Gaming

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

Ready to play anywhere

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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 X – US$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

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

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It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

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Gaming

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launches on Switch 2

Demon Slayer arrives on Switch 2

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SEGA has released Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new edition delivers enhanced graphics, smoother 60 FPS gameplay, and additional playable characters through the Infinity Castle Character Pass.

Developed as the latest entry in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba action game series, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 lets players follow Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in Story Mode. Players can also take their favorite characters into online and offline battles.

The game series has sold more than six million copies worldwide across physical and digital releases, including deluxe editions.

Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of the newer console’s hardware to improve visual quality and performance over the original Nintendo Switch version.

The game runs at 60 FPS, with enhanced graphics that bring character expressions and special attack animations into sharper detail. SEGA also promises more responsive controls for its fast-paced battles.

The Switch 2 Edition includes 54 playable characters, with seven fighters from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Character Pass. These are Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Doma, Akaza, and Kaigaku, all featuring their respective Infinity Castle-related versions where applicable.

Players can fight locally with up to two players or compete online. The game also supports battles between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch players. However, cross-generation online matches run at 30 FPS.

Those who already own the Nintendo Switch version can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free by downloading the Upgrade Pass from the Nintendo eShop. The free upgrade does not include the Infinity Castle Character Pass, which requires a separate purchase.

Ultimate Edition also available

Alongside the Switch 2 launch, SEGA has released The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam.

The new bundle offers another option for players looking to jump into the series or expand their existing collection.

About Demon Slayer

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons. After his younger sister Nezuko becomes a demon herself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps in search of a way to restore her humanity.

The manga ran for 23 volumes in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and has sold more than 220 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, premiered in April 2019 and has since expanded across multiple television arcs and theatrical releases.

The latest major installment, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, began its three-part theatrical finale in Japan on July 18, 2025.

With its expanded roster and improved performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gives players another way to experience Tanjiro’s demon-slaying adventures.

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Gaming

PlayStation unveils Prism Collection

Transparent PS5 accessories return

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PlayStation is bringing back the see-through aesthetic with the Prism Collection, a new lineup of transparent DualSense controllers and PlayStation 5 console covers.

Announced on October 28, the collection features three colorways: Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray. Each combines translucent materials with a glossy finish, offering a glimpse of the hardware beneath the exterior.

The collection takes inspiration from the transparent electronics trend of the late 1990s, giving the PS5 and its accessories a retro-inspired look with a more contemporary design.

Three colors, one transparent design

The Prism Collection applies the transparent treatment to both the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.

The three color options are:

  • Flare Orange: A vibrant orange finish with subtle rosy tones where the transparent materials overlap.
  • Emerald Green: A deep green finish that gains visual depth through its translucent exterior.
  • Graphite Gray: A cool-toned gray design with a more understated appearance.

The DualSense controllers feature a high-gloss transparent finish across the back, revealing parts of their internal components. A metallic finish on the center cover adds contrast to the design.

The collection revisits an aesthetic popularized by consumer electronics in the late 1990s, when transparent plastic casings let users see the technology inside their devices.

According to PlayStation designer Leo Cardoso, the goal was to revive that look while keeping it consistent with the PS5’s design.

PlayStation Prism Collection price and availability

The Prism Collection will launch starting February 4, 2027, with preorders opening on November 10, 2026, at 10 AM local time in supported markets.

The DualSense controllers will be available globally, while the matching console covers will be sold directly through PlayStation in supported regions and in limited quantities through select retailers elsewhere.

Here’s how much the accessories will cost in select markets:

Accessory US price UK price Europe price
Prism Collection DualSense controller US$84.99 £74.99 €84.99
Prism Collection PS5 console cover US$74.99 £64.99 €74.99

Actual retail prices and availability may vary by region.

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