Microsoft and Asus have announced that their new handheld gaming devices, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, will launch on October 16th. Both devices will be available in multiple regions worldwide. However, details about preorders and pricing aren’t available yet.
Rumors suggest that the Xbox Ally might be priced around €599 (approximately $699) and the Xbox Ally X higher, at €899 (about $1,049). There might be hesitance in confirming prices due to recent leaks and ongoing discussions about US tariffs.
Initial reports from Dealabs indicate that the Xbox Ally could hit the US market for $549.99, while the Xbox Ally X might go for $899.99. Microsoft’s ability to possibly lower these prices could significantly impact the success of these devices at launch.
The October 16 launch date covers key markets such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and several countries in Europe. Other markets, including Brazil and India, are also expected to see a rollout soon.
The Xbox Ally is optimized for 720p gaming, while the Xbox Ally X is designed for 1080p. Both devices feature a 7-inch 1080p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, ensuring a smooth visual experience.
In terms of performance, the Xbox Ally is built with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, upgrades to an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
To enhance the gaming experience, Microsoft has introduced a compatibility program. This program aims to ensure that a wide range of games can seamlessly run on these devices. Roanne Sones, a senior executive at Xbox, explains that they tested numerous games to find out which ones run best on handhelds, making it easier for gamers to jump right into play.
Games will be marked as “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible.” The former means they’ll work perfectly from the start, while the latter may need some minor tweaks to perform well.
Microsoft is also refining how games run on these devices by working on shader delivery systems. This means games can launch faster and run more smoothly by preloading necessary game shaders during installation, which is especially useful on handhelds to improve battery life.
With plans for features like Automatic Super Resolution expected to launch in early 2026 on the Xbox Ally X, Microsoft aims to upscale games effortlessly. This could amplify visual quality, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
As the launch date approaches, the reaction on social media is buzzing. Fans are eager to see how these devices will revolutionize portable gaming, mirroring past excitement around major console releases.
For more details on the Xbox Ally, you can check out The Verge.
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