ASUS ROG Ally X & Ally: Prices and Pre-Order Dates Confirmed for Xbox Handhelds

Pre-orders for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to open next month, bringing long-awaited clarity on what enthusiasts can expect to pay for these exciting new handheld gaming PCs. For weeks, rumors have swirled around the pricing and availability, but new confirmations shed light on when eager gamers can secure their devices.

ASUS ROG Ally X & Ally Pre-Orders and Sale

According to a report from billbil-kun of Dealabs, a reputable source for retail leaks, the new Xbox-branded handhelds will be available for pre-order starting on August 20, 2025. This date strategically aligns one day after Gamescom Opening Night Live and coincides with day one of the official show, where Xbox is slated to have a live broadcast. This timing suggests a significant reveal and immediate opportunity for consumers.

Confirmed Pricing: ASUS ROG Ally & Ally X

The report reconfirms pricing details that have been circulating, giving a clearer picture for potential buyers in Europe. The high-end model, the Xbox Ally X, will retail for €899. Meanwhile, the lower-powered version, the Xbox Ally, will be priced at €599. These figures position the devices competitively within the rapidly expanding handheld PC market.

While the official release date and United States pricing remain unconfirmed, industry whispers suggest an October launch for both handhelds. It is rumored that US pricing will closely match the Euro listing, with direct currency conversion, though this is yet to be officially announced by ASUS or Xbox.

Diving Into the Specs: ROG Ally vs. Ally X

To help prospective buyers decide which model best suits their needs, a detailed look at the specifications provided by Microsoft reveals key differences between the two devices. The Ally X clearly aims for a premium, high-performance experience, while the standard Ally offers a more accessible entry point into the handheld PC space.

Processor & Performance

The most significant differentiator lies in the processors. The ROG Xbox Ally features the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, which is based on the older Zen 2 architecture with 4 cores and 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores. This chip is designed for efficiency and longer battery life, making it a solid choice for casual gaming and less demanding titles, similar in architecture to the original Steam Deck's APU.

The ROG Xbox Ally X, however, steps up to the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor. This is a much more powerful chip, utilizing the newer Zen 5 architecture with 8 cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores. Crucially, the "AI" in its name signifies the inclusion of a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), enabling advanced AI features and potentially offloading AI tasks from the CPU/GPU for smoother performance and better power management. This makes the Ally X a powerhouse for high-fidelity gaming and future AI-enhanced applications.

Memory & Storage

Memory also sees a substantial upgrade. The standard Ally comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, which is ample for modern gaming. The Ally X boasts 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-8000 RAM. The higher clock speed (8000 vs 6400 MT/s) in the Ally X's memory directly translates to greater bandwidth. This allows the processor to access data faster, reducing bottlenecks and leading to smoother gameplay, especially in memory-intensive titles or multitasking scenarios.

Storage capacity also doubles from 512GB M.2 2280 SSD in the Ally to a generous 1TB M.2 2280 SSD in the Ally X. This provides significantly more space for games, which continue to grow in size, and can also contribute to faster load times and overall system responsiveness.

Display & Visuals

Both models feature identical 7-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS displays with 500 nits brightness, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and DXC Anti-Reflection ensures durability and a clear viewing experience. While the display specs are the same, the Ally X's superior processing power will allow it to consistently drive games at higher frame rates to take full advantage of that 120Hz refresh rate.

Connectivity & Ports

The Ally X significantly upgrades its I/O capabilities. While the standard Ally offers two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0, the Ally X features a single USB4 Type-C port with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0, notably with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 offer a guaranteed 40Gbps bandwidth, allowing for faster data transfer, support for multiple high-resolution external displays (e.g., dual 4K), and the ability to connect to a wider range of high-performance peripherals like external GPUs or docking stations with a single cable. The Ally X also retains an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for more flexibility. Both models include a UHS-II microSD card reader and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.

Battery Life & Portability

A crucial upgrade for a handheld device is battery capacity. The Ally X significantly boosts battery life with an 80Wh battery, a substantial increase from the standard Ally's 60Wh battery. This should translate to considerably longer gaming sessions on the go, addressing a common desire for handheld users. Despite the larger battery, the dimensions remain the same, though the Ally X is slightly heavier at 715g compared to the Ally's 670g.

What This Means for Gamers and the Handheld Market

The confirmed pricing and specifications for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X mark a pivotal moment for the handheld PC gaming market. These devices, particularly the Ally X, are poised to offer a premium Windows-based gaming experience, leveraging Xbox's ecosystem with powerful AMD hardware.

The distinct pricing tiers and specification differences allow ASUS to target both value-conscious consumers and enthusiasts seeking top-tier portable performance. The integration with Xbox branding suggests a tighter collaboration with Microsoft, potentially leading to optimized experiences for Game Pass subscribers and Xbox PC titles.

This launch intensifies the competition in the handheld space, challenging devices like Valve's Steam Deck and others. With Gamescom as the backdrop for pre-order announcements, it's clear that ASUS and Xbox are making a strong push to capture a significant share of the portable gaming market, offering robust alternatives for gamers who desire PC flexibility in a handheld form factor.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are shaping up to be compelling contenders in the handheld gaming arena. With confirmed European pricing and pre-order dates set for August 20, 2025, the anticipation is building. The Ally offers a solid entry point, while the Ally X stands out with its more powerful processor, increased RAM and storage, enhanced connectivity, and significantly larger battery—all designed to deliver an uncompromising portable gaming experience.

As the gaming industry continues its shift towards greater accessibility and portability, these new Xbox-branded handhelds represent a strong commitment from ASUS and Xbox to meet the evolving demands of modern gamers. Whether you prioritize value or peak performance, both devices promise to unlock a vast library of PC games in the palm of your hand.

Are you going to pick up an Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X with the prices being what they are?

FAQ Section

Q1: When can I pre-order the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?

Pre-orders for both the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are confirmed to open on August 20, 2025. This date coincides with the first day of Gamescom, following Gamescom Opening Night Live.

Q2: What are the confirmed prices for the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally models?

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at €599, and the more powerful ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X will cost €899 in Europe. While official US pricing hasn't been released, rumors suggest it will closely match the Euro pricing.

Q3: What is the main difference between the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X?

The primary differences lie in their internal components: the Ally X features a more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor (vs. Z2 A), 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM (vs. 16GB LPDDR5X-6400), 1TB SSD storage (vs. 512GB), a more advanced USB4 Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, and a larger 80Wh battery (vs. 60Wh).

Q4: When is the rumored release date for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds?

Although not officially confirmed, rumors suggest an October 2025 release date for both the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PCs.

Q5: Will these devices play Xbox Game Pass games?

Yes, since both devices run on Windows 11 Home, they will be fully compatible with Xbox Game Pass for PC, allowing users to access a vast library of games, including Xbox first-party titles, on the go.