- Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally -Handheld could be launched in October
- Some rumors suggest that ROG Xbox Ally will be $ 499 and Xbox Ally X costs $ 799
- A price point for the MSI Claw A8 using the same processor is also unconfirmed
Handhelds undoubtedly dominate the console and the PC game market with the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 now available and Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally planned for launch late in the year. However, the latter may have a significant dealbreaker.
As reported by our reliable friends at Windows Central, both ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally XX are joined to launch at the end of October. However, pricing is still up in the air, despite other rumors suggesting that the base model costs $ 499 and the more powerful Xbox Ally X will go for $ 799.
ROG Xbox Ally X joins the MSI Claw A8 in being the first handheld game -PCs to use AMDS Ryzen Z2 Extreme Processor, except Microsoft’s handheld will use an AI variant. It is not exactly clear whether this will have an edge over the standard Z2 Extreme – but one thing that becomes a little clear is the rationale for the non -reveled price point.
It seems that a combination of uncertainty about customs duties on Taiwan and China (where ASUS manufactures products), and MSI, which does not advertise a price for the Claw A8, may be why we are back in the dark at ROG Xbox Ally prices for now.
We have not seen the performance features of the Z2 Extreme on handhelds, so maybe Microsoft is waiting for MSI or even Lenovo (with the Legion Go 2 successor using the same chip) to set the pace before committing to a price point.
It is also worth noting that Asus Rog Ally X recently saw a price increase from $ 799.99 (£ 799 / AU $ 1,599) to $ 899, so concern over a potentially scandalous price (at least for ROG Xbox Ally X) is justified. The base model uses a new Ryzen Z2A processor – which is more in line with Steam Deck’s chip in performance using RDNA 2 architecture – so the price can be related to Nintendo Switch 2’s.
Analysis: I’m not worried about ROG Xbox Ally’s Price But I’m very concerned about ROG Xbox Ally X
To put it simple if ROG Xbox Ally X ends with a higher price point than like the MSI Claw 8 AI+, Microsoft can kiss his success goodbye.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $ 900 / £ 899 / AU $ 1,799, which is already a very steep price enough to turn players away from a purchase. It is not me who neglects the device’s game features, but it is a hard sale in this economy.
The ROG Xbox Ally X does not have an 8-inch screen (which is a huge dealbreaker for me) and uses the same processor as the Claw A8, which actually uses an 8-inch screen. Unless the AI Z2 extremen surpasses both the Standard Z2 Extreme and the Claw 8 AI+’S Core Ultra 7 258V processor, then ROG Xbox Ally X has no place that costs over $ 900.
I expect the weaker counterpart, ROG Xbox Ally, should do fine as a more affordable option, if It’s under or slightly closer to Switch 2’s price ($ 449.99 / £ 395.99 / AU $ 699.99).
Handheld hardware gets better every year, which obviously comes with a cost increase, but it is important that prices do not go out of turning off affordable prices. There is a reason why Ayaneo’s handhelds are not in the limelight because they cost over $ 1,000 – and Microsoft is not even thinking about going there.
