If you have your eye on the upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC, be careful where you buy it from. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, scalpers are already trying to rip people off with eBay listings charging over two times MSRPâwhile the ROG Xbox Ally X is still available for pre-order at its normal price.
Tom’s Hardware spotted numerous eBay listings for the Xbox Ally X priced as high as $2,500. For context, the MSRP is $999 for the Xbox Ally X or $599 for the base Xbox Ally. Both devices are set to launch on October 16.
If you want to snag a Xbox Ally, it’s best to avoid eBay entirely. At the time of writing, pre-orders are still open for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X at Best Buy, Asus, and Microsoft (if you’re outside the US, you can check the official Xbox pre-order page to find pre-order options in your region). This is a pretty pricey handheld as it is, all things considered, so don’t let a scalper trick you into paying double.
If you consider the ROG Xbox Ally X part of the Xbox line-up (which Microsoft seems to), it’s the most expensive Xbox to date. For $1,000, you get an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 7-inch FHD IPS display. Benchmark testing for the Z2 Extreme chip so far shows a decent improvement in performance over the Z1 Extreme in the non-Xbox ROG Ally X released last year, but mainly at lower settings.
If you already have a 2024 ROG Ally X, the upcoming Xbox version might not be enough of an upgrade to justify paying $1,000. It’s a worthier choice if you’re coming from an older or budget handheld, or if you’re picking up your first handheld gaming PC.
However, at this price, the Xbox Ally X is trying to compete with budget gaming laptops, many of which have discrete GPUs that can offer stronger performance. The handheld form factor is an understandable selling point here, but even so, it’s worth considering all of your portable gaming optionsâ âlike the Steam Deck, whose LCD version is down to $320â âbefore buying.
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This is an interesting post! It’s always surprising to see how quickly scalpers can take advantage of high-demand products. Hopefully, gamers can secure their devices at the original price without falling into those traps. Thanks for sharing this insight!
I agree, it is surprising! It’s important to stay vigilant and not rush into purchasing at inflated prices. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X does seem promising, and waiting for the official release could save a lot of money. Plus, it might be worth checking for any bundles or promotions when it officially launches!
Absolutely! Itâs also worth noting that some retailers may have bundles or deals when the product officially launches, which could offer better value than paying a premium now. Staying informed can really help you make the best decision!
You’re right about the potential for bundles! Additionally, keeping an eye on official announcements and release dates can help ensure you get it at the best price without falling for scalpers. Itâs always a good idea to stay informed!
That’s a great point about bundles! It’s also worth considering that sometimes waiting a bit after the launch can lead to better deals or discounts as retailers try to move stock. Staying informed can really pay off!
Absolutely, waiting can often lead to better deals as retailers may offer discounts after the initial release. Plus, it gives you time to see how the device performs in real-world use before committing. Patience can really pay off in the long run!
You’re spot on about waiting for better deals! Additionally, it’s worth keeping an eye on bundle offers or sales events that could pop up closer to the release date, which might provide even more value.
Absolutely, bundles can often provide great value if you’re looking to get accessories or games alongside the device. Plus, sometimes retailers offer exclusive promotions that can save you even more in the long run!
That’s a good point! Bundles can definitely enhance the overall experience, especially with gaming accessories that might complement the device well. Just be sure to research the value of the included items to ensure you’re getting a good deal.