The highly anticipated Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming device has experienced a rapid sell-out, even with its premium $1,000 price tag. This surprising demand suggests a significant market appetite for powerful, portable PC gaming experiences, defying initial price concerns and indicating a strong future for the handheld gaming PC sector.
Key Takeaways
- The premium ROG Xbox Ally X model, priced at $1,000, has sold out of its initial stock.
- The base ROG Xbox Ally, priced at $600, is also seeing high demand.
- Microsoft and Asus have partnered to bring Windows 11-powered handheld gaming to consumers.
- The devices offer access to a wide range of PC games from various storefronts, not just the Xbox ecosystem.
High-End Handheld Gaming Finds Its Audience
The ROG Xbox Ally X, positioned as the "ultimate high-performance handheld," has quickly sold out on platforms like the Xbox Store, demonstrating that consumers are willing to invest in top-tier portable gaming hardware. This success comes despite a price point that places it significantly higher than many competitors, including its own sibling, the standard ROG Xbox Ally, which retails for $600.
Powering the Portable PC Gaming Revolution
Microsoft’s collaboration with Asus’ ROG division has resulted in two distinct handhelds running Windows 11. The ROG Xbox Ally X boasts a more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, aiming to deliver a superior gaming experience for demanding titles. The standard ROG Xbox Ally, while more affordable, still offers robust performance with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
A Unified Gaming Ecosystem
Beyond their internal specifications, both devices are designed to be versatile gaming platforms. They allow users to play any Xbox game purchased on console or PC, as well as PC titles from any storefront installed directly on the device. Features like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play further enhance their utility, enabling seamless gaming across different devices and locations. Microsoft is also implementing a "Handheld Compatibility Program" to help users identify games optimized for the handheld experience.
Market Reception and Future Outlook
The rapid sell-out of the ROG Xbox Ally X, coupled with strong demand for the standard model, signals a growing interest in the PC gaming handheld market. This trend bodes well for Microsoft’s "Xbox Play Anywhere" strategy and PC Game Pass, potentially reversing some of the company’s challenges in the PC gaming space. The success of these devices suggests that consumers are ready for premium handheld gaming experiences, even at a higher cost.
### Sources
- How to pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X ahead of October 16, Engadget.
- The Xbox Ally is already selling out, despite its price tag, Windows Central.
- Asus’ new ROG Xbox Ally X set to break the bank at $999.99, Ars Technica.
- Microsoft wants to sell you a Steam Deck in 2025 for $600 as Xbox Ally pricing unveiled, PC Gamer.
- ROG Xbox Ally Pre-Order Guide, Sports Illustrated.
