ROG Xbox Ally X: Launching with a €899 Price and August Pre-orders

Get ready, gamers! Xbox is making a significant splash at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, by officially unveiling not one, but two brand-new portable consoles: the Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X. This exciting declaration, set to take place between August 20th and 24th, marks a major move by Xbox into the handheld gaming market, and itS truly a first for the company.

Developed in a strategic partnership with Asus, these devices promise a novel gaming experience, allowing players to take their favorite Xbox titles on the go. The anticipation is palpable, and the reveal at Gamescom should generate significant buzz within the exhibition center.

According to Dealabs.com, Xbox has now confirmed pricing for the French market. The standard Xbox Ally will retail for €599,while the upgraded Xbox Ally X is slated to cost €899. These figures align with previous leaks and suggest Xbox is aiming squarely at the premium segment of the portable gaming device market.

Mark your calendars: pre-orders for both models will kick off on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 – the very same day Gamescom begins. This timing is no accident; it indicates a well-orchestrated strategy to link the trade fair presence with the sales launch, offering attendees the chance to not only test these new consoles but also secure their pre-orders on the spot.

Beyond the hardware, Xbox’s presence at gamescom will be ample, featuring over 20 games in their lineup. A especially exciting highlight will be the world’s first public playable demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a title many gamers are eagerly awaiting.

With the introduction of the ROG Xbox Ally models, Xbox is clearly looking to broaden its ecosystem and make its gaming platform more accessible and tangible for players wherever thay are. this includes seamless Xbox integration, ongoing Game Pass support, and readily available cloud access, all packed into these new portable powerhouses.

What impact does the 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM have on the ROG Ally X’s ability to run demanding games compared to devices with less RAM?

What is the ROG Ally X?

The ASUS ROG Ally X (model RC73XA-NH011W) is the upgraded version of the popular ROG Ally handheld gaming console. It’s designed to deliver a premium portable gaming experience, competing directly with devices like the Steam Deck and other Windows-based handhelds.The key difference lies in its enhanced specifications,aiming for smoother performance and a more immersive visual experience. This new iteration builds upon the foundation laid by the original Ally, addressing some user feedback and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a portable gaming device.

Pricing and Availability

The ROG Ally X is launching with a price tag of €899.Pre-orders are scheduled to begin in August 2025, with initial shipments expected shortly after. This price point positions it at the higher end of the handheld gaming market, reflecting its upgraded hardware. Availability will initially be through major retailers like MediaMarkt (as seen on their website), and directly through the ASUS online store. Expect potential regional variations in pricing and availability.

Key Specifications & Upgrades

The ROG Ally X boasts significant improvements over its predecessor. Here’s a breakdown of the core specifications:

Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme – This is a key upgrade, offering improved CPU and GPU performance.

RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X RAM – A substantial increase from the standard Ally, enabling smoother multitasking and handling of demanding games.

Storage: 1TB SSD – Provides ample storage for a large game library.

Display: 7-inch 120Hz FHD (1920×1080) Display – The faster refresh rate delivers a noticeably smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

Operating System: Windows 11 – Offers compatibility with a vast library of PC games.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E – Ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Performance Expectations: Gaming on the Ally X

The combination of the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and 24GB of RAM is expected to deliver a significant performance boost. Gamers can anticipate:

1. Higher Frame Rates: Expect to run demanding titles at higher frame rates compared to the original ROG Ally.
2. Improved Graphics Settings: The ally X should be capable of running games at higher graphics settings without sacrificing performance.
3. Enhanced Ray Tracing: The upgraded GPU will provide a better ray tracing experience in supported games.
4. Smoother Multitasking: The increased RAM will allow for smoother multitasking,enabling users to run multiple applications together.

Benefits of the 120Hz display

The 120Hz display is a major selling point for the Ally X. Here’s how it enhances the gaming experience:

Reduced Motion Blur: Faster refresh rates minimize motion blur, resulting in a clearer and more detailed image during fast-paced action.

improved Responsiveness: The higher refresh rate reduces input lag, making games feel more responsive and precise.

Enhanced Visual Fidelity: The smoother visuals contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Competitive Advantage: In competitive games, the reduced input lag and improved clarity can provide a slight edge.

Windows 11 gaming: Compatibility and Ecosystem

Running Windows 11 provides the ROG Ally X with access to a massive library of PC games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass. This broad compatibility is a significant advantage. however, it also means users need to be comfortable with the Windows operating system and potential compatibility issues that can arise with some games. Utilizing game launchers and optimizing Windows settings for gaming are crucial for maximizing performance.

Comparing the ROG Ally X to Competitors

| Feature | ROG Ally X | Steam Deck |

|——————-|——————-|——————-|

| Price (approx.) | €899 | €400 – €650 |

| Processor | Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme| AMD APU |

| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5 |

| storage | 1TB SSD | 512GB – 2TB SSD |

| Display | 7″ 120Hz FHD | 7″ 60Hz FHD |

| Operating System | Windows 11 | steamos |

The ROG Ally X clearly targets the premium end of the market, offering superior specifications at a higher price. The Steam Deck remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.

Practical Tips for ROG Ally X Users

* Optimize Power Settings: Adjust the power settings in Armoury C