ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Price Leaks - Handhelds with Ryzen Z2 Power

Introduction

A recent leak from an official ASUS distributor in Spain has sent ripples through the gaming community, revealing pricing and details for the upcoming ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. Listed at €599 for the Ryzen Z2 model and €899 for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme variant, these consoles, co-developed with Microsoft, promise to elevate portable gaming with AMD’s latest APUs. As of July 14, 2025, the leak suggests a holiday 2025 launch, intensifying anticipation for these next-gen devices. This article dives into the leaked details, specs, market implications, and community reactions, exploring whether the ROG Xbox Ally can compete in the crowded handheld gaming space.

“The ROG Xbox Ally could redefine handheld gaming with Xbox integration and Ryzen Z2 power.”

The Leak: Pricing and Models

The leak, originating from a Spanish retailer and official ASUS distributor, lists two ASUS ROG Xbox Ally models: the standard ROG Xbox Ally (white) at €599 (~$700 USD) and the premium ROG Xbox Ally X (black) at €899 (~$1,050 USD). These prices, while unconfirmed, are lower than the original ROG Ally models (€699 for Ryzen Z1, €949 for Ally X), suggesting a competitive push against rivals like the Steam Deck and MSI Claw. The consoles are powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series, with the standard model using the Ryzen Z2 A and the Ally X featuring the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, both optimized for handheld gaming with Xbox ecosystem integration.

Specifications and Features

The ROG Xbox Ally series builds on the success of the original ROG Ally, with upgraded specs and a redesigned chassis for comfort. Here are the key details:

• •ROG Xbox Ally (White, €599): Powered by Ryzen Z2 A (4 Zen 2 cores, 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 6W-20W TDP, 2.8GHz base/3.8GHz boost). Features 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, 7-inch 1080p LCD (120Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium), 65W charging, and a 60Wh battery for improved battery life.
• •ROG Xbox Ally X (Black, €899): Powered by Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (3 Zen 5 + 5 Zen 5c cores, 16 RDNA 3.5 CUs, 15W-35W TDP, 50TOPS NPU). Includes 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 7-inch 1080p LCD (120Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium), 100W charging, impulse triggers, and a dedicated Xbox button for seamless ecosystem integration.
• •Design Enhancements: Redesigned ergonomic chassis with improved palm rest and texturing, inspired by Xbox controller comfort.
• •Software Optimizations: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) for up to 60% better framerates, plus Xbox software integration for Game Pass access.
• •External GPU Support: Compatible with ASUS’s 2025 XG Mobile (up to RTX 5090 mobile GPU) via OCuLink for enhanced performance.

The Ryzen Z2 A is an updated version of the Steam Deck’s Aerith APU, while the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, also used in MSI’s Claw A8, adds a 50TOPS NPU for AI-enhanced gaming features, positioning the Ally X as a premium option.

“With Xbox integration and Ryzen Z2 power, ASUS is raising the bar for handheld gaming.”

Market Context and Competition

The ROG Xbox Ally enters a competitive handheld market dominated by the Steam Deck (starting at ~€399) and challenged by devices like MSI’s Claw A8 and Lenovo’s Legion Go S. The €599 price for the base model undercuts the original ROG Ally (€699) and aligns with the Steam Deck OLED, while the €899 Ally X targets premium users, competing with MSI’s Claw A8 (around €737 USD subsidized in China). The Xbox branding and dedicated button on the Ally X enhance Game Pass integration, a key differentiator, but the choice of LCD over OLED displays—due to variable refresh rate (VRR) cost concerns—may limit appeal compared to the Steam Deck OLED’s vibrant visuals.

Community Reactions

The leak, reported on July 14, 2025, has sparked mixed reactions. Enthusiasts on platforms like X praise the Ryzen Z2 Extreme’s performance and Xbox integration, with some excited about the lower prices compared to the original Ally models (€699-€949). However, critics argue the €899 Ally X is too expensive to compete with the Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck, predicting lackluster sales. Others question the LCD display choice, citing OLED’s superior contrast. The leak’s credibility is bolstered by FCC and Indonesian certification filings, but ASUS has not confirmed the pricing, suggesting the listing was premature.

Challenges and Considerations

The ROG Xbox Ally faces hurdles in a crowded market. The €300 price gap between models may deter budget-conscious gamers, especially with the Steam Deck’s lower entry point. The LCD display, while supporting VRR, may struggle against OLED competitors. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme’s 50TOPS NPU is forward-looking, but AI gaming features are still emerging, potentially limiting immediate appeal. Additionally, ASUS must ensure software optimization for Windows 11 and Xbox integration to avoid the performance issues seen in earlier Ally models. The holiday 2025 launch, if accurate, leaves little room for delays.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the ROG Xbox Ally’s strengths and challenges:

• •Pros: Powerful Specs: Ryzen Z2 Extreme with 24GB RAM and NPU for AAA gaming.
• •Pros: Xbox Integration: Dedicated Xbox button and Game Pass support enhance accessibility.
• •Pros: Competitive Pricing: €599 base model undercuts original Ally pricing.
• •Cons: LCD Display: Lacks OLED’s visual quality, a drawback vs. Steam Deck.
• •Cons: Price Gap: €899 Ally X may struggle against budget competitors.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally leak reveals an ambitious push into handheld gaming, with Ryzen Z2-powered consoles priced at €599 and €899, blending Xbox integration with high-end performance. While the specs and design improvements excite gamers, the LCD display and premium pricing raise concerns in a competitive market. As the holiday 2025 launch approaches, ASUS and Microsoft must deliver seamless software and compelling value to stand out. For now, the leak fuels anticipation for a new era of portable gaming.