ROG Xbox Ally price leaks seemingly just surfaced online, and I’m pretty worried for the Asus handheld

Uh-oh, appears that the pricing details for the ROG Xbox Ally may have just surfaced, and the projected retail prices are somewhat alarming. How alarming? If you were aiming to secure the least expensive variant for under a Steam Deck, your gaming handheld acquisition plans could now be completely thwarted.

Discovered by the Spanish gaming outlet 3djuegos, the anticipated Asus ROG Xbox Ally pricing reportedly made its way onto a Google product listing. Based on the retrieved metadata, the standard Asus ROG Xbox Ally is expected to retail for €599, while the premium ROG Xbox Ally X carries a significantly higher price of €899.

This converts to approximately $699 and $1,050, respectively, mirroring the prices you would pay for the original Asus ROG Ally and its X variant in Europe. Essentially, it suggests that the manufacturer is applying the same MSRP strategy for its Xbox-themed devices as it does for its own handheld gaming PCs, which is precisely what I have been dreading.

I must concede, $699 for a ROG Xbox Ally doesn’t seem completely outrageous at first glance. It still represents a considerable discount compared to high-end portables like the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and niche selections such as the 3DS-like Ayaneo Flip DS, not to mention it will feature an enhanced version of Windows 11. Nevertheless, the entry-level model will require as much pricing assistance as it can muster, particularly since its Ryzen Z2 A chipset presents somewhat lackluster specifications.

I don’t know about you, but the thought of dishing out nearly $100 extra for a ROG Xbox Ally that falls short compared to the original version is perplexing. The specs indicate that the Z2 fails to match the performance of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, and my Lenovo Legion Go S review corroborates this point. In summary, the latest AMD APU is notably aligned with the

Steam Deck OLED than any Z1E portables, which indicates its cost should reflect that.

In simple terms, for the ROG Xbox Ally to have a fighting chance upon its launch, it’ll need to deliver some remarkable pricing strategies. This means at least equaling Valve‘s OLED variant with a $549 price tag, but the closer it can get to $400, the more advantageous it would be.

However, what about the ROG Xbox Ally X? I might be a portable gaming skeptic, but my expectations for the price of this high-end device are low. Ideally, it would be wonderful to see it priced lower than the Asus ROG Ally X and more powerful competitors, but I can’t envision that given it features a next-gen Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme chip.

The X model’s redeeming quality is that, despite its elevated price, you’ll at least acquire a portable that elevates the performance standards like never before. Essentially, the flagship Xbox handheld will be the go-to choice if funds aren’t a constraint, while the emerging price leaks suggest difficulties for the more economical version.

Before you feel too disheartened, though, I must emphasize that there is no confirmed price for the ROG Xbox Ally yet, and these leaks should be taken with a significant amount of skepticism. Google might have inadvertently retrieved incorrect pricing for both portable devices for its product listings, and it’s plausible that Asus simply uploaded a temporary MSRP by mistake.

Still, if you asked me to estimate the cost of the ROG Xbox Ally, I would likely predict a somewhat similar amount. It stands to reason for the company to mimic pricing from its existing range, particularly if all models are expected to remain available for the moment. My concern is that if the most affordable variant indeed costs $600, I’m anxious it won’t fulfill the “handheld freedom for everyone” commitment promised in its tagline.

Already acquired Valve’s handheld? Check out the top Steam Deck accessories and leading Steam Deck dock for extra gadgets. You’ll also want to check the finest retro consoles as well for portable emulators and innovative ways to enjoy the classics.

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar and became part of the team in 2023. Previously, they’ve also contributed to platforms like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, and PCGamesN, but currently, they focus on testing the latest gaming handhelds, monitors, TVs, and computer components. They’re also exceptionally enthusiastic about retro consoles and experiencing the classics on both modern and vintage systems.