OG Ally X and standard model pricing revealed, top version hits $1,000 amid tariff worries

Microsoft has officially revealed pricing and pre-order details for the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PCs, ahead of their global launch on October 16.

The more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X is priced at $999.99, while the base ROG Xbox Ally comes in at $599.99. Regional pricing includes £799/€899 for the Ally X and £499/€599 for the standard model. Both are now available for pre-order via the Microsoft Store, ASUS eshop, and select retailers in 38 countries.

This announcement follows months of pricing uncertainty. During Gamescom in August, Microsoft and ASUS cited the volatile macro-economic climate, including fluctuating U.S. tariffs, as a reason for the delay in finalizing pricing.

“It’s always a challenge to balance affordability and performance, especially in a mobile form factor,” said Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Xbox Gaming Devices. ASUS VP Shawn Yen echoed that more time was needed to understand the long-term pricing impact.

The ROG Xbox Ally series enters a competitive handheld market currently dominated by the Steam Deck and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. However, Microsoft has faced backlash recently for raising Xbox console prices again in the U.S., citing macro-economic factors. The trend reflects a broader industry shift, with rising costs for consoles, games, and accessories driven by tariffs, manufacturing expenses, and global inflation.

Despite the pricing challenges, Microsoft says the ROG Ally lineup aims to deliver “a distinctly Xbox experience in the palm of your hands,” promising portable gaming with new, first-of-its-kind features across both models.

As the gaming landscape evolves, all eyes are now on how Microsoft’s high-end handhelds will compete amid growing price sensitivity and economic uncertainty.