Xbox new console unveils astronomical pricing, fans aren’t impressed
The price for the new Xbox console is quite astronomical, and it’s fair to say that some fans aren't impressed.
In June this year, Microsoft revealed its new console or more specifically, its new handheld PC to rival the Steam Deck, partnering with ASUS for the ROG Xbox Ally.
Much like the Steam Deck, there will be more than one version of the Xbox-branded handheld console, with the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, the latter of which is the more powerful system.
Up until now, while there has been speculation, we’ve not had concrete pricing for both of the new ASUS systems. Well, that was until now.
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The pre-orders for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally’s will go live during Gamescom later this month, which takes place from Wednesday, 20 August to Sunday, 24 August.
So naturally, it wouldn't take long for prices to be let loose in the wild. As brought to our attention by the Twitter account Zuby_Tech (via billbil_kun), the ROG Xbox Ally will have a reported price of €599.99 and the X model, €899.99.
Converted into UK currency, that would make the basic model about £515 to £520 ($695), and the more powerful model about £775 to £780 ($1042). To compare notes, the most powerful version of the Steam Deck is currently £569, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is £395. Granted, system specs will vary and whatnot.
It’s fair to say that many gamers are less than impressed with the prices for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally consoles.
“Imagine asking for $699-$999 for a 7-inch LCD Screen in big ol 2025…. Lmao, said Eldonchorizo.
“Yeah, this thing ain’t even moving 100k units,” claimed YCBAce.
“Madness,” exclaimed iplaygames_64.
“Ouch,” replied RetroG96187.
“Unnecessarily expensive when you could get a Steam Deck or better, a PS5 Pro,” suggested Vffvx90.
It should be stated that there are plenty in the thread that say both ASUS ROG Xbox Ally consoles are good value. At the end of the day, value is a matter of perspective to the individual.
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally consoles do not have a confirmed release date at the time of writing, but they are expected to be released later this year.