The ROG Ally X was launched yesterday and we think it’s safe to say not everything has gone the way that ASUS would have liked. ASUS’s new and improved ROG Ally X been released to not only mixed reviews this week but its launch has also been marred by shipping delays.

Much excitement has surrounded the release of ASUS’s new high-end handheld thanks in no small part to its high specs and favorable comparisons with the Steam Deck. That said the Ally X clocks in with a price tag that’s getting on for double the price of the standard Steam Deck at $799.99.

Still, it’s early doors for the Windows device and perhaps when the Ally X reaches the hands of a few more customers it will price its mettle. We’re sure that customers won’t be waiting too long to get their hands on the new handheld.

ROG Ally X shipping delays

Reddit users have taken to their keyboards to voice annoyance at the delivery delays, with both Best Buy customers and those who ordered directly from ASUS experiencing problems. One Reddit user took to the platform to express their outrage:

Best Buy has had its share of complaints about pre-orders before and you can understand people’s frustration when customers were told that they would receive their Ally Xs by the 22nd.

While it seems as though Best Buy orders are gradually being shipped out now, customers around the world who ordered directly from ASUS have been told they won’t see their devices until early August. Some users have canceled their orders in favor of buying from the likes of Curry’s in the UK, with another disgruntled Reddit user stating they “just cancelled from asus as well. You would think the stock would first go for people who pre-order.”

ROG Ally X and its alternatives

ASUS ROG Ally X

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With all that in mind, you’d be forgiven for wanting to avoid the ROG Ally X in favor of the much cheaper Steam Deck, or slightly cheaper Steam Deck OLED.

Keep in mind though that the Ally X does have a good few advantages over Valve’s handheld and might yet be worth the investment. It also seems that those going into stores have had more luck than those who preordered.

• Steam Deck price (MSRP): $399 (256GB) – available on Amazon & Steam store
• Steam Deck OLED price (MSRP): $549 (512GB) / $649 (1TB)
• ASUS ROG Ally X price (MSRP): $799 (1TB) – available at Best Buy

About the Author

Ian Spiller

Ian writes deals for PC Guide using his keen eye for a bargain. Having grown up gaming he's always taken an interest in the latest and best hardware available.