US EditionThe ROG Xbox Ally's Official Release Date Has Been Announced, but Pricing Is Still a Mystery
Microsoft and Asus launch two handheld gaming devices with advanced features and a new compatibility program to optimize game performance on October 16, 2025.
- Microsoft and ASUS announced during the Gamescom livestream on August 20, 2025, that the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, with pre-orders expected in the coming weeks.
- Facing macroeconomic uncertainty, Microsoft and ASUS are withholding final pricing to assess impact and may adjust prices or offer subsidies to stay competitive in coming weeks.
- Specs show a clear split: ROG Xbox Ally X has AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh battery; ROG Xbox Ally offers Ryzen Z2 A, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 60 Wh battery.
- On August 20, 2025, leaks from Dealabs and Billbil-kun suggest U.S. prices of $549.99 for the Ally and $899.99 for the Ally X, while Best Buy product pages list specs without prices or preorder options, raising consumer concerns.
- To deliver a console-like handheld experience, Xbox is using Advanced Shader Delivery, launching a Handheld Compatibility Program with Windows Performance Fit labels, and adding Game Pass integration; ROG Xbox Ally X gains exclusive AI features next year.
42 Articles
42 Articles
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Asus ROG Xbox handheld launches October 16 with Steam Deck-like optimizations
Microsoft and Asus revealed most of the key details for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X at Gamescom. While pricing remains unclear, Microsoft outlined several features designed to address common frustrations with PC gaming.Read Entire Article
Microsoft is working on a fix for PC shader stutter
Microsoft is creating a new "advanced shader delivery" feature for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds that might make loading games faster and more stutter-free. The company teased the upcoming feature alongside the announcement of the launch date for the first Xbox-branded handhelds and the company's new compatibility system for figuring out if games will run well on handhelds. Shader stutter is a widespread issue in PC gaming that doesn't occur …
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