Key Takeaways
1. Pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X have begun, but prices are higher than expected, with the ROG Xbox Ally X priced at $999.99.
2. The ROG Xbox Ally X has become more popular than the standard Xbox Ally, leading to quick sellouts on platforms like the Microsoft Store and Asus eShop.
3. Availability of the handhelds is inconsistent globally, with stock shortages prompting questions about demand versus supply constraints.
4. Scalpers are taking advantage of the situation, with some listings on eBay reaching prices as high as $2,500.
5. The official release date is set for October 16th, and Microsoft plans to expand its Xbox experience to other devices by 2026.
After much anticipation, pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X have begun. Unfortunately for customers in the U.S., the prices for these gaming handhelds are higher than what was previously reported. The ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999.99, and retailers are having a tough time meeting demand. Scalpers are taking advantage of the situation, with some listings on eBay reaching up to $2,500.
Popularity of the ROG Xbox Ally X
Currently, the ROG Xbox Ally X featuring the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor has gained more attention compared to the $599.99 Xbox Ally. On September 26th, the official Xbox social media account announced that the device was sold out on the Microsoft Store. Since that announcement, the handheld has also disappeared from the Asus eShop. It seems that most of the available stock may have been allocated to Best Buy, which continues to accept pre-orders for the device.
Availability Issues
The global availability of these handhelds is quite inconsistent. For example, the Windows 11 handheld is sold out on the Asus UK store, but it remains available in France. Gamers are questioning whether the high demand is real or if the low stock levels are causing the shortages. The buzz surrounding the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme variant, has even led to the cancellation of some pre-orders by the manufacturer.
Despite the possibility of these shortages being artificially inflated, scalpers are still asking for high prices for the ROG Xbox Ally X. While most gamers may hesitate to pay $2,500, eBay has seen some transactions in its U.S. marketplace, including one where a buyer paid $1,775 to secure the device.
Shipping and Release Date
eBay permits sellers to offer ROG Xbox Ally X pre-orders as long as they can dispatch the product within 40 days of the order date. Gamers will need to wait for the release on October 16th to see how it compares against other options in the market.
Even though the gaming handheld provides a convenient means to access Game Pass and various marketplaces, its advantages may be fleeting. Microsoft has plans to expand its Xbox full-screen experience to other devices, such as the MSI Claw A8 and Lenovo Legion Go 2, by 2026.
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