Gaming

ROG Xbox Ally X, ROG Xbox Ally now open for pre-order

Ready to play anywhere

Published

on

ROG Xbox Ally X

The wait is over. Starting today, players in 38 countries can pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally. The two handhelds are designed to bring your entire game library wherever you go. Both combine ASUS hardware, Windows flexibility, and Xbox’s console-inspired experience, so your games, friends, and saves are never out of reach.

Global launch is set for October 16, with two versions available:

  • ROG Xbox Ally XUS$999.99 (ERP). The high-performance option powered by a Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage.
  • ROG Xbox Ally US$599.99 (ERP). The more accessible model running a Ryzen Z2A chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage.

Pre-orders are live in markets including the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, and more, with eight additional regions joining on launch day: Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Slovenia, South Africa, Thailand, and Ukraine. Players can order through Xbox, Microsoft Store (U.S.), ASUS eshop, and select retailers.

ROG Xbox Ally

First touch at gamescom 2025

We first tried the Xbox Ally X at gamescom this year. At a glance, the footprint isn’t too far off from the ROG Ally, but the handgrips immediately stand out. Are they more ergonomic? Somewhat. They sit nicely in your palms, though the wraparound grip felt a little awkward at first touch — nothing a few hours of gaming won’t smooth out.

Weight-wise, it’s lighter than expected. Performance-wise, not so much — in a good way. We played Forza Horizon 5 and it looked and played fantastic on the Ally X.

@gadgetmatch Our first l👀k at the ROG Xbox Ally X! #rogxboxallyx #gamescom2025 #gamescom @_asusrog ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

What to expect on handheld Xbox

Both models are designed to deliver a console-like Xbox experience on the go:

  • Boot straight into an Xbox full-screen mode, optimized for handheld play.
  • A dedicated Xbox button for the new Game Bar overlay on Windows 11.
  • An aggregated library with access to Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC stores.
  • Controller-inspired grips for longer play sessions.
  • Three months of Xbox Game Pass included with every device.

Xbox has also introduced a Handheld Compatibility Program, marking thousands of titles as optimized or mostly compatible at launch. Between native play, remote play from your console, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Ally X and Ally cover just about every way you’d want to play.

Accessories coming at launch

Alongside the handhelds, ASUS and Xbox are also rolling out official accessories, including high-speed SanDisk microSD cards (up to 2TB), Seagate FireCuda 530R SSDs (up to 4TB), and a co-branded premium carrying casedesigned for the Ally.

ROG Xbox Ally X: Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24GB Memory, 1TB Storage

ROG Xbox Ally: Ryzen Z2A, 16GB Memory, 512GB Storage

Specification ROG Xbox Ally X ROG Xbox Ally
Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
Comfort & Input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, impulse triggers, ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, assignable back buttons, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, Hall Effect analog triggers, ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, assignable back buttons, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU
Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A
Memory 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
Storage 1TB M.2 2280 SSD 512GB M.2 2280 SSD
Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
IO Ports USB4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C x2, UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network & Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions 290.8*121.5*50.7mm, 715g 290.8*121.5*50.7mm, 670g
Battery 80Wh 60Wh
Included Accessories 65W charger, Stand 65W charger, Stand

 

Gaming

Ubisoft will showcase Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake on April 23

The remake is real!

Published

on

Gaming’s worst kept secret is finally out. After months of rumors and speculations, Ubisoft will officially reveal its upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake on April 23.

In March, the company first confirmed the game’s existence through the first concept art for the title. The upcoming remake will be officially called Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, which definitely states that it’s going to be a remake, rather than just a remaster.

Today, Ubisoft has announced that the worldwide reveal will happen on April 23. The showcase should clear the air as to how the remake will handle the franchise’s most successful outing to date.

When it first came out, Black Flag rightfully claimed itself as the quintessential pirate life simulator in the modern era. Rather than a straightforward stealth and assassination game, the title featured Edward Kenway, a vagabond pirate turned reluctant assassin. It was a worthy next step coming from the Desmond Miles trilogy, which concluded with Assassin’s Creed III.

