Microsoft Xbox handheld Ally console release date and details confirmed
Partnering with Asus, the two consoles are designed to be used in-hand, in the same way that the Switch appeals to gamers on the go.
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NBC News
17 hours ago
- NBC News
U.S. online stores put ‘out of stock' signs as Nintendo Switch 2 sales hit record highs
Nintendo sold more than 3.5 million units of its flagship Switch 2 gaming system in the four days following its launch, with online stores of major U.S. retailers putting up 'out of stock' signs. The record-breaking start for the company's first new console in eight years, puts Nintendo on the path to realizing its aim of selling 15 million units of the Switch 2 console in the fiscal year ending March 2026. However, analysts continue to believe that those expectations are modest, and forecast the strong initial demand to sustain. 'The market expected a record from Nintendo, and as it turns out, Nintendo delivered,' Serkan Toto, CEO and founder of gaming industry consultancy Kantan Games, told CNBC. 'All signals prior to launch pointed to significant demand, and I believe we will see further records broken over the next weeks or months,' he added. Toto has maintains that the Switch 2 will sell over 20 million units in its first 12 months. David Gibson, senior research analyst at MST Financial told CNBC that he expects 20 million sales for the year ending March 2026. The Switch 2, which was released on June 5, has been met with much fanfare, with people lining up for hours ahead of midnight releases at Nintendo stores. 'Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,' Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser said in a statement, adding the company was thankful for the response. Tokyo-listed shares of Nintendo, which have gained nearly 30% so far this year, were down 3.5% on Wednesday, LSEG data showed. The company has seen its shares rise nearly fivefold since the original Switch debuted in early March 2017. It remains to be seen if the Switch 2 can recapture the magic of its predecessor, which had set the bar with 15 million unit sales in its first year. It went on to sell more than 152 million units to become the second-highest selling Nintendo device ever, behind the Nintendo DS. The record initial sales of the Switch are in line with the strong demand analysts had predicted. However, the rush has put into question Nintendo's ability to meet demand. Retailers including Walmart, GameStop, Target and Best Buy were out of stock of the consoles, their online stores showed Wednesday. In April, Nintendo's Bowser told CNBC that the company had been working with 'retail partners to ensure there's ample supply for not only the launch weekend, but well beyond.' However, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated the same month that 2.2 million people in Japan had entered the lottery to purchase the Switch 2 on launch day, exceeding expectations and what the company had initially planned to deliver to stores. Kantan Games' Toto said shortages in Japan were expected to persist, but would be less impactful elsewhere. 'Except for Japan where demand for Switch 2 is extraordinarily high, it looks like fans who really want the console and invest time in trying to secure one actually can get one,' he said. 'It might take a while, but as far as can be monitored, supply seems to be more robust than around the launch of the original Switch in 2017.' President Donald Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs' on most countries around the world also present headwinds for the Switch 2. In April, the company announced that it would delay preorders of the Switch 2 in the U.S. while it considers the impact of tariffs. The Switch 2 retails for $449 in the U.S., which makes it Nintendo's priciest console to date. Nintendo's Bowser said in April the company was going to 'monitor where tariffs are going' before making any further decisions on price hikes. MST Financial's Gibson said that a resolution to Trump's tariffs and lower duty rates could see the Switch 2 prices drop in the U.S. The Switch 2 builds on the success of the original Switch, featuring a larger screen and improved performance. The system also introduces the new GameChat2 feature, which allows players to voice or video chat with friends online and share game screens.
