Category: Gaming

  • PlayStation Store Compares PS5 Prices Amid Monopoly Lawsuits

    PlayStation Store Compares PS5 Prices Amid Monopoly Lawsuits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony introduced a new feature on the PlayStation Store that shows the lowest price of a game in the last 30 days to help users track discounts.
    2. This price history feature is currently only available on consoles, not on the website, and is limited compared to other tools like PS Deals.
    3. Users can now leave reviews for purchased games and request refunds for unplayed games without contacting support, improving user experience.
    4. Sony faces legal challenges in the U.S. and Europe over claims of anti-competitive practices and lack of third-party seller support, with a proposed settlement being rejected.
    5. There are complaints about the lack of regional pricing on the PS Store, leading to higher costs for gamers in lower-income regions compared to competitors.


    One big issue for console gamers using the PlayStation Store is keeping track of sale prices. A game for PS5 might have had bigger discounts before, which can make potential buyers think twice. To help with this, Sony has rolled out a new feature that shows the lowest price a game has had in the last 30 days. However, digital games still stay exclusive to their own store, so this might not really change the ongoing claims of anti-competitive practices.

    New Feature Overview

    As mentioned by Push Square, right below a game’s rating, shoppers can now see if it was cheaper in the last month. At this point, this feature looks like it’s only available on consoles instead of the PlayStation Store website. Critics, however, point out that other tools like PS Deals provide way more comprehensive information on sales for PS4 and PS5 games. With only 30 days of price history available, it can be hard to predict when a regular sale might happen again.

    User-Friendly Changes

    Sony has also recently added a way for users to leave reviews for games they have purchased on the web version of the store. Players can now also ask for refunds for games that they haven’t downloaded yet, without needing to reach out to PlayStation Support. While these updates are more friendly for consumers, they won’t change the ongoing accusations that the PlayStation Store operates as a monopoly.

    Legal Challenges

    A class action lawsuit in the U.S. claims that Sony’s marketplace is taking advantage of buyers. Unlike Xbox or Steam, they don’t permit third-party sellers to offer redemption codes. Plaintiffs argue that even with official PS5 discounts, prices would drop more with increased competition. Sony proposed a settlement of $7.8 million in store credits, but the judge in charge of the case turned it down.

    PlayStation is also facing similar legal issues in European nations like the Netherlands and the UK. Another complaint from customers is the lack of regional pricing on the PS Store. Competing platforms like Steam, Nintendo, and Microsoft take into account the financial difficulties gamers face in lower-income regions. A specific example is Silksong, which showed that Brazilian gamers pay more for certain digital games compared to other platforms.

    In essence, Sony is competing against itself with this new PS5 sale tracker. Still, it might help alleviate some of the frustrations for customers dealing with rising prices.

    Push Square, PS Deals, TheGamer

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Microsoft Exec: Windows Xbox Consoles Need Steam to Fight Piracy

    Microsoft Exec: Windows Xbox Consoles Need Steam to Fight Piracy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Optimism for Xbox on Windows: Former Microsoft executive Mike Ybarra believes new Xbox consoles operating on Windows could succeed, especially with Steam’s partnership.

    2. Shift from Traditional OS: Microsoft is moving away from conventional Xbox software, considering Windows 11 as a potential alternative for future consoles.

    3. Piracy Concerns: Ybarra highlights that piracy is more common on PCs and emphasizes Steam’s DRM system as essential for reducing illegal game copies.

    4. Consumer Experience: Steam is praised for its user-friendly features, excellent return policy, and a seamless gaming library, compared to the less consistent experience on Windows.

    5. Community Engagement: Steam’s community features, like reviews and mod workshops, foster gamer loyalty and are seen as superior to those offered by the Microsoft Store and Game Pass.


    Many gamers have raised concerns about the concept of new Xbox consoles operating on Windows. However, a previous Microsoft executive and former Blizzard President, Mike Ybarra, is optimistic about their potential success. In response to criticism on social media, Ybarra pointed out the importance of Microsoft’s partnership with Steam. He noted that Valve’s marketplace is not only very popular but can also help reduce piracy.

