can access and play games from various PC platforms, including Steam, GOG Galaxy, and the Epic Games Store.
ROG Xbox Ally Accessories
Asus has also announced two official accessories for the ROG Xbox Ally: a robust carrying case and a portable charger dock. The $70 carrying case, featuring a built-in stand and an accessory mesh bag, is currently out of stock at Amazon and Best Buy, though third-party alternatives are emerging. The 100W Charger Dock, listed at Best Buy but not yet available for preorder, functions as an AC adapter equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports, enabling connection to external displays like monitors or TVs.
For expanding storage, it`s important to note the standard ROG Xbox Ally requires UHS-II microSD cards, a format that is somewhat specialized and currently more expensive than many common alternatives. The Ally X, however, offers broader compatibility, supporting both UHS-I and UHS-II cards, potentially allowing users to utilize existing storage. Despite their higher cost, UHS-II cards deliver significantly faster data transfer speeds, up to three times that of UHS-I cards.
Recommended UHS-II microSD Cards:
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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
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Kodak UHS-II microSD (300MB/s)
- 128GB – $33
- 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