We finally have the numbers, and they’re not for the faint of heart. The ROG Xbox Ally is heading to Australia with a starting price of AU$999, with pre-orders now officially open at select retailers.
Two versions, two very different price tags
The much-hyped ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld gaming console born from the powerhouse collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, is set to launch in Australia on October 16. And as expected, this pocketable performance beast isn’t going easy on your wallet.
The base model of the ROG Xbox Ally is priced at AU$999, while the upgraded, maxed-out version — known as the ROG Xbox Ally X — comes in significantly higher with an RRP of AU$1,599.
To put that in some perspective, you’re looking at next-gen console-level pricing. But unlike a stationary PS5 or Xbox Series X, this bad boy fits in your backpack and packs Windows 11 for full PC gaming on the go. Think of it as Steam Deck’s sleeker, more powerful cousin, with Xbox Game Pass integration baked right in.
| Region | ROG Xbox price | ROG Xbox Ally price |
| United Kingdom | £499.99 | £799.99 |
| United States | $599.99 | $999.99 |
| Europe | €599.99 | €899.99 |
| Canada | $799.99 | $1299.99 |
| Australia | $999.00 | $1599.00 |
Where to pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally in Australia
Ready to lock one in? You’ve got a couple of options:
- Amazon Australia is currently accepting pre-orders for the base AU$999 model. However, they’re not stocking the X model, at least for now.
- Asus’s official website also has the handhelds listed, including the Ally X. It’s your best shot if you’re chasing the high-end model.
- The Microsoft Store lists both models, but redirects you straight to Asus for processing.
Several other local retailers appear to be joining Amazon in offering the standard unit only. There’s no word yet on when — or if — those stores will stock the Ally X. But we’re keeping an eye out and will update as soon as they do.
What’s the difference between the base ROG Ally and the Ally X?
Good question. While exact specs weren’t mentioned in the pricing announcement, here’s what we know based on previously released international information:
- The standard model offers a strong blend of performance and portability, likely featuring AMD’s custom Ryzen Z1 chip with ample RAM for AAA and indie gaming alike.
- The Ally X ups the ante with enhanced specs — possibly expanded storage, longer battery life, and beefier hardware under the hood. It’s built for more demanding players who want the top-tier experience wherever they go.
Again, these expected hardware specs haven’t been officially confirmed in this week’s local pricing reveal — but they align with the global rollout that kicked off earlier this year.
Is it worth the price?
Honestly, that depends on how deep your pockets are — and how much you value powerful portable gaming. If you’ve had your eye on the Steam Deck but want a device more closely integrated with the Windows gaming ecosystem, the ROG Xbox Ally could be exactly what you’re after.
It’s a premium gadget. At AU$1,599, the Ally X flirts with high-end gaming laptop territory. But for gamers who want a console-tier performance in handheld form — with the flexibility of a PC — there’s a lot to love here.
The countdown is on
With the October 16 release date locked in and pre-orders now open, it might be time to start budgeting — or trimming back your Steam Wishlist. These are serious machines with serious capabilities, but like any new tech splash, early adopters will pay a premium.
We’ll continue to track pricing updates across Aussie retailers, especially for the hard-to-find Ally X variant — so keep checking back for updates.
If you’ve been waiting for a beefy handheld that fuses the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one sleek device, the ROG Xbox Ally looks like it’s going to be worth the wait. Just be ready to fork out premium dollars for that portable power.