    Shift in Operating Systems

    Ybarra addressed a debate suggesting that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds should utilize the Xbox Series X|S OS. Microsoft is moving away from the conventional Xbox consoles, which includes leaving behind the software they typically use. According to Ybarra, Windows 11 could be a viable alternative, but it should heavily involve Steam.

    Piracy is much more prevalent on PCs compared to current gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5. On gaming systems, users usually need to modify hardware to bypass security measures. While hackers often find ways around it, Steam’s integrated DRM system helps prevent illegal copies of games.

    Concerns About Piracy

    Ybarra believes that without Steam, players might be more inclined to pirate games for Xbox and third-party titles. Nonetheless, security measures are not the only reason why he views Steam as crucial for future Xbox consoles. He describes the marketplace as providing a “flawless experience with an excellent return policy.” On the other hand, he states that Windows is “far from a flawless experience and will never be one.”

    In certain situations, Microsoft does permit returns of digital game purchases, though the process can be cumbersome. However, many users find that Steam offers additional consumer-friendly features. Gamers can create a growing library of games accessible from one interface. The new Xbox full-screen experience aims to simplify Windows for this purpose. Still, ROG Xbox Ally users might prefer to run Steam in a separate window.

    Community Features of Steam

    Steam, which recently achieved over 41.6 million concurrent players, also fosters loyalty among gamers through community-oriented features. Its review system, game-specific forums, and mod workshops provide clear advantages over the Microsoft Store and Game Pass.

    Ybarra has already pronounced existing Xbox hardware as obsolete. Microsoft may be shifting more responsibility for console development to companies like AMD and Asus. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that any Xbox-branded device using Windows must make Steam as user-friendly as possible.

    Mike Ybarra’s thoughts on Twitter.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anker Launches New Special Edition Docking Station in the US

    Anker Launches New Special Edition Docking Station in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Docking Station is now available in the U.S., featuring a unique black and gold design inspired by the game.
    2. The docking station includes 14 ports, supports triple display configurations, and offers high-resolution outputs of up to 8K.
    3. It provides a maximum output of 140W for the host and features smart power distribution and ActiveShield 3.0 for overheating protection.
    4. The retail price is $339.99, which is $40 more than the original model, and it includes complimentary gifts with purchase.
    5. Additional accessories from the collaboration, like the Prime Power Bank, are expected to launch in the U.S., with availability in Europe still uncertain.


    The Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Docking Station (14-in-1, Triple Display, DisplayLink) is now out in the United States. This specific version of the newly launched accessory first appeared in China earlier this year in 2025.

    Design Features

    The Black Myth: Wukong edition features a sleek black and gold look, with artwork from the game displayed on the top panel and around the control knob on the side. Other than the new design and color scheme, this accessory is the same as the original dark gray version.

    Technical Specifications

    This Anker Prime Docking Station comes with 14 ports in total. It allows for a triple display configuration with two HDMI ports that support up to 8K@30Hz and a DisplayPort that can handle up to 8K@60Hz. The device can provide a maximum output of 140W for the host, while one of its USB-C ports can deliver up to 100W of power. Anker states that the power is smartly distributed according to the number of devices connected, and the ActiveShield 3.0 feature safeguards against overheating. Additionally, a display on the front can show charging details across multiple screens, and users can control the device remotely using the Anker Dock Manager. The dimensions of this desktop device are 7.7 x 3.6 x 1.9 inches (approximately 195 x 92 x 48 mm).

