Microsoft and Asus Open Xbox Ally Preorders — The X Costs $999

Big news just dropped for gamers: Microsoft and Asus have officially started taking preorders for their new handheld devices the ROG Xbox Ally and the higher-end ROG Xbox Ally X. And yes, the “X” model comes in at a jaw-dropping $999 in the U.S. That’s a premium price, and people are already debating whether it’s worth it. Let me walk you through what’s known so far, what each model offers, and whether you should consider preordering.

What Is the Xbox Ally?

First off, these aren’t traditional Xbox consoles; they’re handheld gaming PCs under the Xbox brand, made in partnership with Asus (ROG line). The idea is to let you carry your gaming library with you, combining Windows flexibility with a polished Xbox-style experience.

Some key goals behind the design:

• Run PC games natively.

• Support Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, console streaming, cloud gaming, etc.

• Provide a “console feel” in handheld format by hiding typical Windows desktop elements and optimizing resources for gaming.

• Use ergonomic grips, controller-style layout, and gaming-friendly UI features.

So, this is Microsoft’s push into the handheld/portable space, going beyond just streaming or remote play, making a device that can run games directly.

Also Read:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite & Extreme Announced for Windows PCs

What Do the Two Models Offer?

The preorder announcement gives us a good picture of how the two models differ. Here’s a breakdown:

So, the X model is clearly aimed at power users who want higher specs and are willing to pay a premium. The base Ally is more modest but still ambitious compared to many handhelds.

Why $999 for the X Model?

That’s one of the biggest talking points. At nearly $1,000, the Ally X is among the most expensive “Xbox” devices ever announced, even more expensive than some desktop-level gaming rigs when you consider cost per performance. Some key reasons:

• The Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip is high-end and promises better performance, particularly in demanding games.

• Bigger RAM and SSD to match heavier titles.

• More robust hardware (heat management, battery, cooling) to sustain higher loads.

• Microsoft and Asus likely price for a niche market: people who want top-tier handhelds.

• It may also reflect premium margins, research & development costs, and positioning (i.e., “flagship”).

Critics are quick to point out that the performance gain may not always justify that much extra cost, especially compared to other handheld PCs in the market. Early spec comparisons suggest the performance jump from base to X may be modest in many real gaming scenarios.

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite & Extreme Announced for Windows PCs

Pros: What Looks Good So Far

1. Versatility
   Because it runs Windows and supports multiple gaming services (Xbox, Steam, etc.), you’re not locked into one ecosystem.

2. Console-style experience
   With controller layout, custom UI tweaks, and integrated Xbox buttons, it aims for a portable but familiar gaming feel.

3. Strong hardware (for handheld)
   The X version in particular promises serious specs that may rival small gaming laptops in some tasks.

4. Launch support & software ecosystem.
   Microsoft says there will be a “Handheld Compatibility Program” so that games are flagged if they run well on these devices. Also, the synergy with Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and cloud streaming is a big plus.

5. Global reach
   Preorders are already live in 38 countries, expanding availability fast.

Cons & Risks: What to Watch Out For

1. Price / Value ratio
   The $999 price is steep. Many will expect near-desktop-tier performance for that kind of money. If it doesn’t deliver a significantly better experience than cheaper handheld PCs, people may feel it’s overpriced.

2. Battery lifeheat/throttlingg
   High-end chips generate heat and need power. Sustaining top performance for long gaming sessions may be a challenge, especially on a handheld form factor.

3. Availability limitations
   Because the X is more exclusive in terms of retail channels, it may be harder to get or cause stock issues.

4. Software optimization
   Having hardware is one thing; getting games to run smoothly on it is another. Even if Microsoft supports game compatibility, not every PC game will be optimized for handheld devices.

5. Competing devices
   There are already strong handheld PCs (Steam Deck, various upcoming ones) with good performance and better price ratios. The Ally X must prove its edge.

6. Consumer expectations
   Many buyers will expect flawless performance, long battery life, minimal lag, and smooth UI. Any shortcomings will be magnified at that price tier.

Should You Preorder It?

That depends on your priorities.

You might preorder (especially the base Ally) if:

• You want a high-end, flexible handheld that runs both console and PC titles.

• You like being an early adopter of new hardware, even with some risk.

• You’re willing to pay extra for premium features.

• You have a good gaming library on Xbox / PC and want portability.

You might wait or skip the X model if:

• The price feels too steep for what you’re getting.

• You worry about battery life or real-world performance.

• You want to see reviews and benchmarks before committing.

• You’re okay with starting with the base model or other alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft and Asus’ launch of the Xbox Ally series marks an exciting step in handheld gaming. They’re not just doing another streaming box; they aim to blend PC power with console familiarity. The $999 Ally X is definitely the headline grabber, but whether it lives up to its price remains to be seen.

If everything performs well, cooling, battery, and game support, it could be a standout device. But there’s risk: if real-world use falls short, people will feel that price bite. For many, the base ROG Xbox Ally might be the safer bet: lower cost, and still promising solid capability.

If you like, I can also pull together expected performance benchmarks, comparisons with competitors (Steam Deck, etc.), or early user impressions once reviews start coming. Want me to prepare that too?