Xbox's stunning new console has fans concerned over pricing
Xbox gamers are excited for a stunning new console despite concerns regarding its potential price.
Whether we play on PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo, it’s always an exciting time when a new console arrives, just as we’ve seen recently with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
While we’re still waiting for news on the rumoured PlayStation handheld console, Microsoft has beaten Sony to the punch with the announcement of a new handheld system of its own during last weekend’s Xbox Games Showcase.
Currently scheduled to release sometime during the end of 2025, gamers will be able to pick up two new handheld consoles thanks to a collaboration with Microsoft and ASUS, with the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X.
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The ROG Xbox Ally is described as “The essential handheld at a great value for everyone from the casual player to the avid enthusiast.” Whereas the ROG Xbox Ally X is: “The ultimate high-performance handheld, built for the most demanding players.”
Both consoles will run Windows 11, and games can be played via the cloud and remotely streamed from your Xbox console, granting access to titles in your library as well as Xbox Game Pass. We’ve also learned that you’ll be able to access your Steam library on both systems.
In terms of specifications, the ROG Ally will be powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor and the ROG Xbox Ally X with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor.
What’s more, the ROG Xbox Ally has 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD. Compared to the 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 of the ROG Xbox Ally X and 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. Both will also have easy-to-upgrade storage.
Each system will also have 7-inch screens at 16:9 with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate with anti-reflection. So it’s fair to say that both look impressive, but at what cost? A question posed by gamers on Reddit.
“Native integration with Steam and Game Pass pretty much certifies value for me. Just need to know the price,” said ChimmyMama. For context, the standard ROG Ally sells for about £450.
“I wonder if Microsoft will subsidise it in any way or if it'll cost the same (or more) as the current Ally/Ally X,” wondered mrmivo, to which Retro1989 replied, “Probably the same price but with a year of Game Pass included.”
“I suppose the price will keep most people away, since it definitely will be more expensive ($699 minimum) than the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2,” claimed chengeng.
We’ll just have to be patient until Microsoft decides to provide us all with the pricing details, which will probably arrive at the same time as a release date.