ROG Xbox Ally: What to expect from handheld console, price, how to buy in South Africa

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are now available for pre-order ahead of their global launch, with South Africa included in the rollout for October 2025.

rog xbox ally

From Thursday, 25 September 2025, gamers were able to pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally and its high-end version, the ROG Xbox Ally X.

Microsoft unveils details about ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X

These handheld devices are designed to give players access to their entire game library in a portable console-style machine.

The devices combine ASUS hardware, the flexibility of Windows 11, and Xbox’s familiar ecosystem, meaning users can access their Xbox games, connect with friends, and continue progress across platforms.

Both consoles will launch worldwide on 16 October 2025, including South Africa.

Key features include:

  • Launching directly into a full-screen Xbox experience optimized for handheld gaming.
  • A dedicated Xbox button for quick access to the Game Bar and library.
  • Compatibility with titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC stores.
  • Ergonomic grips designed for long gaming sessions.
  • Three months of Xbox Game Pass included, unlocking hundreds of games.

Players will also be able to choose between native play (games installed directly), remote play (streaming from a home Xbox console), and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) for gaming on the go.

ROG Xbox Ally price details revealed

The pricing for the two handhelds is set at:

  • ROG Xbox Ally X – USD $999.99 (about R18,000 before local taxes and import duties).
  • ROG Xbox Ally – USD $599.99 (about R11,000 before local taxes and import duties).

Prices in South Africa will be confirmed by local retailers as pre-orders go live.

How to buy ROG Xbox Ally in South Africa

South African customers will be able to pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X from Thursday, 25 September 2025, through official Xbox channels, the Microsoft Store, ASUS’s online shop, and participating local retailers.

Pre-orders have already opened in major regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, with South Africa joining as part of the new markets from 16 October 2025.

Alongside the consoles, gamers can also purchase official accessories such as:

  • SanDisk microSD card (up to 2TB).
  • Seagate FireCuda SSD (1TB to 4TB).
  • ROG Xbox Ally 2-in-1 Premium Carrying Case.

These add-ons will help expand storage and protect the devices.