Two months after its debut, the ROG Xbox Ally is suddenly easier on the wallet — and, thanks to a string of software updates from ASUS and Microsoft, it’s also getting noticeably better at running games.
The price cut (but don’t sleep on stock)
Microsoft’s OEM partner and major U.S. retailers have been trimming the Ally’s launch price: the entry-level ROG Xbox Ally has been reduced roughly $100 off MSRP (the device has been advertised around $599–$600), bringing street prices into the high-$400s. Amazon listed the handheld around $490 for a limited window, Walmart was at $499, Best Buy around $500 and Target nearer $550. However, the Microsoft Store has shown sellouts and inventory looks patchy — these are short-term holiday moves rather than a full repricing.
If you’re shopping, act fast: this appears to be a time-limited holiday discount and some sellers already show low stock. You can check price on Amazon if you want a quick look at current listings.
A software facelift that feels like hardware
What’s turned heads more than the discount is how much smoother the Ally has become through firmware and Windows-side tuning. Recent updates added default game profiles that let the system pick between performance and efficiency, faster library loading, and fixes for gamepad responsiveness that some early buyers reported. ASUS’s Command Center SE 2.1.15.0 — rolled out to the Ally family in November — integrates AMD Radeon Chill with ASUS’s FPS limiter, which helps the unit lower power draw during calm scenes and conserve battery without harming responsiveness in heavy moments.
Benchmarkers and tech channels reported frame-rate gains in the teens (15–20% in some tests) across multiple titles after the updates, all without hiking TDP. For the Ally X variant there’s also a CPU core-parking tweak that reduces thermal headroom for idle cores and lets the GPU stretch its legs; tests showed meaningful improvements in demanding games when thermal and power limits were unchanged. Microsoft’s handheld-specific tweaks to the Windows experience — such as better cloud-gaming page speed and gallery filters — are meant to smooth the day-to-day user experience.
These software changes echo a broader trend: ongoing system-level refinement can deliver performance and endurance gains that feel like an "invisible hardware upgrade."
What to know about storage, docks and Game Pass
The entry Ally ships with a 512GB SSD and a UHS-II microSD slot for expansion. Keep in mind the base Ally reads UHS-II cards (the Ally X handles UHS-I differently), so shopping for the correct microSD format matters if you plan to expand your library.
If you want TV mode or to use the Ally like a small desktop, docking solutions range from the official ROG 100W Charger Dock to third-party USB-C hubs. Accessories such as docks, screen protectors and travel cases are already plentiful — and inexpensive third-party options can shave the accessory bill while providing most of the convenience.
Another practical note: Game Pass remains a strong reason to buy, since Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you a large library without heavy purchases up front. With Microsoft’s subscription price changes, many retailers still sell prepaid codes at promotional prices — worth checking before you subscribe directly.
How it compares (briefly) to Steam Deck
The Ally’s 7-inch 1080p 120Hz IPS display and Xbox-style controls set it apart from Valve’s Steam Deck OLED, which favors a larger OLED panel and different ergonomics. The Ally often aims at higher refresh and resolution while the Steam Deck leans into panel quality and battery trade-offs — both approaches have merits depending on the games you play and how you carry the device. Steam Deck owners recently got a useful low‑power download mode, underscoring how both platforms continue to iterate after launch; if display and download conveniences matter to you, consider that feature in the comparison Steam Deck gains long‑requested ‘display‑off’ low‑power download mode.
If you’re curious about cleaning up Windows for a handheld-first experience, Microsoft’s Windows 11 tweaks and ways to quiet unwanted features can help — see guidance on tidying Windows 11 if you want a leaner interface on devices like the Ally clean up Windows 11 25H2.
So — buy now or wait?
If you wanted an Ally but balked at launch pricing, this discount window makes it a lot easier to justify, especially combined with the recent software improvements. But inventory is thin and ASUS/Microsoft are still polishing the platform, so the decision depends on whether you want to chase a deal today or wait for continued firmware refinements and broader availability.
Either way: the Ally’s story right now is twofold — a holiday-price nudge and a reminder that modern handhelds can change significantly after launch through updates alone. That’s bullish for buyers who value long-term software support as much as raw specs.