Asus' ROG Xbox Ally X Launches at Whopping $999.99 Price Point

Asus' ROG Xbox Ally X Set to Break the Bank at $999.99 In a move that has left gamers and industry insiders alike stunned, Microsoft and Asus revealed on Thursday night that their highly anticipated ROG Xbox Ally handheld PC gaming line will come with a hefty price tag of $999.99 for the top-of-the-line ROG Xbox Ally X model. According to sources, the base ROG Xbox Ally hardware will retail at $599.99, placing it in the same general price tier as competing devices like Valve's Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo's Legion Go S. However, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a different story altogether, boasting components such as a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and an NPU that Asus claims will future-proof the device for when "AI enhancements" become a standard feature in new games. "We're not just building a gaming handheld; we're building a platform," said a spokesperson for Asus. "Our goal is to provide gamers with the best possible experience, and that means investing in cutting-edge technology like AI-powered processing units." The ROG Xbox Ally X's price point has raised eyebrows within the industry, with some experts questioning whether the added cost will be justified by the device's performance benefits. "The Steam Deck users are perfectly happy playing low-end games like Vampire Survivors and Hades," noted a gaming analyst. "It's unclear whether the average gamer will need or want to spend an extra $400 for the ROG Xbox Ally X." The ROG Xbox Ally line was first announced in June, with Microsoft and Asus promising a launch date of October 16. However, it wasn't until Thursday night that preorder pricing information became available. Background on the ROG Xbox Ally line is essential to understanding the significance of this announcement. The device is designed to bridge the gap between PC gaming and handheld consoles, offering gamers a more portable and versatile option for playing their favorite titles. With its powerful processor and AI-powered NPU, the ROG Xbox Ally X promises to deliver unparalleled performance and graphics quality. Asus' decision to invest in AI technology has sparked debate within the industry about the implications of this trend on gaming as a whole. Will the increasing reliance on AI processing units lead to more expensive hardware and higher prices for gamers? Or will it unlock new possibilities for game development and player experience? The ROG Xbox Ally X is set to hit store shelves on October 16, with preorders available starting today. Whether or not this device will live up to its lofty price tag remains to be seen. Additional Perspectives Industry experts are weighing in on the significance of Asus' decision to invest in AI technology for their gaming handhelds. "The integration of AI processing units is a game-changer," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in AI and gaming. "It will enable developers to create more complex and immersive games that take advantage of the device's capabilities." However, not everyone is convinced that the added cost will be justified by the performance benefits. "The ROG Xbox Ally X may offer some advantages over competing devices, but it's unclear whether those benefits are worth an extra $400," noted gaming analyst Michael Lee. "Gamers need to weigh their options carefully before making a decision." Current Status and Next Developments The ROG Xbox Ally line is set to launch on October 16, with preorders available starting today. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, one thing is clear: the future of gaming will be shaped by innovations like AI-powered processing units. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*