    Pricing and Availability

    You can now grab the Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Docking Station (14-in-1, Triple Display, DisplayLink) in the US for $339.99. This price is $40 higher than the original model, which is priced at $299.99. At the Anker Store, customers are currently offered two complimentary gifts with their purchase: the Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W, Upcycled-Braided) and the Prime Fridge Magnet Blind Box. Another accessory from the Anker x Black Myth: Wukong line set to arrive in the US is the Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W). It remains unclear when or if these special edition products will be available in Europe.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Samsung Launches Affordable Odyssey OLED G50SF Gaming Monitor

    Samsung Launches Affordable Odyssey OLED G50SF Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has launched the Odyssey OLED G60SF gaming monitor featuring a 500 Hz refresh rate and a 27-inch 1440p display, priced at $819.
    2. The Odyssey OLED G50SF, available in China, Taiwan, and New Zealand, includes an 180 Hz QD-OLED panel with a 0.03 ms GtG response time and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync.
    3. Both monitors are positioned between Samsung Display’s Gen 3 and Gen 4 panels, with the G50SF believed to be the first to use a limited QD-OLED panel.
    4. The Odyssey OLED G50SF features a peak brightness of 200 nits in SDR mode and covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space, emphasizing its color performance.
    5. While the G50SF is currently priced around $517 in New Zealand, Samsung has not announced a global release date, but a launch is expected later this year.


    Samsung has quietly launched a new gaming monitor featuring OLED technology in several countries, with expectations of a global release later this year. The company has unveiled the Odyssey OLED G60SF, currently priced at $819 on Amazon, showcasing a 500 Hz refresh rate and a 27-inch display with a resolution of 1440p. Additionally, they have rolled out the Odyssey OLED G50SF in markets like China, Taiwan, and New Zealand.

    Specifications and Features

    To give you some background, the 500 Hz and 1440p display found in the Odyssey OLED G60SF is believed to be positioned between Samsung Display’s Gen 3 and Gen 4 panels, even though it was launched alongside the Gen 4 in January. The Odyssey OLED G50SF also includes an 180 Hz QD-OLED panel, although we speculate that this is an updated version of the Gen 3 QD-OLED panel that Samsung Display already provides in 240 Hz and 360 Hz options.

    Officially, Samsung has yet to confirm this information. However, indications suggest that the Odyssey OLED G50SF is the first model to utilize this limited QD-OLED panel. This monitor also boasts a native resolution of 1440p, with an impressive 0.03 ms GtG response time and features to reduce image tearing, including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync support. Furthermore, the Odyssey OLED G50SF achieves a peak brightness of 200 nits in SDR mode and covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space.

    Availability and Pricing

    In line with its budget-friendly positioning, the monitor is equipped with only a 3.5 mm audio jack, along with a single DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 ports. Presently, the Odyssey OLED G50SF is available in New Zealand for NZD 899 (around $517), in China for CNY 2,649 (approximately $372), and in Taiwan for TWD 13,900 (about $455). Although Samsung has not announced when the Odyssey OLED G50SF will be available in other regions, it is likely that the monitor will see a global launch before the year concludes, based on previous trends.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • One Retro 45: New Handheld for Sega and Nintendo 64 Emulation

    One Retro 45: New Handheld for Sega and Nintendo 64 Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. The device has been renamed to One Retro 45 and features the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, replacing the Allwinner chipset.
    2. It includes 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage to enhance performance.
    3. The screen is a 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 1,440 x 1,080 pixels.
    4. Controls are designed for consoles with a six-button layout similar to classic devices like Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64.
    5. The projected price is about $95, but the release date remains uncertain.


    Two months later, MagicX has renamed their device the One Retro 45. The Allwinner chipset, which was mentioned back in August, has been replaced with the MediaTek Helio G85. This chipset is already used in the One 35 and features two Cortex-A75 cores along with six Cortex-A55 cores, topped off with a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU. In addition, MagicX has chosen to enhance the Helio G85 with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.

    Display and Controls

    The One Retro 45 is set to include a 4.5-inch screen that has a resolution of 1,440 x 1,080 pixels. It will also feature controls designed for consoles, boasting a six-button layout reminiscent of devices like the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64, among others. MagicX is currently aiming for a price point of about $95 for the One Retro 45. Previously, they had suggested that the device would be launched by December 2025, but it is unclear if that timeline still holds.

