Where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally: live stock updates ahead of the handheld's launch

Stock is still holding out as we head into launch day

ROG Xbox Ally pre-orders are still alive and kicking as we head to launch day, so if you were waiting for reviews to go live before jumping in there's plenty of space to snag yourself an early order.

Microsoft, Best Buy, Walmart, and Asus all have the base Xbox Ally in stock, with the ROG Xbox Ally X still available at Best Buy and Asus.

Over in the UK, availability is looking strong at Microsoft, Argos, Asus, and Amazon as well.

Amazon's elusive Ally landing page has emerged

But there's still nothing for the ROG Xbox Ally X.

Amazon really is a tricky one. It often only posts its landing pages in cryptic streams - you have to work to find this handheld listed on the site, it won't simply appear in a search page for a while yet. Still, if you're looking to camp on stock at this retailer you'll want to keep this currently unavailable listing handy.

Asus looks like it will have stock, but it wouldn't be my first choice

Asus itself was offering Xbox ROG Ally pre-orders straight from the off, but the ROG Ally X dropped out particularly quickly here. It seems the brand itself seems to have a smaller allocation than Best Buy (which is still in stock at the time of writing).

Who is the ROG Xbox Ally X even for?

The short answer? The ROG Xbox Ally X is for players who fuss over frame rates.

Admittedly, that's not the full picture, as Microsoft's debut handheld also adds console elements into something that is basically a tiny PC. The ROG Ally's ergonomic design brings a controller level of comfort to a scene that's dominated by clunkier alternatives, even though it's heavier than many of its rivals.

It's also pretty quiet for a handheld PC, and if you've ever tried to run a new release on the Steam Deck, you'll know why that's a biggie. SO, when you pair those perks with the fact it'll boost fps further than many alternatives out there right now, it starts to almost justify its absurd price tag.

What is $1,000 getting you with the ROG Xbox Ally X? A glimpse into the future of handheld gaming, I guess.

Here's an Xbox ROG Ally accessories checklist

If ytou've already got a ROG Xbox Ally pre-order in the bag, you'll want to start picking up accessories. Yes, I know it's a pain and can be boring, but grabbing cases and other add-ons before the handheld arrives will save you a headache down the road.

• CoBak Large Capacity Carrying | $29.99 $26.99 at Amazon
• JSAUX Screen Protector 2-Pack | $12.99 $9.99 at Amazon
• Baseus 6-in-1 Docking Station | $39.99 £35.98 at Amazon

The only real luxury on the above checklist is my best Steam Deck dock pick, and I've included it because, for under $40, the Baseus 6-in-1 is going to transform the handheld into a hybrid console. It also sometimes does a vanishing act at Amazon, so it's best to grab it while it's currently present.

Should you spend a grand on *any* handheld?

I'd be lying if I said I didn't find the ROG Xbox Ally X's price tag deeply upsetting. Sure, tech is getting more expensive, and Microsoft's flagship handheld pulls some big moves, but paying $1,000 for what will be a secondary platform for most players sounds bananas.

I do think the ROG Xbox Ally X is an excellent handheld gaming PC. I also think it does a fantastic job of adding console vibes to something that's technically a tiny rig. But, choosing between this portable powerhouse and something like a Steam Deck is starting to feel like the choice between a Ferrari and a modest city car. They're technically both doing the same thing, but you'll get to drive for groceries at an inappropriate speed.

Silly analogies aside, the ROG Xbox Ally X is for premium players, and while I suspect it'll carve its own space within the scene, I'm hopeful $1,000 handhelds won't become the norm. Look, all I'm saying is that now would be a funny time for Valve to drop an impressive Steam Deck sequel.

A quick pre-order stock check

I've had a nosey at every retailer with ROG Xbox Ally pre-order stock, and there are no dramatic changes do far. The TL;DR is that the base white model is easier to get hold of across the board, whereas the X version is still available at Best Buy.

That's hardly surprising considering the ROG Xbox Ally X costs a grand, and honestly? I can't see many console fans spontaneously deciding to grab one. At the same time, $600 is still a lot for a handheld that, at least on paper, will provide the same performance punch as the Steam Deck.

