This is when the handheld Xbox ROG Ally will launch

The release date of the handheld Xbox ROG Ally has reportedly been revealed by an industry insider ahead of a full announcement later this month.

• READ MORE: ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ soundtrack was inspired by Black Sabbath, Metallica and Spiritbox

Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed it would be releasing two handheld Xbox consoles after boss Phil Spencer previously teased that the company was working on “exciting” and “different” ways to play.

Then in June, they officially unveiled the two portable devices. According to Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally is “the essential handheld at a great value for everyone from the casual player to the avid enthusiast” while the ROG Xbox Ally X will be “the ultimate high-performance handheld, built for the most demanding players.”

Microsoft will be showing off the handheld Xbox ROG Ally at Gamescom, which takes place later this month in Cologne. “Players can go hands-on with games including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Roblox, Sea Of Thieves and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, with additional hands-on experiences with more games available at the ASUS ROG booth.”

It was heavily rumoured Microsoft would also confirm the release date of the handheld Xbox ROG Ally during the event with two presentations planned for August 20 and August 21. However one reliable industry insider has already revealed the launch date.

According to Dealab’s billbil-kun, both the handheld Xbox ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X will be available October 16 with pre-orders set to go live August 20.

Microsoft has collaborated with Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS for the ROG Xbox Ally and the handheld includes several “new and first-of-their kind features on both devices—from an immersive Xbox full screen experience, an aggregated gaming library with access to installed games from leading PC storefronts, and more.”

In July ASUS leaked the price of the handheld Xbox ROG Ally. According to a listing on their website, the base ROG Xbox Ally will set you back 599 euros (£520) while the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally will cost 899 euros (£780).

Microsoft has yet to officially confirm the release date, price point or pre-order details for the ROG Xbox Ally but the technical specifications for the new consoles can be seen here. Fans can sign up for updates here.

The company has also revealed the very first details about the successor to the Xbox Switch X/S, which is rumoured to launch in 2027.

In other news, the team behind the original Guitar Hero are working on a new rhythm game. “We’re not just making games, we’re creating connected rhythm experiences that unite cutting-edge controllers, genre-defining titles, and a thriving community, all moving to the same beat,” said the relaunched RedOctane studio.

The post This is when the handheld Xbox ROG Ally will launch appeared first on NME.