ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available

I don't know what I expected or what to make of this. Its entirely possible that they made 'fewer' Xbox Ally X's, thinking that the price would make it less popular so sold out quicker than anticipated. Maybe they made far more Standard white versions thinking it would sell more being cheaper and perhaps got their balance 'wrong' - not enough X's to meet demand and more standard Ally's than gamers that want it...

Yes, I have no doubt that they probably sold out of all five pre-orders available.

Personally, I think that these types of devices are not worth it in the lower price ranges. Usually, people want to play the latest releases and do so at frame rates that allow them to enjoy them.

The middle class is dying. More and more products will be premium products made for the upper class.

Without knowing the figures we cant really draw any conclusion from this. We dont know if there were the same number of each device available or just how many devices sold out means.

Hopefully the product is an overwhelming success but it still seems like a niche product that is even more niche with the price tag.

It’s still crazy that on a site where only the most dedicated Xbox fans congregate, 59% have no interest in this.

@FrenchVaniIIuxe because most of those hardcore Xbox fans also don’t pay for GPU (they use cheap conversion etc) so they aren’t going to spend $1k on a handheld

@themightyant not just Xbox, but this should be a standard across all platforms. I can't tell you the number of Switch games I was excited to play only to realize the text was way too small for a handheld screen. I don't know how difficult it is to implement scaling UI but it's something all games should have

@DonkeyFantasy The Standard version looks pretty decent and far more comparable to the Steamdeck in both Price and performance - but unlike Steamdeck, also plays a LOT more games - like CoD, Destiny 2, GTA Online, BF6 and Valorant. It also integrates with Play Anywhere and Game Pass.

I know GPU is more expensive, but Essential/Premium tiers still offer Games and PC cross-over and their price has not increased. The lower tiers added PC crossover.

Point is, the cheaper one is to compete more with the Steamdeck/Switch 2 but offer better ergonomics and the largest Library that also syncs well with your Xbox - whether you 'want' those feature or 'prefer' the alternatives may depend on where your current Library exists, the games you want to play and even the cost to play those games on that device.

Take Indy for example - you can play it on Xbox via Game Pass or buy it digitally with Play Anywherebut if you want to finish it playing on the go without having to rebuy, then the only Native options are the Handheld PC's, Steamdeck and Switch 2 will require repurchasing. If that's what you want, then maybe the RoG Xbox Ally is the better value option.

It's almost the opposite!

@Banjo-

Huh I didn’t expect us to be the casuals.

@FrenchVaniIIuxe I was specifically replying to your comment about the site.

Rog Xbox Ally X is great as a gaming handheld, the best price with that chip, powerful and efficient, great ergonomics, Play Anywhere, third-party stores... Of course, that doesn't come cheap and most users here are console fans — not necessarily Xbox fans, as you can see on most threads — but even for Xbox fans, the part of Xbox that this device fully covers is Play Anywhere and Cloud. It's not backwards compatible with Xbox games and doesn't support the console version of the current-gen games.

Since Steam Deck launched, I've been wanting to get one of these. If I get one, it would be this, because of the specs and mostly because of Play Anywhere. I don't have a Steam account and, like other users said, the largest amount of money spent is not on the hardware, but on games and subscriptions. Here, you can play all Xbox games with a Play Anywhere version and, on top of that, all Game Pass tiers include console and PC games now. So, between starting a new library and playing Play Anywhere and Game Pass titles at no extra cost, I'd choose the latter.

That said, Microsoft confirmed that there will be a next-gen console that is backwards compatible and rumours mention an alternative, a less powerful hybrid that is a handheld Xbox that can connect to the TV. Those two options manufactured by Microsoft and backwards compatible with console games are more appealing to me.

@themightyant The cancelled-before-being-announced handheld was supposed to launch sooner than the next generation. The current rumours mention a hybrid console launching along the next-gen Xbox. The only official confirmation is for the next-gen and backwards compatible Xbox, nothing official regarding the handheld/hybrid console. That said, the latest statement mentions consoles and devices in plural form, that are designed, engineered and built by Xbox", unlike the Asus Rog Ally X that was manufactured by Asus, with the gaming version of Windows being obviously engineered by Microsoft.

