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After a series of leaks this spring, Microsoft's gaming division revealed an Xbox-branded version of the Asus ROG Ally handheld during a June showcase. Two of them, actually: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both devices appear to take the basic concept of the original ROG Ally and adapt it for Xbox players by adding controller-like grips and a new user interface that retains all the compatibility with Windows while presenting things in a more game console-like manner.

Months later, Asus has now confirmed that both devices will launch on Thursday, October 16, though their pricing and preorder details are still weeks away. Speaking to our sister site IGN at Gamescom Wednesday, Microsoft and Asus both said they still needed "more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing" — presumably referring to fluctuating U.S. tariffs.

In the meantime, consumers can sign up to get notified when both handhelds are available at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store.

Sign up for availability alerts: Asus ROG Xbox Ally Price TBD Learn More Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Price TBD Learn More

The main reason why you might want to get one of these instead of a Steam Deck is if you're already an avid Xbox Game Pass user. Microsoft is promising the full suite of Game Pass features, such as local downloads, game streaming, and remote play. It's possible to access Game Pass on a Steam Deck if you feel like jumping through some technical hoops, but by default, that device is locked to whatever is on your Steam library.

Since the Xbox Ally consoles are Windows-based, you can access any PC gaming library you want as long as it's compatible with Windows. The central UI will consolidate all of your games across every app into one place, too, which is nice.

The user interface in question. Credit: Microsoft

As for specs, both Xbox Ally handhelds have the same 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, putting it roughly in line with the Nintendo Switch 2. The Xbox Ally has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the Ally X has a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a built-in NPU that supports features like highlight reels and Automatic Super Resolution. (The latter is an AI upscaler previously exclusive to certain Copilot+ PCs.) It will be the more powerful and certainly more expensive option.

SEE ALSO: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' gets revealed at Xbox Games Showcase 2025

Other differences between the two models that we know about right now mostly come down to memory, storage, and battery size. The base Xbox Ally has 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and an 80Wh battery.

In many ways, the Xbox Ally is a better value proposition right now than a Steam Deck, but it's also possible that it costs significantly more. And there's only one gaming handheld that can (legally and legitimately) play Mario Kart World.

UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2025, 10:35 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the ROG Xbox Allys' pricing and links to their preorder listings at Best Buy.

SAVE $15: As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

If you always find yourself with a dead or dying phone or one of many other electronic devices, it might be time to invest in a portable charger. You don't have to spend a lot on one. In fact, there are some excellent options out there that'll cost you less than the price of a dinner at your favorite mid-price restaurant. And you'll be able to use your phone, tablet, or other gadget when you can't get to an outlet without having to freak out. Case in point: today's Anker Zolo deal at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's $15 off and a discount of 30%. This price applies to all four colorways: black, blue, pink, and white.

SEE ALSO: Anker's latest portable power station charges to 100% in less than an hour: Preorder now

This small but mighty charger packs 10,000mAh into a small package. It comes in fun pastel colors and has its own built-in USB-C cable, so you never have to scramble to find one in a pinch. It also offers USB-C and USB-A ports if you need to charge multiple devices or have something that doesn't support USB-C. With its 30W two-way fast-charging, it can resurrect your phone in almost no time flat.

The display gives you a quick readout reference to what kind of percentage is left in your charger with the press of a button. You should be able to get a few full charges out of it, depending on what you use it for. And it won't add a lot of bulk to your belongings to add one or two just for the sake of being prepared.

If you need a reliable charger that won't break the bank, consider this one for style points and affordability.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17% off its $1,199 list price and its lowest price to date.

Shop now: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal Best Buy Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal

Still debating which MacBook is right for you? We are big fans of the M4 MacBook Air. Not only is it our favorite MacBook for most people, but it also earned a top spot on our list of the best laptops of 2025. We think it's a great value even at full price, but during back-to-school season, you can slash $200 off.

As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for only $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17%, or $200, off its sticker price of $1,199. This best-ever price has stuck around for a few weeks, so you still have a chance to upgrade your laptop for less. We can't guarantee how much longer it will last with the back-to-school season coming to a close, so we encourage you to pull the trigger ASAP. (Psst: If you want a bit more storage, the 512GB model is also sitting at its lowest price ever at $1,199.)

A Mashable Choice Award winner, the M4 MacBook Air is "a fantastic pick for students, professionals, and anyone else in need of a polished, relatively portable laptop, especially those ready to give up an Intel or M1-era MacBook," Mashable's laptop expert Haley Henschel writes. The M4 processor is blazing fast (24 percent faster than the M3), yet runs near-silently. The battery life is impressive and can last you all day. The webcam is better than previous models. Plus, it's cheaper than before, making it the "best-buy Apple laptop, period," according to our reviewer Stan Schroeder. At $200 off, it's a no-brainer if you're looking to upgrade.

SAVE 25%: As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter straw for just $18.74, down from $24.95, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and $6.21 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series $18.74 at Amazon
$24.95 Save $6.21 Get Deal

Whether you're hitting the trails or just building an emergency kit, a personal water filter can be a true lifesaver.

As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter for just $18.74 at Amazon, down from its usual $24.95. That’s a 25% discount, and while it isn't an all-time low, it is the best price we’ve seen in the last 30 days. (It’s also a Mashable reader favorite.)

SEE ALSO: How to protect your keepsakes in case an emergency hits

The LifeStraw is built to protect you from 99.999999% of bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia), and 99.999% of microplastics. It also filters out silt and sand, and its enhanced design helps prevent clogging for a better flow rate.

It’s super lightweight, durable, and can be attached to most water bottles. Plus, the filter has an unlimited shelf life, so you can pop it in your emergency bag and forget about it. One filter lasts for up to 1,000 gallons — that’s enough drinking water for one person for over five years.

SAVE $40: The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale at Amazon for $99.99, down from the list price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore by Anker Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Summer might be winding down, but that doesn't mean the outdoor adventures need to hit pause. With warming summers all over the globe, fall outdoor events offer some of the best weather that doesn't require a personal fan. If you have plans to head to the beach this fall or are even thinking ahead to next year's adventures, check out this portable Bluetooth speaker that's on sale at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, the Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount that takes $40 off the list price. Other colorways are also on sale for $109.99 like brown, green, and blue. If you prefer those colorways, you'll be in for a $30 savings from a 21% discount.

Plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers have bragging rights of being outdoor-worthy with features like water and dust resistance. The Soundcore Boom 3i is both of those, but it's also resistant to corrosion from saltwater, something not all speakers can claim. Plus, it's drop-proof as long as it doesn't travel more than about three feet to the ground.

SEE ALSO: Soundcore's Sleep A30 earbuds set the bar for premium sleep earbuds

The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker gets about 16 hours of battery life before it'll need a recharge, which makes it worthy of any day or even weekend trip. The included detachable strap makes this speaker just that much more adventure friendly. Another awesome feature for outdoor exploration is the speaker's ability to work as an emergency alarm, sending out a loud SOS signal which can be heard from over 300 feet away.

Come evening campfire time, the Soundcore Boom 3i has a light show mode that keeps in sync with the beat. You can choose from four ambient light options in the Soundcore app, as well as customize color preferences. Overall, the brand makes some of our favorite audio devices, including the new Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which would also be awesome for packing on an overnight trip.

While the black colorway is on sale at Amazon for under $100, upgrade your portable Bluetooth speaker to the Soundcore Boom 3i. With it, you'll be able to release any anxiety about your speaker taking a dip in the ocean.