During the recent Xbox Games Showcase last month, Microsoft unveiled the upcoming handheld device known as the ROG Xbox Ally. Although no specific release date or price has been announced yet, it is expected to hit the markets later this year. Interestingly, European pricing for the two models appears to have been inadvertently leaked by the manufacturer ASUS and spotted by 3D Juegos. Based on these findings, the ROG Xbox Ally is expected to retail at approximately 599 Euros, while the ROG Xbox Ally X could cost around 899 Euros. This price range seems to be similar to the current ROG Ally models that are currently priced at $649.99 and $899.99 in the United States.
It may initially appear astounding, but considering the unveiling of the handheld, I anticipated such a high price range. The allure of an Xbox-branded portable device capable of running downloaded games and streaming Game Pass is undeniable for dedicated fans, yet it might be a hard pill to swallow at those costs. It’s crucial to remember that there’s fierce competition in the handheld gaming market currently. Devices like the Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 offer alternative portable gaming experiences for enthusiasts.
The proposed price is causing significant backlash online, as evidenced by numerous Reddit posts expressing astonishment at the cost. Some users have even predicted that the device will be a complete flop upon release, using the term “DOA” (dead on arrival). While those familiar with handheld PCs may experience less sticker shock, it remains uncertain how many would actually be willing to buy the ROG Xbox Ally when it becomes available.
I’m hoping that Xbox and ASUS will reveal the U.S. prices of their products shortly, allowing prospective buyers to get concrete answers about costs (and helping them figure out how much they’ll need to set aside). It seems unlikely that the ROG Xbox Ally will gain significant market traction, given the current challenges faced by the Xbox brand in adapting and competing. Many would have preferred a portable gaming device designed by Microsoft itself, which was initially planned but allegedly scrapped. If it had been released, this home-grown device might have offered a more affordable way to play Xbox games on a dedicated portable gadget, but we can’t be sure.
Over the past ten years, the handheld gaming market has experienced a significant surge. Initially, experts believed that iOS and Android devices would eventually obsolete dedicated handheld gaming systems. However, the Nintendo Switch’s success significantly altered this viewpoint. Subsequently, Steam Deck entered the scene, followed by PlayStation Portal providing an affordable option for locally streaming PS5 games. It remains to be seen if ROG Xbox Ally will find its niche and be considered a success, but there are several potential obstacles that might impact its popularity, with the high price being a significant concern.
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2025-07-14 17:39