that ROG Xbox Ally X Handheld devices made by Asus and Microsoft have recently become slightly more expensive to buy in one major part of the world, according to reports. Unfortunately, the reason for the Xbox handheld's price increase is part of an ongoing trend that is affecting the entire gaming and technology industry.
First released in October 2025 after a slight delay, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a joint product between Asus and Microsoft. Inspired by the Asus ROG Ally handheld lineup, the Xbox-branded gaming tablet allows users to enjoy PC games on the go. The ROG Xbox Ally handheld uses Windows 11 as its base operating system, allowing you to install Steam, Battle.net, and the Epic Games Store launcher. The ROG Xbox Ally lineup also receives regular system updates to improve performance and add new features for users to use.
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ROG Xbox Ally X is more expensive in Japan.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is still available globally, but the Asus handheld device has suddenly become more expensive in Japan. As of this writing, the price of the ROG Xbox Ally A price increase of 30,000 yen translates to approximately $195. To put it simply, the new price of the ROG Xbox Ally X in Japan is around $1,100 including tax. As of this writing, the MSRP of the ROG Xbox Ally However, the price increase for the ROG Xbox Ally
The main reason for the price increase is the ongoing RAM crisis that affects all parts of the technology and gaming industries. Starting in the fall of 2025, prices for essential PC components, including RAM and solid state drives (SSDs), will increase by hundreds of dollars. The price hike comes as demand for RAM and other components grows globally from technology companies such as OpenAI and Google for AI-based data center infrastructure. Additionally, RAM manufacturers like Micron have abandoned the consumer market in favor of enterprise customers. It is unlikely that the ongoing crisis will be resolved in the short term. However, it's worth noting that as of this writing, the ROG Xbox Ally X hasn't seen a price increase in other countries. Currently, the ROG Xbox Ally X is available for $999 from Best Buy and other retailers before taxes and fees are applied. So it's currently cheaper to buy a ROG Xbox Ally X system outside of Japan.
RAM crisis continues to drive prices
But the Xbox ROG Ally X isn't the only portable device suffering from a RAM shortage crisis. Valve's Steam Deck is completely sold out in the US, and quantities of the popular handheld are limited in other parts of the world. Valve has identified that it is lacking the necessary components needed to create more Steam Deck units to meet consumer demand. The Steam Machine, currently scheduled for release in the first half of 2026, is being delayed due to a parts shortage.
The ongoing RAM crisis may also affect the prices of other Xbox products. Rumors suggest that the Xbox Series Since the ROG Xbox Ally X is more expensive in Japan, time will tell if this will expand to other countries soon.
- brand
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Xbox / ROG
- operating system
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Windows 11 Home
- processor
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AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor
- mark
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7-inch IPS, 500 nits, 16:9, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC anti-reflection
- solve
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FHD 1080p
- original release date
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2025
Source: Automaton, Pure Xbox
