The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the Xbox ROG Ally X continues to capture the attention of enthusiasts. Despite its hefty price tag, the demand for this high-end handheld device is soaring. Recent investor presentations from Asus reveal that the response from fans is overwhelmingly positive, exceeding all expectations for their premium model.
Unexpected Demand for Xbox ROG Ally X
The initial financial projections for the Ally range were between $96 million and $160 million this quarter. However, Asus now predicts future earnings will range from $130 million to $160 million, reflecting significant demand that has resulted in stock shortages of the ROG Ally X. Asus pioneered the market with the first-generation ROG Ally 2-3 years back, and the Windows ecosystem has since proven highly successful for them.
Asus expressed confidence in their strategy of premium market positioning, which led to the launch of their third-generation ROG Ally last month in partnership with Xbox. The new release has seen an enthusiastic market reception, particularly for the top-tier models. The high-end variants are currently scarce, and Asus is actively collaborating with key suppliers to increase production to meet this demand. The ROG Ally remains a core component of the ASUS gaming lineup.
Praise for Performance and Pricing
The Asus ROG Ally X has been widely praised, earning accolades for its easy-to-use Xbox Full Screen Experience and the outstanding performance of the AMD Z2 Extreme. It’s considered one of the best handheld gaming PCs available. At $999, it surpasses the $799 ROG Ally X and is twice the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck. Nevertheless, it remains competitively priced compared to similar devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and MSI Claw A8, given the recent trend of rising prices.
Microsoft’s Handheld Ambitions
Meanwhile, Microsoft has hinted at interest in developing a first-party handheld device. However, reports suggest that these plans have been delayed. Inquiries directed at Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s vice president of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem, indicate that the future of Microsoft’s handheld endeavors remains uncertain.