Microsoft has announced the prices for its new Xbox Ally handheld gaming consoles, and the premium version is quite the splurge. The standard model, the ROG Xbox Ally, will retail for $599.99 in the U.S., while the upgraded ROG Xbox Ally X is tagged at nearly $1,000.
Developed with Asus, a well-known tech manufacturer, the Ally X will be available exclusively at Best Buy outside the Microsoft and Asus stores. Meanwhile, the regular Ally can also be found on Amazon, Ant Online, and Walmart.
Both devices are set to launch on October 16, with pre-orders starting the day Microsoft shared the price news.
To sweeten the deal, Microsoft and Asus are running a U.S.-specific promotion. Customers who pre-order through the Asus Shop will automatically enter a sweepstake, with ten lucky winners taking home a gaming bundle that includes:
- 1 ROG Strix Arion (SSD enclosure)
- 1 ROG Raikiri controller
- 1 set of ROG Cetra Wireless earbuds
- 1 ROG Bulwark (TV dock/USB-Hub)
- 1 ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 premium case
The prices for the Ally and Ally X in other regions include:
- Europe: €599 for the regular version and €899 for the X
- UK: £499 for the regular model and £799 for the X
- Australia: AUD 1599 for the regular and AUD 799 for the X
- Canada: CAD 799 for the regular version and CAD 1299 for the X
These new consoles highlight the growing trend of handheld gaming devices. According to recent market research, the handheld gaming market is projected to grow exponentially, driven by rising interest in mobile gaming and the need for flexible gaming solutions.
As the gaming industry evolves, there’s a growing conversation about accessibility and the balance of quality versus cost. Users on platforms like Twitter and Reddit are already expressing mixed feelings about the pricing, with some excited for the technology but hesitant about spending nearing $1,000.
In history, the introduction of handheld consoles has sparked similar debates. The Game Boy, for instance, started a revolution in portable gaming at a fraction of today’s prices. As we move forward, it’ll be interesting to see how the market reacts to these latest offerings.
For more updates on gaming trends, check out Statista’s report on the gaming industry.
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