Nevertheless, there will be players hellbent on grabbing the handheld, and for that reason, stock will likely dry up at some point.

US:

ROG Xbox Ally | $599.99 at Best Buy
ROG Xbox Ally X | $999.99 at Best Buy

UK:

ROG Xbox Ally | £599.99 at Argos
ROG Xbox Ally X | £799.99 at Asus

What about last year's Asus ROG Ally X?

Oh dear, these naming conventions are migraine-inducing.

Yes, we did get a premium handheld called the Asus ROG Ally X last year, back when a Microsoft collab was still a pipedream. It's likely going to confuse lots of people looking for the new handheld since it uses almost the same name.

However, it's actually discontinued at Best Buy, as I'm only seeing open box options now available. Personally, I'd steer clear of them since models in excellent condition come in at $854.99, but you'll be getting last-gen performance since it wields a Ryzen Z1E chipset. Plus, it's missing those nifty new controller grips, and those really make the new Xbox handheld something special.

Asus ROG Ally X (2024) | from $800.99 at Best Buy

No, that isn't a ROG Xbox Ally for under $400, but you should still consider grabbing Asus' original

I know it sort of looks like the new ROG Xbox Ally, but the original Asus ROG Ally is a bit of different beast. It's similar in some respects, boasting the same 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and 1080p 120Hz screen, but is packing a last-gen Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset and lacks the fancy new controller grips.

That might sound like a bad thing, but apart from lacking the right cores for AI shenanigans, the Ryzen Z1E is actually a more powerful chip on paper. It's packing 8 cores and 16 threads, where as the Z2 A wields 4 cores/16 threads. Simply put, you can grab a very similar device right now for under $400 at Best Buy, and honestly? It's probably the best value option right now since it'll also be getting those lovely new Windows 11 optimizations.

The only catch that the model on offer is "open-box", which means it has been returned but is in excellent condition. It'll set you back $649.99 if you buy it new, so that might be a good sway if you aren't fussed about box fresh stuff.

Asus ROG Ally Z1E (2023) | $649.99 $376.99 - $399.99 at Best Buy

Should you go direct to Microsoft or swing by Best Buy?

It can be hard settling on which retailer to go with during hardware launches, and quite a few stores have ROG Xbox Ally models in stock. All stores are currently sticking with the same MSRP as Microsoft and Asus, and that may have you wondering why you'd opt for one over the other.

Ultimately, I'd simply go with the retailer you feel comfortable with. Some of you might be hellbent on grabbing an Xbox Ally at Amazon to take advantage of Prime Delivery, while other will be holding out for click and collect at stores like Best Buy or Argos in the UK. If you've got any specific loyalty memberships, it's worth taking those into account too, but your options might not be as plentiful post-launch.

PSA: There are two ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, and they're not equal

Yes, it's confusing, but there are two versions of the ROG Xbox Ally going on sale tomorrow, and there's more than a color difference. The flagship black Xbox Ally X is the model you'll largely be seeing reviews for right now, and it's got specs closer to the Asus ROG Ally X that released last year, paired with a high-end Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.

The white Xbox Ally, however, is more like the OG Asus ROG Ally, but it's armed with a Ryzen Z2 A chipset that, at least on paper, is more designed to compete with the Steam Deck OLED. Ultimately, you'll be running games at much higher frame rates on the X version, but it's going to cost you $1,000 versus $600.

ROG Xbox Ally | $599.99 at Best Buy
ROG Xbox Ally X | $999.99 at Best Buy

The hunt for Microsoft's first handheld begins!

Hey there!

Phil here - glad you can join me as I keep an eye on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld situation. Stock officially goes live tomorrow, and while the portable is available to pre-order now, I'll be providing you with live updates on availability and stockists.

I have a funny feeling some of you will have held off until the official reviews go live, and now that they're here and glowing, the handheld will likely be even more in demand. I'm hopeful that stock will last out, but I'll be keeping you updated on the situation regardless.