Technologies

Xbox Ally Gaming Handheld Price Could Be Higher Than Expected, Leak Suggests

The Microsoft-Asus portable gaming device could price itself right out of the market.

The ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming device from Asus and Microsoft debuted last month, and there were a lot of questions about the new portable. The big question about price might have been answered by a leak, and it looks like this handheld won’t be cheap.

A Google search screenshot showed a listing for the Xbox Ally and upgraded Ally X at 599 and 899 euros, as first spotted by Spanish gaming site 3DJuegos on Sunday and reported by Insider Gaming. This would put the Xbox Ally at approximately $700 and the Ally X at approximately $1,050.

Microsoft and Asus didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

While this might be the European price, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the US price. When the Xbox Series X launched back in November 2020, the US price was $499 while the EU price was 499 euros, which would have converted to approximately $590 at the time. It’s common for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft to keep the same price number across the different common Western currencies such as dollars, euros and British pounds — though the latter two include tax at 20%. (Prices quoted to consumers have to include sales tax, known as VAT, in those regions.)

If we do some back-of-the-napkin math, the euro prices without tax would be 479 and 719 euros respectively. Converting those to US dollars gives $559 and $839. In comparison, Asus’ ROG Ally cost $700 when it was released in 2023. The ROG Ally X came out in 2024 for $800.

There is, however, a big concern with the Xbox Ally and that involves President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Microsoft already increased the Xbox Series console’s prices in May due to tariffs. China has been the main trading partner affected by the tariffs, as most other countries were part of a 90-day pause Trump declared back in April, only days after revealing his plan. That pause is due to come to an end on Aug. 1, and one country that could be affected is Vietnam, where a lot of electronic devices are made.

The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X could be big competition for the Steam Deck, which currently dominates the handheld market. A flaw in the original ROG Ally and other Windows-based portable devices is that Windows is not optimized for a handheld device, whereas SteamOS is built for the Steam Deck. This means Windows handhelds can come off as laggy when booting up games and sluggish while playing, even though they have better processors and more memory. The Xbox Ally looks to provide an Xbox-like experience by incorporating the console’s UI into the device. An early look at the device suggests the new UI will be a welcome improvement over the standard Windows 11 setup.

Both the Xbox Ally and Ally X are expected to launch later this year, most likely during the holiday period.

Technologies

You Can Play Hollow Knight: Silksong on Xbox Game Pass Now

Microsoft is adding a few other games to the service soon, but everyone knows we’re here to play Silksong, right?

The wait is over. After years of rumors and speculation, Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel to the award-winning indie darling Hollow Knight, is here. And Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play the highly anticipated sequel right now at no additional cost.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC or mobile device for $20 a month. A subscription gives you access to a large library of games, with new ones, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, added monthly, plus other benefits such as online multiplayer and deals on non-Game Pass titles.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

Here are all the games Microsoft is adding to Game Pass soon. You can also check out the games the company added to the service in August, including Gears of War: Reloaded.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.

The wait is over for one of the most anticipated indie games in recent memory. You play as the hunter and princess Hornet as she ascends to Hallownest’s peak. You’ll venture through mossy grottos, craft deadly tools and take on over 200 powerful bugs with acrobatic skills as you climb to the top. But you aren’t just taking down everything in your path. You’ll also befriend strangers and unlock secrets that might help you in your quest.

I Am Your Beast

Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play now.

This covert, revenge thriller is like a comic book in game form. You play as a retired secret agent who gets called in for «one last job.» But unlike other stories where the hero says, «Yes,» you say, «No.» So now the military-industrial complex is hunting you through the North American wilderness. You have to evade your enemies and sabotage their equipment to survive.

Nine Sols

New to Game Pass Standard.

Don’t let the cute cat-like hero fool you; this game can be brutal. This 2D action platformer is about revenge. You play as an ancient hero who awakes from a 500-year slumber to embark on a vengeful journey against those who imprisoned them. The hand-drawn art style and gameplay inspired by Sekiro make this a uniquely challenging and beautiful game.

Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could play this game in December, and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play this difficult but rewarding game soon, too.

Cataclismo

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.

This game combines resource management, real-time strategy, siege defense and exploration into one title. Creatures from a corrupted world, called Horrors, are seeking to destroy humanity, so you have to build intricate fortresses to fend off waves of enemies. Once the Horrors are gone, you’ll forage for resources outside of your defenses during the day to help in the next night’s attacks. Will you be able to find a way to put a stop to the Horrors once and for all, or will you fall like the rest of humanity?

Paw Patrol World

Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play now.

Microsoft removed this kid-friendly game from Game Pass in February, and the company is bringing it back to the service this month. You can play as Chase, Skye, Marshall or Everest as they save the day across locations like Adventure Bay, Jake’s Mountain, the Jungle and Barkingburg. Use your nose to sniff out secrets and pup treats you can use to unlock new outfits and more for your pup.

RoadCraft

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 16.

When natural disasters strike, someone has to clean up the damage and restore the local infrastructure. That’s where you and your company come in. You’ll use construction machinery to clear debris, replace faulty equipment and rebuild roads, bridges and more. Don’t just throw all that debris away. Some of it can be recycled and used for reconstruction in this building simulator.

Games leaving Xbox Game Pass on Sept. 15

While Microsoft is adding all those games to Game Pass soon, the company is removing a few others from the service on Sept. 15. So you still have some time to finish your main campaign and any side quests in these games before you’ll have to buy them separately.

For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you. You can also check out what to know about upcoming Xbox game price hikes.