This article examines the pricing decisions surrounding the Anticipated portable devices include the ROG Xbox Ally and the latest offering from ROG Xbox Ally X. It details how the cost was finalized and the reasoning behind the adjustments made just before the product launch.
When Asus and Microsoft revealed the release dates for these Windows/Xbox portable consoles a little over a month ago, they did not disclose their costs. The pricing details emerged only later at a major gaming exhibition in Tokyo, leaving many enthusiasts intrigued by the unexpected figures given the strong performance of the devices.
Initial information leaked from a US retailer indicated that the ROG Xbox Ally was expected to be priced at $549.99 and the ROG Xbox Ally X at $899.99. However, the final prices set were $599.99 for the Ally and $999.99 for the Ally X. An insider from a respected gaming source explained during an online discussion that the prices were determined at the last minute, with efforts made to position them as attractively as possible.
Microsoft cited a difficult broader economic situation as a reason for delaying the price announcement in August. It remains uncertain whether this pricing approach applies globally since European markets had their own cost details leaked earlier this summer, showing prices of £499 or €599 for the ROG Xbox Ally and £799 or €899 for the ROG Xbox Ally X. In the end, it appears that customers in the United States will experience the higher price points.
- The launch dates were announced without pricing.
- Final prices ended up higher than initial leaks.
- Last-minute decisions aimed at achieving a lower price tag.
- Economic conditions influenced the timing of the price announcement.
- European consumers may benefit from lower pricing.