Xbox Handheld Pricing Revealed: Microsoft Enters PC Gaming Market with Two New Devices

Xbox Handheld Pricing Revealed: Microsoft's Entry into the PC Gaming Market Microsoft has finally disclosed the pricing for its first officially branded handheld console, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. The devices are set to launch on October 16, with preorders starting September 25. The regular Xbox Ally will retail at $600, while the more powerful Xbox Ally X will demand a hefty price tag of $1,000. According to Microsoft, the base model features an AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 60Wh battery with a 7-inch IPS LCD display. "We're excited to bring our brand of gaming to the handheld market," said a spokesperson for Microsoft. "Our goal is to provide gamers with a high-quality experience that's on par with what they expect from Xbox consoles." The Xbox Ally's specs hint at performance comparable to Valve's popular Steam Deck OLED, which retails for $1,300. However, the new device lacks an OLED display and is slightly larger than its competitor. Industry analysts believe Microsoft's entry into the PC gaming market will shake things up. "This is a bold move by Microsoft to take on the likes of Valve," said Daniel Ahmad, a senior analyst at Niko Partners. "The question remains whether they can compete with established players in this space." Background and context: Microsoft has been working on its handheld console for several years, partnering with Asus ROG to develop the device. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, which is expected to provide improved performance. Implications for society: The release of the Xbox handheld consoles raises questions about the future of gaming and how players will choose between traditional consoles and portable devices. "As gamers become increasingly mobile, we're seeing a shift towards more versatile gaming experiences," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a gaming expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. Current status and next developments: Preorders for the Xbox Ally started on September 25, with the devices set to launch on October 16. Microsoft has not announced any plans to adjust pricing due to tariffs or other external factors. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Microsoft's entry into the handheld market will have a significant impact on the way we play games. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*