We are actively investing in our future first-party consoles and devices designed, engineered and built by Xbox. For more details, the community can revisit our agreement announcement with AMD.

One more proof that customers aren't as clueless as some people want to believe... There is no reason to buy the white version instead of a legion go s or a z1 handheld other than the great ergonomics. Its not even a great upgrade for a steam deck user.

@themightyant Rumours about Xbox tend to be extremely negative and biased, so I'll just enjoy my Series X in the meantime!

@DonkeyFantasy The Z2A has much better efficoiency at the lower power end - the 15w mode and should be equivalent at the higher 25w-35w modes to deliver roughly the same graphics and performance - maybe a few points better here and there and that's if they both run Full Windows, but the Z1E chip does not get the Xbox FSE experience until next year.

Also the Z1E versions - only the OG which isn't that great is likely to be cheaper - don't have great ergonomics. They improved with their Ally X - but that is more expensive - but these have something those don't - full size Grips, buttons and thumbsticks and feels like a Xbox controller in hand. It also comes with a bigger 60w Battery over the 40w in the RoG Ally and a more easily upgradeable SSD.

From my own research on the Subject, I found out this:-
The ROG Xbox Ally represents a significant evolution in handheld gaming, building on the strengths of the original ROG Ally while addressing its shortcomings. With improved ergonomics, battery life, and performance features, it is likely to appeal to gamers looking for a more comfortable and capable device. However, the original ROG Ally remains a solid option for those who may not need the latest enhancements or are looking for a more budget-friendly choice.

I am good off this. I just got a lcd steamdeck with 1tb for $227 all in on ebay in mint condition using the "offer" option LOL

Ffs here we go again:

STILL VERY AVAILABLE IN THE US AT BEST BUY, LITERALLY THE ONLY RETAILER CARRYING THIS ULTRA NICHE PRODUCT.

Makes sense, the standard version competes too directly with the Steam Deck, which most people interested in such a device are likely to already own. This leaves the high-end X model as the more appealing option, and I bet it's selling out fast because the supplies are low.

@DonkeyFantasy M2 2280 are much more available than the more niche M2 2230 SSDs so ease is relative I guess...

Anyway, I've always advocated choice and each to their own as well - I was just pointing out WHY someone may choose This device over the Alternatives in its price range - its direct competitors are Steamdeck and Switch 2 - the others are just preferential choice or budget as ALL Windows Handheld PC's are essentially the SAME family with the SAME library and 'Xbox' and Game Pass crossover.the difference between this and other PC's is ergonomics and that dashboad - the 7" LCD 120hz VRR screen was considered the 'best' in class in the first gen handhelds and looks great on my RoG Ally (OG Version). Used doesn't come with the same warranty and piece of mind - also they should get the OS/UI at some point so are a good option, still in the same category/ecosystems etc.

The point of this device was to be as 'affordable' as Steamdeck and still be as performant at similar power levels (but can be boosted) whilst also providing the 'Xbox' ergonomics and UI, able to play ALL your Play Anywhere/Game Pass games at no 'extra' cost where as the other hardware, you'd need to buy games as well. The 'Xbox' branding and 'emphasis' on GP and Play Anywhere is designed to make the 'cross-over' into 'PC Gaming' from Xbox consoles relatively comfortably and seemlessly as possible. The Xbox Ally X is to be the 'latest' gen to compete with MSi and Lenovo Devices for Performance/graphics - although this does have AI NPU's the others don't so could be interesting in the future...

Anyway, I still believe CHOICE is best - and ALL I was pointing out it's unique features it hopes to convince people to buy vs it's competitors in its 'Price' range. The Xbox Ally is not competing with 'used' products reall, its competing against the 'new' handhelds and that is the higher end Steamdecks and/or Switch 2 hardware as the 'current' market has.

MS Built one to compete more with 'Consoles' at their Price point and a high end one to compete with the new PC releases too. The compromises to reach that price point to be 'competitive' and a 'choice' for those people deciding to jump in may come down to how each 'feels' in the hand more than which plays Indiana Jones the 'best'.

