The ROG Xbox Ally X has become a bit pricier to purchase in one major region of the globe, as reports claimed that the handheld made by Asus and Microsoft has recently become more expensive in Japan. Unfortunately, the reason for the price increase of the Xbox handheld is part of an ongoing trend affecting the entire gaming and tech industries.
Initially launched in October 2025 after some delays, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a collaborative product between Asus and Microsoft. Drawing inspiration from the Asus ROG Ally handheld lineup, the Xbox-branded gaming tablet allows users to play PC games on the go. The ROG Xbox Ally handhelds utilize Windows 11 as the main operating system, meaning launchers Steam, Battle.net, and Epic Games Store can be installed on them. The ROG Xbox Ally lineup also receives periodic system updates to improve performance and add new features for users to peruse.
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The ROG Xbox Ally X Is More Expensive in Japan
While the ROG Xbox Ally X is still available to purchase across the world, the Asus handheld has suddenly become pricier in Japan. As of this writing, the price of the ROG Xbox Ally X has increased from 139,800 yen to 169,800 yen, with taxes included in the new MSRP. The 30,000 yen price jump roughly converts to $195. In short, the new price of the ROG Xbox Ally X in Japan in an estimated $1,100 with taxes factored in. Although the MSRP of the ROG Xbox Ally X is still $999 as of this writing, any taxes or fees calculated afterward can make the price closer to the $1,100 mark. However, the price increase on the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld does not extend to the lower-spec ROG Xbox Ally handheld, which remains priced at 89,800 yen with taxes included.
The main reason behind the price hike is due to the ongoing RAM crisis affecting all parts of the tech and gaming industries. Since the fall of 2025, the prices of essential PC components, including RAM and solid-state drives (SSDs), has increased by several hundred dollars. The price hikes were brought on by a high demand for RAM and other parts by tech companies, such as OpenAI and Google, for AI-based data center infrastructure across the globe. Additionally, RAM manufacturers like Micron have abandoned the consumer market in favor of enterprise customers. The ongoing crisis is also unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. However, it is worth noting that the ROG Xbox Ally X has not seen any price jumps in other countries as of this writing. Currently, the ROG Xbox Ally X can be purchased for $999 at Best Buy and other retailers, before taxes and fees are applied. Ergo, it is cheaper to purchase an ROG Xbox Ally X system outside Japan at the present.
The RAM Crisis Continues to Dictate Prices
However, the Xbox ROG Ally X is not the only handheld feeling the sting of the RAM shortage crisis. Valve’s Steam Deck has sold out completely in the US, and quantities of the popular handheld are limited in other parts of the world. Valve confirmed that it is short on essential components needed to make more Steam Deck units to meet consumer demand. The component shortage is also responsible for the delay of the upcoming Steam Machine, which is now slated to launch within the first half of 2026.
The ongoing RAM crisis may also affect the price of other Xbox products. Rumors stated that the Xbox Series X/S could see a price jump due to the RAM shortage in 2026, despite undergoing two price jumps in 2025 as a result of global economic conditions. With the ROG Xbox Ally X being more expensive in Japan, time will tell if this will extend to other nations 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
- Display
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7” IPS, 500 nits, 16:9, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
- Resolution
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FHD 1080p
- Original Release Date
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2025
Sources: Automaton, Pure Xbox
