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The ROG Xbox Ally will reportedly launch in October, but I'm still not convinced there's a good enough reason to buy it yet

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By published

The Xbox branding doesn't mean much to me.

Microsoft x Asus ROG Ally X handheld
(Image credit: Microsoft | Asus)

Microsoft, and specifically the Xbox division, has been in a bit of a weird state for some time. With the pivot away from exclusives, a former Xbox team member declared "Xbox hardware is dead", and it's easy to see why. It is moving ever closer to becoming a third-party game publisher, and deals to make Xbox-branded Meta Quests and ROG Ally's certainly feel like moves made by a team slowly moving away from hardware.

Today, Dealabs posted a report claiming the ROG Xbox Ally would finally launch on October 16 this year (via GamesRadar). If you don't recognise that site, you may recognise the author billbil-kun, who has a storied track record with industry leaks.

This leak claims that sales will begin during Gamescom 2025 on Wednesday, August 20, less than two weeks from now. This report corroborates previous reports in regard to pricing. It says the Xbox Ally will be priced at €599 ($699) and the Xbox Ally X at €899 ($1,050).

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Xbox ROG Ally The MSI Claw 8 AI+ held in the hand, playing Dead Cells on the 8-inch screen.

(Image credit: Future)

From a value proposition approaching $1000, it's hard to overlook these. And this is all before mentioning the Microsoft mass layoffs and shareholder investigations into Microsoft's "human rights due diligence", both of which make me reticent to crack open a big Xbox advertisement on the train.

On the plus side, recently, Xbox president Sarah Bond said Hollow Knight: Silksong would be "available at launch and in Game Pass when Ally releases later this year". So, even if you don't particularly care about the ROG Xbox Ally (join the club), something good may come out of its launch.

Legion Go S SteamOS edition
Best handheld PC 2025

👉Check out our full guide👈

1. Best overall:
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS ed.

2. Best budget:
Steam Deck

3. Best Windows:
MSI Claw 8 AI+

4. Best big screen:
Lenovo Legion Go

5. Best compact:
Ayaneo Flip DS

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