It seems to me, Xbox want people to 'move' more to their PC Ecosystem and PC Game Pass than stay on their Console, Merge Xbox fully into Windows, even their Gaming Harrdware will be 'Windows' but boot to the FSE by default instead of the full Windows. These products may well be the pre-cursor tho their future....

@BacklogBrad Is that a Brute Force profile pic? Friend, that is a CHOICE.

@BAMozzy the Xbox ally looks like a nice enough product, but it won't be more power efficient than a z1e device because it's using older architecture (rDNA 2 vs 3). The bigger battery helps, so running an easier game like hollow knight silksong it'll go longer than an OG ally, but anything that requires a higher power envelope just won't be worth running.

If you pop a 65w jsaux battery into the OG Ally z1e that'll be more efficient than Xbox ally in most gaming scenarios

@Coletrain Z1E is Zen 4 and Z2A is Zen 5 with 3 performance and 5 efficiency cores and as for GPU, the Z1E is RDNA 3 whilst Z2A is RDNA 3.5. The AMD Ryzen Z1E is better suited for users who prioritize raw processing power and high clock speeds, particularly for gaming and intensive applications. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen Z2A offers a more balanced approach with improved graphics performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for portable devices. In other words, it will work better at '15w' but maybe won't be as performant at 35w - which is better for battery life - not having to 'boost' because its not that efficient when power starved.

So sorry to burst your bubble but your information is wrong - the newer chip is newer Archetecture designed to be more eficient at 'lower' power so you don't have to 'boost' to 25 or 35w and drain the battery. It will play games like Doom: the Dark ages at over 30fps and 'Compete' with its Rivals - the Steamdeck and Switch 2. The Z1E Handheld PC's, inc the first gen Ally's , Lenovos or MSi models are NOT competition as they are still MS Windows PC's with Microsoft Game Pass and their PC platform ready to go, awaiting the update o the new Windows and UI. They are just different 'choices' to basicaly do the same thing with exactly the same Library, platforms etc.

The RoG Xbox Ally is built and priced to compete Directly with Steamdeck and Switch 2. All other Handheld PC's, inc used Z1E devices are all just different choices to the same 'Platform'.

Make a limited supply of units. It sells out. Pretend it's selling out due to popularity.

@BAMozzy I don't know if you're thinking of the z2e but the z2a is rDNA 2 and zen 2, 4 cores 8 threads. It isn't as efficient as the z1e

@Coletrain Nope - I did my research and checked, double checked this morning too after your message.

The Z2A Zen 5 with 3 Performance and 5 Efficiency cores - so you still have 8 cores/16 threads, but unlike Z1E with '8' Zen 4 cores, they can't all be boosted to 5.1ghz.

The GPU though is RDNA 3.5 with 16cores - compared to the 12 cores of RDNA 3.0 in Z1E. A Simple search provided this:-
Graphics:
The Z1E features a capable RDNA 3 GPU, suitable for gaming but with limitations compared to newer architectures.
The Z2A's RDNA 3.5 GPU provides enhanced graphical capabilities, making it a better choice for graphics-intensive applications and gaming.

Power Efficiency:
The Z2A is designed with power efficiency in mind, making it more suitable for battery-operated devices, while the Z1E may consume more power under heavy loads.

So I don't know where you got your misinformation from, but all the official information I can find would tell you that the Z2A is built on newer architecture (Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 compared to Zen 4 and RDNA 3.0)

@BAMozzy ok I did a search of where you got this info I did a bing search. Copilot does indeed provide you with those incorrect numbers. If you click through you'll see it's pulling from a z2E to z1E comparison, not z2A

Even just Google z2A and you'll find the right specs dude

@Hapless @Coletrain As I said, I had done my research and searched around - the sources also indicated that but Obviously I am the one that is misinformed - so I apologise. Even searching on Google though, the Z2A is designed to operate better at Low Power and compete with Steamdeck and its price point.

