Xbox reveals October 16 release date for ROG Xbox Ally

After much anticipation, the ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices have finally received a release date, following their initial reveal during the Xbox Showcase earlier in June.

Microsoft was preparing to announce details about their upcoming partnership with Asus regarding a couple of handheld products, but the specifics were uncertain. Leading up to yesterday's announcement at Gamescom, it was expected that we would learn about the release date and pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally/Ally X. In the end, we only received partial information.

However, Xbox did provide some intriguing insights into what we can look forward to when the ROG Xbox Ally devices are launched on October 16, 2025, which will be available in various regions including the UK, Australia, and the US (the ROG Xbox Ally will be released in China early next year).

While pricing details for the upcoming handhelds were anticipated, Asus and Microsoft indicated in a conversation with IGN following the release date announcement that they needed "more time to assess the macro-economic factors affecting pricing," and they added, "we'll provide additional information later in September and October."

A little prior to Xbox’s Gamescom presentation, reliable insider Billbil-kun confidently disclosed "the final prices" of both Xbox handhelds, presumably based on knowledge that Microsoft would confirm those details. Clearly, that confirmation did not occur, but if Billbil-kun's sources are to be believed, the base ROG Xbox Ally will retail for $549.99, whereas the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X is expected to be priced at $899.99.

Although the anticipated price for the Ally X has remained steady since prior leaks, the earlier speculation placed the base ROG Ally's cost at around $700 — so let’s hope Billbil-kun's updated information is accurate!

Conversely, if you are seeking a handheld that is already proven, optimized for peak performance, and designed for serious gaming on the go, the ROG Ally X stands out distinctly. With longer battery life, improved ergonomics, and full Windows functionality, it embodies everything that the future of handheld gaming should aim for. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.