ROG Xbox Ally X reaches gamers early: Surprise deliveries spark buzz ahead of launch

Some gamers have received the new ROG Xbox Ally X handheld early ahead of the official launch event. Here’s what you need to know.

Some gamers have managed to get their hands on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X nearly two weeks before its scheduled launch. The handheld gaming PC, developed jointly by Asus and Xbox, is officially set to release on October 16, but reports suggest that a few pre-orders have already reached buyers.

ROG Xbox Ally X: Early Deliveries Reported

Gamers have received the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X early, ahead of its October launch. (ASUS)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Several Reddit users have posted about receiving the ROG Xbox Ally X ahead of time, with units arriving as much as 15 days early. One user confirmed the delivery with a photo of a sealed box, while another shared images of the device in use. Early impressions described the handheld as easy to hold, with a design similar to an Xbox controller. Another buyer even shared a short review after initial testing, highlighting improvements in comfort, battery life, and the new full-screen Xbox interface.

A common factor in these early shipments appears to be Amazon France, which reportedly dispatched the devices earlier than expected.

ROG Xbox Ally X: Strong Demand and Expectations

The ROG Xbox Ally X is an upgraded version of Asus’s handheld series, which began with the launch of the ROG Ally in 2023. Unlike the earlier models, this device was developed in partnership with Xbox, marking a shift in the lineup. The collaboration was first announced in June, with both companies gradually revealing new features since then.

The Xbox Store had already sold out of the Ally X worldwide, showing strong demand ahead of launch. With enhanced hardware power, the device is positioned as the most capable model in the series. Early impressions from users suggest that Asus and Xbox may have delivered noticeable upgrades in design and performance.

Market Competition Ahead

In the handheld gaming PC market, the Ally X will face competition from devices like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Its performance in this competitive space will likely determine how far the Asus-Xbox partnership can push into the growing handheld segment.