After months of mere rumors and speculation, Microsoft has finally announced the official pricing for its latest portable console, which will launch on October 16, 2025. This console comes in collaboration with ASUS ROG, with the name ROG Xbox Ally X and its standard variant ROG Xbox Ally .
This news immediately attracted significant attention in the gaming world, as Xbox has long been known as a major player in the home console market. Now, they're trying to enter the increasingly crowded handheld gaming segment, competing with the likes of the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and even the MSI Claw.
Why Did Xbox Enter the Portable Market?
The portable console market has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The massively successful launch of the Nintendo Switch, followed by Valve's Steam Deck, demonstrates that modern gamers desire flexibility: the ability to play at home but also to continue playing on the go.
Microsoft sees a huge opportunity here. With the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem already so robust, introducing a portable console means gamers can access hundreds of AAA and indie titles anywhere, without being tied to a TV or PC.
ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X Key Specs
Both devices feature ASUS ROG's signature premium design, combined with the convenience of Xbox-style controls. Here's an overview of their specifications:
- Screen : 7 inches, 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor :
- ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A
- ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with integrated NPU
- RAM :
- Ally: 16GB
- Ally X: 24GB
- Storage :
- Ally: 512GB SSD
- Ally X: 1TB SSD
- Battery :
- Ally: 60Wh
- Ally X: 80Wh
The Ally X variant is clearly aimed at gamers who want maximum performance, with larger RAM capacity, more storage space, and longer battery life.
The Long-Awaited Official Price
Microsoft has finally announced the official pricing for this portable console. According to the latest announcement, the prices are:
- ROG Xbox Ally (standard) : around USD 599 (equivalent to approximately IDR 10 million)
- ROG Xbox Ally X (premium) : around USD 899 (equivalent to approximately Rp. 14 million)
This price is indeed higher than the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go, but Microsoft emphasizes that this device offers the full Xbox ecosystem , including integration with Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and full support for Windows.
Featured Features
Apart from the powerful specifications, there are several superior features that make this console interesting:
- Xbox Game Pass Integration
Gamers can instantly access hundreds of games from the Game Pass library, including new titles released on day one. - Cloud Gaming
If you don't want to fill up your storage, players can take advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming to play games directly from the server. - AI-Powered Features
The Ally X variant is equipped with an NPU chip that enables features such as automatic super resolution and automatic recording of the best moments while playing. - Ergonomic Design
The console's grip is made to resemble an Xbox controller, so it feels familiar and comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Position in the Market and Competition
With these prices and specifications, it's clear Microsoft is targeting the premium handheld gaming segment. This console is positioned as a serious competitor to the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go .
But Xbox's advantage lies in its ecosystem of services . Game Pass is a huge plus, as gamers don't need to purchase games individually. Simply subscribe, and hundreds of titles are instantly available.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The arrival of an official portable console from Xbox could have a huge impact:
- Encouraging more competition in the handheld market, which ultimately benefits gamers because of more choices.
- Expanding the Xbox ecosystem , as gamers who previously only played on PC or home consoles can now continue playing on portable devices.
- Changing the trend of playing games , from being static at home to being more flexible and mobile.
Conclusion
The launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X on October 16, 2025, marks a major step for Microsoft in the world of portable consoles. With high-performance specs, full integration with Game Pass, and advanced AI-based features, these devices are poised to become major contenders in the handheld gaming market.
Despite its high price, this console offers great value for gamers who want flexibility without sacrificing performance. Now, it remains to be seen whether Xbox can truly shake the dominance of the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch in this segment.
One thing is for sure: the world of portable gaming is about to get even more exciting starting in October 2025.