I have the Z2E Xbox Ally X on pre-order myself so wasn't overly concerned about the specs/architecture of the base. I'm upgrading from Z1E which isn't great when starved of power - but all Z1E devices are still part of the Windows Handheld PC pltforms and basically offer the same Library etc.

I guess we will wait and see what DF makes of these and how the base model compares with the likes of Steamdeck, its most direct competitor...

@BAMozzy well, the good news is that all the specs you were describing are the ones that you're getting, so there's some happy gaming coming your way my man!

@Coletrain Yeah - it's designed to be Competitive with the new wave of Handheld PC's and a Price Point to match. Its the cheapest of the Z2E and has AI NPU's unlike the others.

The cheaper version is designed more to compete with Steamdecks and Switch 2 devices - of course you can probably buy 'discontinued' Z1E hardware - both new old stock and used but they aren't really 'competing' as they are the same Platform essentially. It's form factor, Xbox branding and UI are supposed to appeal more to Xbox gamers looking for Handheld devices at a similar cost to Steamdeck or Switch 2.

I saw little point in going for this as I have a RoG ally that 'competes' with those other devices, I wanted something more powerful and more ergonomic...

@BAMozzy I'm a Rog ally owner myself, I've not felt a need to upgrade as I prefer games that I can fit in at 20w or below so newest AAA stuff is reserved for my XSX.

I like that play anywhere basically makes it an "Xbox switch" for some games too

@FrenchVaniIIuxe The device is expensive and most people here already have a Series S|X. NTM, all the people that are not Xbox fans that come here due to personal failings.

@Coletrain I've played a few 'new' release AAA games on my OG RoG Ally - games like FH5 and Doom Eternal and both games ran 'OK' but I really do struggle with the ergonomics. The 70% scaled down Controls really mess ith my Muscle Memory and struggle to hit the buttons - so I tended to play very 'simple' control games. I struggled with Doom but FH6 was ok - brake, accelerate and steer only settings.

To me, the biggest upgrade over the first gen RoG Ally, and even the improved Ally X, is the 'full size' Controller grips, thumbsticks and buttons. The chance to upgrade to a newer 'upgraded' Z2E chip is almost secondary as I never really struggled to play games at reasonable settings (obviously not 1080p on a 1080p display) and over 30fps which I consider a 'minimum' frame rate requirement. But even at 40 or 50fps, the VRR screen was its biggest benefit over other Z1E devices.

Its still a very good Handheld and still a worthy device. Certainly great for the vast majority of games released, but maybe will need to be 'boosted' or you'll have to make a bit more compromise to run certain New AAA games at 30fps or more.

It just depends on the games you want to play on the go - including potential future releases like GTA6 or GTAO, I play mostly on Series X but I want a decent Handheld that feels like a Controller in my hand and plays the games I want when I can't get on my XSX. If I want to play BO7 or BF6 whilst the TV is in use, I want that option - even if its more of a struggle on a 7" screen. Zombies shouldn't be too bad and campaigns too...

I am looking into the £499.99 Xbox Rog Ally as an option but I will wait for full reviews to come out first.

@BAMozzy yeah the ergonomics are actually a huge selling point and will make a massive difference.

This won't matter to you once you've got your new beast (!) but for AAA fare I always use 720p (900p if I can), fsr or rsr if needed and set Radeon image sharpening to 70-80%. Cleans up the image and looks 1080p-like (at least on a small screen, doesn't work on monitor). I find that usually gives me lots of performance headroom within the memory constraints of the device

@Coletrain I don't know that I'd use Frame Gen, I'd ratherhave 40fps and VRR than the game running at 38fps but looking like its running at 76ish fps.due to increase latency and 'slight' cost of generating frames.

I'm OK with using Upscaling methods to deliver Higher Frame Rates than Native 1080p and FSR 3.0 isn't that bad on a BIG screen, let alone 7" one.

I've never messed around with Sharpening, the games have not looked like they need it and I don't like the artefacts if over sharpened...

@BAMozzy oh no, frame gen only works well in a specific subset of games I've tried and I generally avoid it as much as possible, I just meant FSR for the upscaling. When you combine a 720p output with RIS to a certain level it cleans the image up for me without looking too jagged