Potential Costing Could Potentially Sink Asus' Xbox Partnered Portable Device Before It Has A Chance at Fair Competition
The gaming market is set to witness the arrival of two new handheld devices: the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. Based on recent leaks, these devices are expected to carry premium price tags, positioning them as high-performance options in the handheld gaming PC market.
The standard Asus ROG Xbox Ally is anticipated to retail for around $649, placing it in the mid-to-high range. This device runs a variant of Windows built for handhelds, centred around the Xbox app, but allowing play from other game launchers like Steam and the Epic Games Store. It also boasts access to Game Pass games.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, is expected to demand a higher price, ranging from $799 to $949. This premium handheld, with its 1080p/120Hz display, is likely to offer superior performance compared to the standard model. It is rumoured to support Asus' own eGPU for enhanced graphical performance when docked, although the extent of its customizability compared to SteamOS remains uncertain.
In comparison, the Steam Deck, Valve's handheld gaming device, is currently priced from $400 for the base model to $650 for the top-tier OLED variant. The Lenovo Legion Go S, another premium handheld, is typically positioned in the market but its exact pricing remains unknown.
The pricing of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X suggests that both Microsoft and Asus are targeting a market willing to pay a premium for power and performance, contrasting with Valve's strategy of offering more budget-conscious options.
It's important to note that these prices are based on leaked store listings and may be subject to change as Asus finalizes its pricing scheme. Furthermore, it remains unclear if Microsoft will support smaller launchers like GOG or emulators on the Xbox Ally.
In summary, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are expected to be pricier than most Steam Deck options, especially the Ally X, which aims for a high-performance niche and has a price reflecting that ambition. The devices are set to hit the market later this year, offering an exciting new choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, two upcoming handheld devices, are anticipated to be priced in the mid-to-high range and high-end respectively, positioning them as premium options in the tech and gadgets market, particularly in the handheld gaming PC sector. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, with its superior 1080p/120Hz display and enhanced graphical performance, is expected to retail for $799 to $949, much higher than Valve's budget-conscious Steam Deck. These tech innovations are slated to launch later this year, offering a future-ready technology solution for handheld gaming enthusiasts.