    Future of the One Retro 45

    As of now, MagicX is yet to confirm whether the stated release date will remain intact. The transition from the Allwinner chipset to the MediaTek Helio G85 marks a significant change for the device, and enthusiasts are eager to see how it performs in comparison to its predecessor. With the added enhancements in RAM and storage, the One Retro 45 aims to provide an improved gaming experience for console fans.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • GTA 6 Trailer Release Theory: November Launch Expected

    GTA 6 Trailer Release Theory: November Launch Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6 is set to release in 2026, generating excitement among gamers.
    2. Fans speculate about a possible third trailer for GTA 6 dropping on November 8.
    3. The second trailer hints at the release date through clues, like a digital watch showing “11:08.”
    4. Rockstar Games has not confirmed any details about the third trailer or the release date.
    5. There is a possibility of further delays for GTA 6 before its official launch.


    The highly anticipated release of GTA 6 in 2026 has gamers buzzing with excitement. While waiting, some fans have started sharing their thoughts, especially regarding a possible third trailer that might drop in November.

    Trailer Speculations

    It’s worth mentioning that the previous two trailers amassed millions of views, revealing various nods to other video games and actual happenings. Recently, a user named @GTAVI_Countdown shared an intriguing theory on X about the second trailer, suggesting that:

    “Rockstar Games could’ve hinted at the release date for GTA 6 Trailer 3. The digital watch on Jason shows “11:08,” which hints at November 8. Plus, the next earnings call is on November 6, making it likely we could hear an announcement right before or after that.”

    He also pointed out that the first trailer was revealed on November 8, 2023, to back up his claim. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this remains mere speculation, as Rockstar Games hasn’t confirmed anything related to this. Also, the number on Jason’s watch might just refer to the launch of the first trailer.

    Waiting for Confirmation

    So, we’ll have to stay tuned in the upcoming weeks to see if this GTA 6 rumor holds any weight and whether Rockstar Games will offer any updates. And let’s not forget that there’s always the chance this game could face another delay.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Retroid Pocket 6 Teased as Prices Drop for Pocket 5 and Flip 2

    Retroid Pocket 6 Teased as Prices Drop for Pocket 5 and Flip 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid launched the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2 with Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865 options.
    2. The Pocket Mini was updated to the Pocket Mini V2 to address display issues, priced at $229 on Amazon.
    3. Retroid announced permanent price cuts of $20 on existing models, including the Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini V2.
    4. A new product announcement is expected on October 27, hinting at a futuristic gaming handheld.
    5. The upcoming device may feature the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset, including advanced specs like an 8-core CPU and support for 1440p resolution at 144 Hz.


    Retroid has been quite active this year, launching the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2, which are now available with Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865 options. Additionally, the company had to update the Pocket Mini, introducing the Pocket Mini V2 (currently priced at $229 on Amazon) to fix display problems found in the original version.

    Price Cuts on Existing Models

    Recently, Retroid made a permanent price cut on its existing gaming handhelds, including last year’s Pocket 5. As we mentioned earlier this month, these price drops usually come with a $20 reduction from the previous suggested retail prices of the Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Mini V2. Now, Retroid has started hinting at an exciting new product on its social media platforms.

    Upcoming Product Announcement

    At this moment, Retroid is only teasing that it will reveal something futuristic later this month. The company has confirmed that more information will be shared on October 27. Meanwhile, Qualcomm may have already given a hint that Retroid’s next gaming handheld will be powered by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, a chipset that was first introduced in March along with two other gaming-oriented chipsets.

    The Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 comes with an 8-core CPU, which includes 1 Prime core, 4 Performance cores, and 3 Efficiency cores. Moreover, this chipset features an Adreno A22 GPU, supports Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0, and has Snapdragon Game Super Resolution. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and can handle displays of 1440p resolution at 144 Hz. However, no gaming handhelds using the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 have been released so far.

    Retroid Discord

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Battlefield 6 Runs Smoothly on Old Hardware, Community Cheers EA

    Battlefield 6 Runs Smoothly on Old Hardware, Community Cheers EA

    Key Takeaways

    1. Surprising Performance on Older GPUs: Battlefield 6 runs well on older graphics cards, achieving up to 80 FPS with the Radeon RX 570 and around 73 FPS with the GTX 1650 Super, despite both having only 4 GB of VRAM.

