ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Release Date Announced but Price Remains a Mystery
- Sahil Mankar
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds now have an official release date — October 16, 2025.
The confirmation came during Xbox’s official Gamescom stream and was later detailed on the Xbox Wire blog.
While fans finally know when the handhelds will hit shelves, no pricing details were shared.
According to reports from Gamescom attendees (via Insider Gaming), the Xbox Ally is expected to be priced at $549.99, while the higher-end Xbox Ally X could come in at $899.99. These numbers align with previous leaks, but for now, they remain unconfirmed.
Industry insider Jon Clarke from Xbox Era mentioned that Microsoft and ASUS seem to be "closely monitoring reactions" following the leak, potentially looking to "further subsidize the handheld devices" in an effort to improve the pricing perception among consumers.
Global Launch and Availability
The ROG Xbox Ally lineup won’t be limited to one region — it’s heading worldwide. On October 16, the handhelds will launch across major markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several European and Asian countries.
Notably, China will initially only receive the Ally X model, with the standard Ally scheduled for early next year.
Other regions, including India, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia, will get access later on.
Key Features and Xbox Ecosystem Integration
Microsoft emphasized that the Ally handhelds are designed to bring console-level experiences on the go. Both devices run on Windows 11, complete with an optimized Xbox-style full-screen interface that dedicates system resources to gameplay.
Some standout features include:
Seamless game library integration with Xbox, Game Pass (where available), Battle.net, and other storefronts.
Dedicated Xbox button with enhanced Game Bar, making it easier to jump into games, chat with friends, or launch apps.
Flexible play options: native installs, cloud streaming (where available), or Xbox Remote Play.
AMD processors built for handhelds — the Ally sports the Ryzen Z2 A chip for balanced performance and efficiency, while the Ally X packs the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with a neural processing unit for upcoming AI features.
Handheld Compatibility Program
Just like Valve's Verified system for the Steam Deck, Microsoft also introduced the Handheld Compatibility Program. Games will now carry “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” badges, making it easier for players to know which titles are ready to run with minimal tweaking.
Another metric, the Windows Performance-Fit Indicator, will also reveal whether a game is likely to run well (performance-wise) on the device.
Xbox Ally X: The Premium Model
For players seeking top-tier specs, the Xbox Ally X stands out. It includes 1TB storage, 24GB RAM, an 80Wh battery, and impulse triggers, making it a step up from the standard model.
The handheld also introduces upcoming AI-driven features such as automatic super resolution (Auto SR) for sharper visuals and AI-generated highlight reels for capturing epic moments.
These updates won’t just be one-off. Microsoft confirmed that the Ally handhelds will receive regular feature rollouts, including advanced shader preloading for faster load times, accessory support like the new ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller, and further AI enhancements.