The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has officially opened its pre-order gates, and the response from the gaming community has been nothing short of enthusiastic. With just a month remaining until the anticipated launch of these two new Xbox handheld gaming PCs, demand is surging. Many retailers are already experiencing limited stock, with some items being restricted or completely sold out.
Product Overview
Positioned as the spiritual successor to the Asus ROG Ally X, the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X represent Microsoft’s inaugural foray into the handheld gaming market, developed in collaboration with Asus. Early indications suggest these devices could be strong contenders for inclusion in the best handheld gaming guide, particularly given their promising specifications and performance, as highlighted in our recent ROG Ally preview.
Pre-orders commenced on September 25, with the ROG Xbox Ally priced at 9.99 and the ROG Xbox Ally X at 9.99.
Retail Availability
Some retailers, such as Walmart, still list the product as available for pre-order ahead of the official release on October 16. However, Walmart currently offers only the base-model Xbox Ally. Best Buy has implemented a sign-in requirement for purchases, complicating the process of checking local stock availability. Interestingly, a fortunate customer at Best Buy shared on Reddit that they managed to secure a 0 discount on the Xbox Ally X through a Total membership, although this has yet to be verified by other sources.
Amazon is displaying stock for the Xbox Ally in regions like the UK, but pre-orders are not yet available in the US.
Stock Shortages and Consumer Interest
Despite the excitement, not all news is positive. Members of the r/xboxally subreddit are reporting stock shortages across various retailers globally. In the UK, for instance, Currys has listed the Xbox Ally X as out of stock, leaving only the more affordable Xbox Ally available. Both the Xbox and Asus online stores have also indicated sold-out statuses in several locations, though the Xbox store has shown intermittent stock for both handhelds throughout the day, suggesting that interested buyers should remain vigilant for updates.
Additionally, the presence of CAPTCHA and waiting queues at some retailers, including Currys and the Xbox store, reflects the high volume of consumer interest.
Design and Features
The Xbox branding, coupled with an Xbox controller-style grip design, has already made this Asus handheld a popular choice among gamers. For those eager to secure one before the release date, early pre-ordering is advisable, as retail stock is fluctuating, and future availability remains uncertain.
For further insights, readers can explore our review of the Asus ROG Ally X, which outlines why it emerged as a commendable alternative to the Steam Deck. Additionally, our guide on the best gaming laptops may be of interest for those seeking a larger yet portable gaming solution.
Are you excited to experience this new Xbox handheld? Join the conversation and share your expectations in our community Discord server, where like-minded readers and staff are eager to engage.
