Microsoft has announced the global release date for the ROG Xbox Ally devices as October 16th. However, pricing details have not yet been disclosed, and fans are asked to wait a bit longer. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that the more expensive ROG Xbox Ally X model could be priced around $900.
Jason Ronald, an Xbox executive, told IGN that the `macro-economic climate is challenging` for pricing. This is likely due to the ongoing tariff situation, which has led to increased prices for various products, including gaming items.
Beyond the impact of tariffs and other macroeconomic factors, Ronald emphasized that it`s always `a challenge` to set a price that strikes `the right balance between affordability and price point.` Ronald also added that for mobile form factors, battery life is a crucial consideration.
Asus executive Shawn Yen stated that the company needs more time to `determine the macro-economic impact on pricing.` Both pricing and preorder details are expected to be revealed later, specifically `in the coming weeks,` according to Microsoft.
A report from billbil-kun suggests the base ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at $550, while the ROG Xbox Ally X could be $900. These figures remain unconfirmed, despite Best Buy briefly displaying product pages with these prices before removing them. It`s possible these prices could change due to tariffs and market factors, similar to how Nintendo adjusted accessory prices for the Switch 2 due to tariffs.
In addition to the ROG Xbox Ally`s release date, Microsoft introduced the Handheld Compatibility Program, a Steam Deck Verified-like initiative that will categorize games as either `Handheld Optimized` or `Mostly Compatible` for portable play.
Microsoft also unveiled an `advanced shader delivery` feature that preloads game shaders during download, which they claim can speed up game boot times by up to 10 times, ensure smoother performance, and reduce battery consumption. Furthermore, the ROG Xbox Ally X is slated to receive new AI-powered features via a 2026 update, including automatic super-resolution and a `highlight reel` function for capturing significant gameplay moments.
Microsoft, in collaboration with AMD, is also developing a new Xbox home console. While the Xbox Series X|S generation is nearing its end, there is no official word yet on when the next Xbox console will be revealed.