The long-awaited Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming console has once again made headlines after briefly appearing on Amazon before being taken down. The listing hinted at its imminent arrival, just days ahead of Gamescom 2025, where Microsoft is expected to confirm the launch date of both the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X.
Amazon Listing Sparks Excitement Among Gamers
Tech journalist Tom Warren spotted the Amazon microsite for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, which showcased the handheld PC and its key specifications. Though the page was quickly removed, it strongly suggests that Asus and Microsoft are preparing for an official release very soon.
According to reports, the global launch announcement will take place at Gamescom 2025, starting August 20. A tipster has further claimed that the handheld consoles will debut on October 16, 2025, in Europe.
Expected Pricing and Availability
Pricing details for the ROG Xbox Ally lineup have already surfaced. The base model is expected to launch at EUR 599 (around Rs. 61,236), while the premium ROG Xbox Ally X could cost EUR 899 (around Rs. 91,906). Neither Asus nor Microsoft has officially confirmed these details, but the leaked figures match earlier reports.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally Specifications
First unveiled on June 8 by Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM (6,400MHz). It offers up to 512GB of onboard storage, expandable via a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 SSD.
The device sports a 7-inch full-HD LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness, making it a promising option for portable gaming. However, it’s important to note that the handheld will not support native Xbox console games, as it runs on Windows OS rather than Xbox’s ecosystem.
Gaming Features and Design
To enhance user experience, the ROG Xbox Ally will come preloaded with Armoury Crate SE software and Xbox Game Bar buttons, allowing quick customization of settings. The handheld packs a 60Wh battery, designed for extended gameplay sessions.
Its design includes contoured grips, ABXY buttons inspired by Xbox controllers, and joystick placement similar to Microsoft’s console controllers, ensuring familiarity for Xbox players.
A New Challenger in the Handheld Market
With its Windows-based system, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally is positioned as a direct competitor to the Valve Steam Deck, which runs on Linux-based SteamOS. By combining PC-level power with Xbox-inspired design, Asus and Microsoft are targeting both PC gamers and the growing handheld gaming market.
As the official launch draws closer, excitement is building. Fans will be keeping a close eye on Gamescom 2025 for the official unveiling and pre-order details.
