Gaming hardware trends: Xbox pricing shifts and new ASUS ROG handheld

The gaming hardware market is seeing significant shifts in pricing and technology. Xbox console prices have risen substantially since the original model launched in 2001 for $299. By 2026, the Xbox Series X is priced between $749.99 and $899.99 depending on the edition and storage, while the digital-only Xbox Series S ranges from $499.99 to $599.99. This increase is attributed to inflation, technological advancements, and rising production costs.

In the handheld segment, ASUS has announced the ROG Xbox Ally X20 Anniversary Edition. The standalone device is priced at $1,299.99 and features a 7.4-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1,400 nits peak brightness. Hardware specifications include an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24 GB of RAM, and a 1-TB SSD. Notable ergonomic improvements include TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks for increased precision and a redesigned D-pad with interchangeable caps. Pre-orders are available through retailers like Best Buy, with shipping expected to begin on October 15.