ROG Ally X Shows Performance Gains with Bazzite OS, Microsoft Confirms Pricing Strategy

The ROG Ally X handheld gaming device is demonstrating notable performance improvements when running games utilizing the Bazzite OS, while Microsoft clarified yesterday that pricing for the Ally and Ally X was determined by ASUS.

Users are reporting significant gains in frame rates and stability after switching to Bazzite OS, a Linux-based operating system designed to optimize performance on the Ally X. This comes as Microsoft’s Xbox President Sarah Bond explained the higher-than-anticipated price point of the devices, stating the focus was on delivering a “Windows experience.” The Ally X currently retails for $699.99, while the standard Ally is priced at $599.99.

Bond confirmed that Microsoft allowed ASUS to set the pricing for both the ROG Ally and Ally X, a decision that drew criticism from consumers expecting a more budget-friendly entry point into the handheld gaming market. “We really wanted to make sure we were delivering on that Windows experience, and that drove a lot of the decisions around the price,” Bond said. Microsoft is also actively working on its next-generation console hardware, with plans to launch new consoles heading into 2026, according to reports. This development could impact the future of the handheld partnership with ASUS.

The pricing strategy and subsequent supply leaks have prompted Microsoft to attempt to distance itself from the initial rollout, but the company maintains that the collaboration with ASUS was intended to expand the Xbox ecosystem. For more information on the broader gaming landscape, see the Entertainment Software Association’s latest industry report. Consumers interested in learning more about the technical specifications of the ROG Ally X can find details on Microsoft’s Xbox website.

Microsoft officials stated they will continue to monitor consumer feedback and evaluate future collaborations, while development of the next-generation console hardware remains a priority.

1. ROG Xbox Ally X Sees Significant Performance Improvements Running Games in Bazzite OS  Wccftech
2. Ally Arrives: Xbox President Sarah Bond Explains New Handhelds Steep Price, Prioritizing ‘Windows Experience’ and Next-Gen Console Plans Heading Into 2026  Variety
3. Xbox Ally and Ally X review: this is not an Xbox  The Verge
4. Microsoft is attempting to distance itself from the ROG Xbox Ally pricing fiasco – and supply leaks highlight that  TechRadar
5. Microsoft let Asus set the prices for Xbox ROG Ally, confirms Xbox President — work on next-gen console hardware is already underway with AMD  Tom’s Hardware