Microsoft announced the release date for the ROG Xbox Ally devices today, confirming they will release worldwide on October 16. However, the company has not disclosed the price points, telling fans to sit tight for a bit longer for pricing and preorder dates. Additionally, a report has emerged that claims the price of the most expensive ROG Xbox Ally device could run you $900.
Xbox executive Jason Ronald told IGN that the “macro-economic climate is challenging” when it comes to pricing. This is likely a reference to the ongoing tariff situation, which has led to increases in prices for some products, including gaming items.
Beyond the impact of tariffs and other macro-economic factors, Ronald said it’s “always a challenge” to set a product’s price and have it strike the “right balance between affordability and price point.”
“And I think especially in a mobile form factor that also adds in dimensions such as battery life in as well,” Ronald said.
Asus executive Shawn Yen said the company needs “more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing.” Fans can expect pricing and preorder details to be revealed later. Microsoft’s official word on the matter is that more details on pricing and preorder details will arrive “in the coming weeks.”
A report from billbil-kun said the ROG Xbox Ally will be $550, with the ROG Xbox Ally X coming in at $900. These prices are not confirmed, though Best Buy posted product pages showing these prices before removing them. It’s possible these prices are not real or could change due to tariffs and other market factors. Many may recall how Nintendo delayed Switch 2 preorders due to tariffs. While the price for the console didn’t go up, Nintendo did decide to charge more for certain accessories.
In addition to revealing the release date for the ROG Xbox Ally devices, Microsoft announced the Handheld Compatibility Program, which is a Steam Deck Verified-like program that filter games by whether or not they are “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible.”
Additionally, Microsoft revealed a new “advanced shader delivery” feature that preloads game shaders during download, which Microsoft claims allows select games to boot up to 10 times faster, along with running more smoothly and using less battery power. Additionally, Microsoft said the ROG Xbox Ally X will have new AI-powered features delivered via an update in 2026 that will add things like automatic super resolution and a “highlight reel” feature that uses AI to capture “standout gameplay moments.”
Microsoft is also working on a new Xbox home console in partnership with AMD. The Xbox Series X|S generation is winding down, but there is no word yet on when the next Xbox console will be revealed.
