Tag: Xbox Ally X

  • 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.

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    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Supply Issues Indicate Microsoft Doubts

     

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  • Best Buy Reveals Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Price, Cheaper than Lenovo Legion Go 2

    Best Buy Reveals Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Price, Cheaper than Lenovo Legion Go 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft did not reveal pricing for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X at Gamescom 2025, causing uncertainty among potential buyers ahead of the October 16th release date.

    2. YouTuber Destin reported that the ROG Xbox Ally X will be priced at $899.99 and the Xbox Ally at $549.99, matching earlier leaks from Best Buy.

    3. Early European prices for the devices were €899 for the ROG Xbox Ally X and €599 for the Xbox Ally, with potential adjustments before the final release.

    4. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 competes with the Xbox Ally series, priced higher at $1,099.99 and $1,349.99 for different models, but the Xbox Ally offers better portability.

    5. Performance impressions are mixed, with successful gameplay reported for some titles, but the overall performance with demanding games will influence the perceived value of the ROG Xbox Ally X.

    Gamescom 2025 wrapped up without Microsoft revealing the prices for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally or the ROG Xbox Ally X. The announcement has been delayed due to uncertain economic conditions, leaving potential buyers in suspense as the October 16th release date approaches. According to YouTuber Destin, the ROG Xbox Ally X will be priced at $899.99, while the Xbox Ally will retail for $549.99.

    Pricing Confirmation

    This pricing matches what was leaked earlier by Best Buy, which had briefly shown updated product pages. Destin got this info from a source who wished to remain anonymous, and a local Best Buy later confirmed these prices. His recent video showcases footage from an in-store display, indicating that Microsoft and Asus might be gearing up for an official announcement soon.

    European Pricing Insights

    For gamers in Europe looking into the new handheld gaming devices, early prices of €899 for the ROG Xbox Ally X and €599 for the Xbox Ally emerged back in July. However, it’s possible the manufacturer will adjust these figures before the final release dates for the ROG Xbox Ally series.

    There were speculations about Microsoft potentially raising prices because of tariffs affecting various consoles. On the other hand, a price drop could make these handheld gaming PCs more attractive to a wider audience. After much thought, it appears Microsoft has chosen to keep the prices steady.

    Competitive Landscape

    The newly announced Lenovo Legion Go 2, with its larger 8.8-inch screen, comes at a much higher price. The entry-level model is set at $1,099.99, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme version will cost $1,349.99. Nevertheless, the lower-priced option should provide performance levels similar to the Xbox Ally X. The Xbox handheld, with its 7-inch display, will have an edge in portability, while the Lenovo might draw in those who favor OLED screens.

    The ROG Xbox Ally devices could see advantages from a more streamlined interface that accommodates Steam and other platforms. However, Digital Foundry noted that the Windows 11 user interface still had some bugs and would require additional improvements. By the time it launches alongside the Lenovo Go 2 in Spring 2026, the Xbox full-screen mode might be more refined.

    Performance Expectations

    Impressions on performance have been varied, but Destin reported that Doom: The Dark Ages ran without issues on the device. How well the handheld performs with more demanding games will determine if customers view the $899.99 price tag for the ROG Xbox Ally X as justified.

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  • ROG Xbox Ally Full Screen Needs Restart for Optimization Fixes

    ROG Xbox Ally Full Screen Needs Restart for Optimization Fixes

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X launch on October 16, 2025, in the U.S., offering a new Windows handheld gaming experience.
    2. A key feature is the task switcher, allowing users to toggle between gaming and the Windows desktop easily.
    3. The system prioritizes gaming performance by not loading the Windows desktop at startup, but switching to it can require a restart for optimal performance.
    4. Users can customize the home app to launch directly into preferred platforms like Steam or Epic Games.
    5. The consoles are priced at $549.99 and $899.99, which may deter some buyers, but discounts may be available during sales events.

    The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X are set to launch on October 16, 2025, in the United States. These portable consoles aim to introduce a fresh Windows handheld gaming experience that Microsoft claims offers significant enhancements. A recent video from Windows Central showcases a hands-on look at the ROG Xbox Ally on YouTube (link at the end), highlighting some of these advancements. The video features the new Xbox handheld gaming interface in action and addresses several key inquiries.

    Notable Features

    While the entire video is worth watching for its demonstration of the new handheld interface, the task switcher and settings menu stood out to us. The task switcher allows users to easily toggle between the immersive gaming view and the classic Windows desktop. Additionally, it lets you designate a home app.

    To access the task switcher, you just need to press and hold the Xbox button located at the upper left. This feature lets you swiftly navigate between various applications and games. More intriguingly, the task switcher includes an option for displaying the traditional Windows desktop.

    Performance Insights

    Typically, when starting up the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, the system does not load processes like the Windows desktop to save resources. This means that more resources are dedicated to gaming, enhancing performance and efficiency.

    However, once you access the Windows desktop through the task switcher, resources are allocated to that process. While switching back to games can be done smoothly, the desktop doesn’t fully unload. This leads to the system prompting for a complete restart for “optimizations” to achieve peak performance.

    Customization Options

    It’s true that you likely won’t need to access the Windows desktop while gaming on the ROG Xbox Ally/Ally X, but having to restart just to regain maximum performance can be frustrating. This could be particularly puzzling for users who enjoy installing and experimenting with emulators, as it seems that these apps will require entering the Windows desktop mode.

    In terms of home app customization, Windows Central indicates that players can select which home applications the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will launch into. In theory, you could set Steam, Epic, or other launchers as the default home app, allowing the console to boot directly into that launcher without needing any input from the user.

    All things considered, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are proving to be very intriguing, especially the latter. Admittedly, with price tags of $549.99 and $899.99, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are on the expensive side. Nevertheless, if these handhelds meet expectations, they could become quite appealing, particularly with potential discounts during events like Black Friday sales.

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