Now, the studio isn’t done with the title. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag will ideally see the pirate game built again from the ground up. However, it’s still a bit unclear how much of the game will actually be rebuilt. Thankfully, the wait isn’t long at all.

For now, the franchise is still thriving with its latest new outing, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It is also gearing up for the next mainline entry, currently called Codename Hexe.

SEE ALSO: Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake

Continue Reading

Gaming

007 First Light reveals title sequence, Lana Del Rey leads theme song

New Bond game sets the tone ahead of its May 2026 launch

Published

on

007 First Light Title

IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios have unveiled the official title sequence for 007 First Light, giving players their first look—and listen—at the game’s cinematic direction ahead of launch.

The reveal took place during the BAFTA Game Awards in London, where the studios confirmed that Lana Del Rey performs the game’s title track. She co-wrote and composed the song with David Arnold, marking Arnold’s return to the Bond franchise.

007 First Light launches on May 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving later in Summer 2026.

A modern take on a classic Bond tradition

The title sequence follows the long-standing James Bond tradition of stylized opening credits that establish tone and identity. Here, IO Interactive leans into a mix of modern visuals and classic Bond motifs, reflecting the game’s reimagined origin story.

This version of Bond is younger, less experienced, and at times reckless, as he begins his journey into espionage. The sequence ties those themes together through cinematic imagery, anchored by Del Rey’s signature vocals and Arnold’s orchestral influence.

It also marks a notable moment for the franchise, signaling Bond’s return to gaming after more than a decade.

A deeper dive into the game’s music

Alongside the reveal, IO Interactive released a new episode of its “Beyond the Light” series, focusing on the game’s soundtrack.

The episode features insights from Dominic Vega, Missions and Audio Director on 007 First Light, as well as The Flight, the duo behind the game’s score. They discuss the creative process behind shaping the sound of this new Bond era and the challenges of working within such an iconic franchise.

Pre-orders now live with early access perks

Pre-orders for 007 First Light are now open across supported platforms. Players who pre-order will receive a free deluxe upgrade, which includes 24-hour early access for digital editions.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, however, are limited to physical editions only.

More details are available on the game’s official website and IO Interactive’s press channels.

Continue Reading

Gaming

PRAGMATA launches with dual-character sci-fi action

Capcom’s long-awaited lunar adventure blends hacking and combat

Published

on

PRAGMATA | CAPCOM Key Art

CAPCOM has officially released PRAGMATA, a new sci-fi action-adventure title now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Set on the moon in the near future, PRAGMATA follows an unlikely duo navigating a lunar station overrun by hostile robots. Players take control of spacefarer Hugh and android Diana. Each one is equipped with distinct abilities that must be used in tandem to progress.

The single-player experience leans on a mix of action and strategy. Combat pairs with hacking mechanics. It requires players to switch between characters and coordinate their skills. These are necessary to overcome enemies and environmental challenges.

A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia on April 24, 2026, with pre-orders now open.

Southeast Asia availability

PRAGMATA is rolling out across platforms with the following release schedule:

  • PlayStation 5 — April 17, 2026 (Physical & Digital)
  • Xbox Series X|S — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
  • Steam (PC) — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
  • Nintendo Switch 2 — April 24, 2026 (Physical & Digital)

Physical edition and early bonuses

Physical Standard Editions are available for PlayStation 5 starting April 17, followed by Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24.

Players who purchase from participating retailers in Southeast Asia may receive limited bonuses, including a Chibi Diana memo pad and an A4 clear folder with exclusive artwork. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Digital editions and extras

Digital Standard and Deluxe Editions are available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives on April 24.

The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition adds the Shelter Variety Pack. This bundle includes additional outfits for Diana and Hugh, extra background music tracks, gestures, a weapon skin, and a collection of in-game artwork.

Soundtrack rollout

Six tracks from the PRAGMATA original soundtrack, including the main theme “Memories Are You,” are now available on major streaming platforms ahead of the full release.

PRAGMATA is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version launching next week in Southeast Asia.

Continue Reading

Trending