ROG Xbox Ally launch leak says October 16 release, not Gamescom
A new leak claims the ROG Xbox Ally won’t debut at Gamescom but will launch on October 16, with pre-orders opening August 20, giving gamers more time to prepare.
By Pocket Pixel News Staff | August 7 2025 | 4 min read
The latest ROG Xbox Ally rumour has dashed hopes of buying the handheld at Gamescom.
According to TechRadar’s Isaiah Williams, dataminer Billbil-Kun has leaked that the ROG Xbox Ally and its higher-end Ally X won’t actually go on sale during the August show; instead they’re reportedly slated to release on October 16, 2025, around two months later.
Pre-orders are still expected to open on August 20 immediately after Xbox’s Gamescom showcase, but this leak means gamers will be waiting longer than previously thought to get their hands on Microsoft’s first official handheld.
This date applies to Europe for now, with other regions likely following close behind. While the delay might be frustrating, it gives ASUS and Microsoft more time to polish the devices and build inventory ahead of the busy holiday season.
Launch delay: what the leak reveals
TechRadar notes that the new report is based on information from the same Dealabs source who previously leaked the August 20 pre-order date. The leak clarifies that the August date is for pre-orders only; launch day is now said to be October 16, meaning the handhelds won’t arrive for at least a month after they’re first demoed at Gamescom.
In practical terms, this gives Microsoft and ASUS a longer runway for manufacturing and logistics. The company reportedly plans to use Gamescom to showcase the Xbox-centric software experience and hold hands-on sessions, then open pre-orders the next day. With a mid-October launch, there’s time to scale production and ship units worldwide by the Black Friday shopping rush. However, it also means early adopters will have to wait through September before their pre-orders ship.
TechRadar also hints at a cross-promotion with Hollow Knight: Silksong – Xbox president Sarah Bond previously said the indie sequel would launch alongside the ROG Xbox Ally, so the October 16 window likely applies to the game as well. That could make for a big day on the Xbox Store, but the date hasn’t been confirmed by Microsoft.
Why it’s not launching at Gamescom
Neither Microsoft nor ASUS has commented on the rumoured delay, but there are good reasons to avoid an immediate Gamescom launch. For one, production of the Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chips is still ramping up. Windows Central notes that the Ally X uses the Z2 Extreme APU with 24 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, while the base Ally features a standard Z2 with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. These components are cutting–edge, and building enough units for a worldwide launch could take weeks.
A staggered release also helps Microsoft manage competition. By October, the company will know how rival handhelds like the MSI Claw A8 and Lenovo Legion Go 2 perform in the market. TechRadar points out that the Claw A8 is already on sale in parts of Europe and that Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 prototype is circulating in China. Launching after these devices allows Xbox to fine-tune pricing and marketing. The rumoured European prices remain €599 for the Xbox Ally and €899 for the Ally X, matching earlier leaks.
Market impact and competition
Delaying the launch could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, a later release avoids clashing with competitor launches and gives Microsoft room to hype the device via Gamescom demos and developer impressions. On the other, it risks losing momentum to devices like the MSI Claw A8, which uses a similar Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip and is already available. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is expected to boast an 8.8-inch OLED screen with variable refresh rate, 32 GB RAM and a 2 TB SSD. Compared with the Ally X’s 7-inch IPS display and 24 GB RAM, Lenovo’s handheld could appeal to users who prioritise a larger screen and storage, though it may cost more.
There’s also the question of price parity. Windows Central cautions that the €599/€899 leak might not translate directly for the U.S. market because tariffs and currency differences can alter pricing. If the Ally X lands near $900 USD, it will compete with mid-range gaming laptops rather than just other handhelds, which may limit its appeal. Microsoft will need to justify the premium with strong performance, a slick handheld Xbox UI and seamless access to Xbox Game Pass and Windows games.
Final thoughts
The new leak suggests that ROG Xbox Ally fans won’t be gaming on Microsoft’s handheld at Gamescom, but that’s not necessarily bad news. By pushing the release to October 16 and sticking with August 20 pre-orders, Microsoft and ASUS can ensure better supply, polish the software experience and potentially align the launch with big game releases like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Gamers should still tune into Xbox’s Gamescom broadcast on August 20 for the first public hands-on demos, official pricing, and perhaps some surprise announcements. In the meantime, consider whether you value early adoption over waiting for reviews, and keep an eye on competing handhelds. The portable gaming market is heating up quickly, and the Xbox Ally’s delayed debut might just give its rivals a brief head start.