    2. Optimization Focus: The game’s smooth performance is praised, as it emphasizes optimization over flashy graphics, which is a refreshing change in the current AAA gaming landscape.

    3. Effective Settings for Performance: Best results were achieved by disabling anti-aliasing and using FSR in Ultra Performance mode, although this affects visual quality.

    4. Consistent Performance: Battlefield 6 maintains good performance even on mid-level GPUs, with many players reporting “buttery smooth” gameplay, largely due to EA’s choice of traditional rasterization.

    5. Community Critiques: While overall feedback is positive, some users have noted a potential VRAM leak that could affect performance during extended play sessions.


    The video from RandomGaminginHD, called “Playing Battlefield 6 on a graphics card that cost less than the game,” was shared on October 15. It shows how well the shooter runs on older systems. The testing setup included an Intel Core i5-12400F and 32 GB of RAM, along with a Radeon RX 570 and an Nvidia GTX 1650 Super. The results were quite surprising: the RX 570 hit up to 80 FPS, while the GTX 1650 Super scored around 73 FPS. Both were running at 1080p with a 60% resolution scale and low settings. What’s interesting is that both graphics cards have only 4 GB of VRAM, which is below the game’s minimum requirements.

    Performance Insights

    The best results during testing came when anti-aliasing was disabled and FSR was set to Ultra Performance mode, which makes the game render at about 360p before upscaling. Although this leads to some visual issues, RandomGaminginHD mentioned that the overall experience was “visually acceptable.” Both graphics cards were constantly at 100% load, but power usage and temperatures stayed under 100 watts and 75°C. This shows good optimization without any crazy performance spikes.

    AAA Titles and Optimization

    In the current gaming world, bad optimization for AAA games have unfortunately become common. Because of this, many gamers are seeing Battlefield 6’s smooth performance as a fresh change. “Finally, a AAA title that focuses on optimization instead of flashy graphics,” one Reddit user noted in a thread titled “Battlefield 6 runs better than almost every modern game I’ve played this year.”

    Many Reddit users have said that Battlefield 6 runs “buttery smooth” even on mid-level GPUs like the RTX 4060 Ti. This consistent performance is mainly due to EA’s choice to use traditional rasterization rather than ray tracing. During the development process, EA and DICE chose to avoid experimental features, concentrating instead on solid performance and wide hardware support. Players have also appreciated the lack of the often-criticized EA app and the game’s relatively small install size of around 70 GB.

    Critique and Community Feedback

    However, there are some criticisms. A few users have pointed out a potential VRAM leak during long play sessions, which might cause performance to slowly decline. Nonetheless, the general feedback continues to be very positive. While numerous AAA games face struggles with Unreal Engine 5 and regular performance issues, Battlefield 6 shows that achieving high frame rates is still possible through a careful blend of a conservative engine choice, technical skill, and focused optimization.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Supply Issues Indicate Microsoft Doubts

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Supply Issues Indicate Microsoft Doubts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are Microsoft’s first handheld gaming consoles, designed to provide a smooth gaming experience similar to traditional consoles.

    2. The hardware performance of the ROG Xbox Ally X is better than the Ally, but both have shortcomings, particularly the less capable Ryzen Z2A in the standard model.

    3. Pricing is a significant concern, with the ROG Xbox Ally priced at $599 and the Ally X at $999, leading to questions about their overall value.

    4. Initial supply for both models is limited, with the Ally X having particularly low stock and no anticipated consistent restocks, which may impact sales.

    5. The ROG Xbox Ally X received a “Good” rating of 86%, but potential buyers might consider waiting for Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake APUs, which are expected to offer better graphics performance.


    The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X mark Microsoft’s entry into handheld gaming consoles under the Xbox label. Gamers had high expectations for these devices, hoping they would provide a smooth gaming experience similar to traditional consoles, avoiding the typical issues that come with portable Windows setups. For the most part, both the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X meet these expectations, offering a full-screen gaming experience that is fast and user-friendly, designed specifically for gaming.

