
[August 11, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]
I’ve got to say, if you’re a handheld gaming fan, this is one of those rare moments when a leak practically sets the internet on fire. Just days before Gamescom 2025, we now have what appears to be the full launch roadmap for Microsoft and ASUS’s upcoming portable powerhouse — the ROG Xbox Ally and its premium sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally X.
And this isn’t some vague rumor. We’re talking specific dates, prices, and even a Silksong tie-in. So, grab your calendar, because October is about to get very, very exciting.
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📅 ROG Xbox Ally Release Date & Pre-Order Schedule
According to the leak, the ROG Xbox Ally release date is locked for October 16, 2025, with pre-orders starting August 20 — perfectly timed to capitalize on the Gamescom hype cycle. That’s less than 70 days from pre-order to launch, which tells me production is already well underway.
Why is the timing interesting? Because the leak also connects the launch with a big marketing push for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Imagine booting up your brand-new ROG Xbox Ally and seeing one of the most anticipated indie games of the decade pre-installed or bundled. It’s a smart move — pair new hardware with a cult-hit game, and you’ve got a recipe for a launch-day sellout.
💰 Pricing That Shakes Up the Handheld Market
Let’s talk numbers. The leaked prices are surprisingly aggressive for what’s being offered:
- ROG Xbox Ally (Standard) – €599 (roughly $650 USD)
- ROG Xbox Ally X – €899 (around $980 USD)
Now, before you gasp at the X model’s price tag, remember — it’s not just a cosmetic upgrade. Based on the specs, you’re getting more RAM, faster storage, a bigger battery, and possibly an enhanced cooling system. This positions the Ally X closer to high-end gaming laptops in handheld form, which is why ASUS feels confident charging almost a grand for it.
For context, the Steam Deck OLED tops out at around $650, and Lenovo’s Legion Go hovers near $700. If Microsoft nails Xbox Cloud Gaming integration and ASUS keeps the build quality on par with its ROG laptops, both versions could be real threats to the current handheld kings.
⚙️ ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X – What’s Inside?
While the full spec sheet will likely drop during Gamescom, here’s what the leak outlines so far:
- Display: 7-inch Full HD touchscreen, rumored 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Custom AMD Ryzen Z1 series chip (optimized for Xbox Game Pass)
- Storage: 512GB SSD on the standard model, 1TB SSD on the Ally X
- RAM: 16GB on standard, 24GB on Ally X
- Battery: Ally X boasts nearly double the capacity for longer sessions
- OS: Windows 11 with Xbox Game Pass integration baked in
It’s clear Microsoft and ASUS are aiming for a true hybrid between a portable PC and a dedicated Xbox handheld. And if you’ve been frustrated with cloud-only devices like the Logitech G Cloud, this could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
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I can already see this story climbing on Google Discover and Twitter the second Microsoft confirms it. In fact, the pre-order rush might be so intense that scalpers will try to get in on the action. If you’re serious about grabbing one, August 20 should be highlighted in red on your phone.
📅 Pre-Orders Begin August 20 — Here’s How to Secure Yours
If you’re already picturing yourself gaming on the go with a sleek new ROG Xbox Ally in your hands, you won’t have to wait long. ASUS is kicking off pre-orders on August 20, and given the hype (and the fact that it’s being tied to the first-ever Xbox handheld branding), I’d bet these will sell out faster than a collector’s edition controller.
My tip? Have your payment details ready and double-check your favorite retailer’s pre-order start time. If you’re in Europe, ASUS’ official store and major partners like Amazon, MediaMarkt, and FNAC are expected to carry it from day one.
💸 Official Pricing Breakdown
ASUS has been very clear about where the ROG Xbox Ally lineup will sit in the market:
- ROG Xbox Ally – €599
- ROG Xbox Ally X – €899
For the extra €300, the Ally X is essentially the enthusiast’s dream: more RAM, more storage, and a bigger battery for those marathon gaming sessions. If you’ve ever been halfway through a boss fight only to have your handheld shut down, you’ll appreciate why that extra battery life matters.
🎮 Gamescom 2025 — The Big Stage Reveal
Mark August 20, 2025 in bold on your calendar, because ASUS isn’t just doing a quiet press release. Both models will make their official debut at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, with full hands-on demos.
What makes this even juicier? It’s perfectly timed with Microsoft’s renewed push into portable gaming, meaning we might see cross-promotion with Game Pass, exclusive titles, or at least some heavy marketing muscle from Xbox.
🕹️ The Silksong Connection — A Smart Play by ASUS
Now here’s where the marketing magic comes in: Hollow Knight: Silksong (yes, the most anticipated indie sequel in recent memory) is set to launch on October 16, 2025 — the exact same day the ROG Xbox Ally consoles hit shelves.
This is no accident. Imagine the PR headlines: “Play Silksong on Xbox’s first portable.” For day-one buyers, it’s going to be the perfect “first game” showcase for the hardware’s performance and portability.
🔍 Why This Matters for Handheld Gaming
If you’ve been following the portable gaming market, you know that Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch have dominated the conversation. ASUS stepping in with Microsoft’s backing signals a serious shift in competition.
For us as gamers, more competition means more innovation, better pricing, and faster improvements. The ROG Xbox Ally X, in particular, feels like a direct challenge to the Steam Deck OLED in both specs and premium appeal.