Key Highlights:
- The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are sold out almost everywhere.
- Despite this, the console is shaping up to be a major disappointment.
- The handheld is too expensive, and the upgrades are marginal at best.
Xbox and ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally series of handheld gaming devices appear to be doing quite well (at least, during first glance), having been sold out at almost all major retailer sites, including the official Xbox site.
However, this really isn’t indicative of the handheld’s success, as there might be a lot more factors at play here – including the fact that Xbox’s pricing is wildly out of touch, when we compare it to the competition.
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Appear to Be Sold Out Everywhere
Both versions of the ROG Xbox Ally appear to be sold out across major US retailers, including the official Xbox store. This is likely going to be carried over onto overseas purchases as well, most of which appear to be following suit.
These include the weaker (white) ROG Xbox Ally and the much more powerful (black) ROG Xbox Ally X.
This is quite the shocking revelation, especially when we take into consideration the pricing of these handhelds, which is quite steep at around $600-$1000.
The ROG Xbox Ally Is a Disappointing Handheld, Largely Thanks to Its Inflated Price
While the ROG Xbox Ally isn’t a bad handheld by any definition, it still is really quite a disappointing showcase from Xbox. The base, white ROG Ally costs $600, and offers performance that is comparable to that of Valve’s Steam Deck.
For reference, the Deck was released back in 2022, and currently retails for around $320, nearly half of what the Xbox Ally goes for. Even the superior, OLED version of the deck costs a good chunk less than the Xbox Ally ($550), which makes it a much better option.
As far as the Xbox ROG Ally X is concerned, the device does fare a bit better thanks to the use of a more up to date Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, placing it ever so slightly ahead of the already existing ROG Ally X.
Also Read: Will Xbox’s Hardware Lead Be Worth the PS6 Price Difference?
However, the difference in performance isn’t exactly substantial, and most certainly not the $1000 asking price. Even the much hyped Xbox handheld UI is slated to make its way to non-Xbox handhelds, which does dramaticaly decrease the value of Xbox’s handheld by quite a significant margin.
None of this would be an issue if Microsoft priced its devices a bit lower, especially when we take into account the competition on hand. These devices are quite decent on their own, but there are simply other alternatives here, that provide most of what the Ally offers at a far lower asking price.
It might be best to wait until the inevitable sale before picking one of these handhelds.
Other Quirks Keep It From Being a True, Premium Device
Hardware wise, the ROG Xbox Ally isn’t perfect either. The device still uses the old, 7-inch VRR capable 120 Hz 1080p display as debuted in the original ROG Ally, back in 2023. While the panel is certainly quite serviceable, it’s overdue for an upgrade at this point.
Not to mention, most manufacturers have started to pivot toward 8+ inch displays now, which makes the ROG Xbox Ally feel minuscule in comparison.
There’s also the software, which appears to be a bit half baked. While the inclusion of a dedicated Xbox game UI was much appreciated (and frankly speaking, long overdue), it is in no way polished enough – especially when compared to the likes of SteamOS.
Admittedly, this can be patched over time, but selling a premium device with so many intricacies and bugs is not the way to go.