    Hardware Concerns

    Nonetheless, the hardware for the ROG Xbox Ally X and especially the ROG Xbox Ally has some shortcomings. For example, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme performs better than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it still falls short of being impressive. The Ryzen Z2A found in the ROG Xbox Ally is even less capable.

    Pricing Issues

    Pricing is another point of concern. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X do not shine in terms of value, as the former is priced at $599 and does not offer much bang for your buck, while the latter, costing $999, may be tough for many to justify.

    It’s not shocking to think that the Xbox Ally handhelds may struggle in sales. Microsoft might be aware of this, as Moore’s Law Is Dead reports that the initial supply of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X is quite limited.

    Supply and Demand

    According to a source from a “Major US Retailer” mentioned by MLID, the stock of the ROG Xbox Ally X is on par with the RTX 5080, boasting only hundreds of units available across the company. However, this supply is “nowhere near” what other console launches have previously seen. The outlook for the ROG Xbox Ally X’s availability appears worse, as MLID’s source doesn’t anticipate any “consistent restocks” for this model.

    Interestingly, there may be more units of the standard ROG Xbox Ally available, but “not many seem to be interested in that version.” This is not surprising since the ROG Xbox Ally is powered by a weaker Ryzen Z2A APU.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is not a bad console at all. We rated it a “Good” 86% in our review. If you’re looking for a handheld gaming console that runs Windows and are okay with spending around $1000, it’s wise to buy a ROG Xbox Ally X before the stock runs out.

    On the flip side, Intel’s new Panther Lake APUs are said to have superior graphics performance compared to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Thus, waiting a few months, perhaps until CES 2026, could be beneficial to see if any Intel Panther Lake gaming handhelds are released.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Xbox President: Asus Sets ROG Ally Price Amid Handheld Confusion

    Xbox President: Asus Sets ROG Ally Price Amid Handheld Confusion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft allowed Asus to set the final prices for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices.
    2. The ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999.99, targeted at performance-focused gamers, while the standard version is $599.99 for casual gamers.
    3. The higher-priced model quickly sold out, but some believe supply may have been intentionally limited.
    4. Concerns about the handhelds’ pricing and compatibility with all Xbox games have been raised by potential buyers.
    5. Microsoft is working on new Xbox consoles, but their design and features remain uncertain.


    Even after the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally, gamers are left with lingering inquiries about the handheld devices. While they do have Xbox branding, it remains uncertain whether Microsoft or Asus had the final say on specifications or pricing. In a recent interview with Variety, Xbox President Sarah Bond provided some clarity regarding the pricing of the ROG Xbox Ally.

    Insight from Xbox’s President

    Bond stated that due to Asus’ background in creating Windows gaming handhelds, Microsoft entrusted the company to “set the final prices of the devices.” She expressed that the $999.99 ROG Xbox Ally X is a good deal for those who really value performance. On the other hand, the ROG Xbox Ally priced at $599.99 caters to more casual gamers who might not need top-tier specs.

    Sales and Supply Concerns

    Despite worries about pricing, Bond highlighted the swift pre-order sales for the devices. The pricier version featuring the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor quickly sold out on the Microsoft Store. However, some gamers think the companies might have purposely limited the supply. Other skeptics argue that even the ROG Xbox Ally may be too costly for what it offers.

    The postponement of announcing the ROG Xbox Ally price at Gamescom raised some eyebrows. Pure Xbox talked about rumors that hinted at the possibility of subsidizing the costs. Manufacturers sometimes accept losses on hardware to gain profits from games and accessories later on. Unfortunately, this strategy didn’t materialize with this launch, resulting in the handhelds being pricier than anticipated.

    Compatibility Issues

    Some potential buyers are not only concerned about the prices of the Windows 11 handhelds but also about their inability to run all Xbox games, making them a questionable investment. Emulation might be a path Microsoft could pursue to address compatibility issues. Bond reassured fans that Microsoft is working on new Xbox consoles internally. However, with AMD seemingly at the forefront, it remains to be seen if these systems will resemble typical consoles.

    Source:
    Link