Metro
21 hours ago
- Metro
Nintendo Switch 2 officially breaks record for fastest-selling console ever
Nintendo has announced the worldwide sales figures for the Switch 2 after four days, and they're more than any other console in history. After insiders claimed the Switch 2 was set to break worldwide sales records, Nintendo has confirmed the console has done exactly that. In a post on X, Nintendo announced the Switch 2 has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, making it not only the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever but the fastest-selling console of all time. This means the Switch 2 is already outpacing the original Switch, which managed 2.7 million units within its first month in 2017. Nintendo set a target of 15 million sales for the Switch 2 by the end of March next year, and if stock remains plentiful, these early figures suggest it will surpass that number easily. While Nintendo has only talked about the console's sales in terms of the company's own history, it appears to be the fastest-selling console ever. The PlayStation 5 shipped (not sold) 3.4 million units within its first four weeks, while the PlayStation 4 sold 2.1 million units within its first month. Sony's PlayStation 5 was subject to significant stock shortages amid the pandemic, so the Switch 2's success is a reflection of Nintendo's efforts to ensure there's plenty of supply. Prior to launch, Nintendo said it planned to have enough consoles to counter scalpers, and it seems like that strategy has worked. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. As for UK numbers, the Switch 2 is the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever in the country, but it is the fourth overall behind the Xbox Series X/S, the PlayStation 4, and the PlayStation 5. The UK has always been Nintendo's least successful major market though, so that isn't surprising. More Trending The Switch 2's success is particularly impressive considering its launch line-up, outside of Mario Kart World, is devoid of essential exclusives from Nintendo. There is strong third party support but only for existing titles, some of which are fairly old. The only two exclusive third party titles are Konami's Survival Kids and the budget-priced Fast Fusion. Nintendo's first party output is set to expand in the coming months, with Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A all expected to arrive before Christmas. Nintendo also recently announced a Splatoon spin-off called Splatoon Raiders, although it's unclear when it will be released. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Games Inbox: When will Mario Kart World DLC be released? MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 comparison: how do Switch 1 games play on the new console? MORE: Call Of Duty is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 promises Activision and Microsoft
Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Geeky Gadgets
ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X: Microsoft's Handheld Play is HERE!
Microsoft and ASUS have collaborated to unveil the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of handheld gaming. These devices are the first Xbox-branded handheld gaming systems, designed to integrate seamlessly with the Xbox ecosystem while delivering a premium portable gaming experience. By combining a custom gaming operating system, advanced hardware, and ergonomic design, the ROG Xbox Ally series aims to cater to both casual gamers and performance enthusiasts, offering a versatile solution for gaming on the go. The video below from Dave2D gives us more details about the device. Watch this video on YouTube. Custom Operating System: Optimized for Gaming At the heart of the ROG Xbox Ally series lies a custom operating system developed by Microsoft, specifically tailored for gaming. Unlike the traditional Windows desktop environment, this operating system is streamlined to prioritize gaming performance and energy efficiency. By reducing memory and CPU usage, the system ensures smoother gameplay and longer battery life. For instance, the standby mode is reportedly three times more efficient than standard Windows, allowing for extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging. The operating system integrates seamlessly with the Xbox ecosystem, supporting platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and Xbox Play Anywhere. This integration ensures that your game progress syncs effortlessly across devices, allowing you to pick up where you left off, regardless of the platform. Additionally, the unified gaming library simplifies access to your favorite titles while maintaining multitasking capabilities, such as switching between apps or adjusting settings without interrupting gameplay. These features make the ROG Xbox Ally series a practical and user-friendly option for gamers seeking flexibility and convenience. Two Models Tailored to Different Preferences The ROG Xbox Ally series offers two distinct models, each designed to meet the needs of different types of gamers: ROG Xbox Ally (White): This model is a budget-friendly option, ideal for 720p gaming. Powered by the Ryzen Z2A chip, it balances affordability with reliable performance, making it suitable for casual gamers or those new to handheld gaming. This model is a budget-friendly option, ideal for 720p gaming. Powered by the Ryzen Z2A chip, it balances affordability with reliable performance, making it suitable for casual gamers or those new to handheld gaming. ROG Xbox Ally X (Black): A high-performance option, this model is equipped with the more powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, allowing 900-1080p gaming. It is designed for gamers who demand superior performance and are willing to invest in a premium experience. Both models feature a 1080p display, making sure sharp and vibrant visuals. However, they differ in key specifications, including RAM capacity, battery size, USB connectivity, and haptic trigger functionality. This variety allows users to select a device that aligns with their gaming preferences and budget, making sure a tailored experience for every type of gamer. Ergonomic Design and Advanced Hardware The ROG Xbox Ally series emphasizes comfort and usability through its ergonomic design. The devices feature textured grips with a matte finish, providing a secure and comfortable hold during extended gaming sessions. While slightly heavier and thicker than some competing handhelds, the weight distribution has been carefully optimized to minimize strain and enhance portability. The shared 1080p display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, making it suitable for both casual and competitive gaming. However, the ergonomic grip design has introduced some challenges in battery space efficiency, which could impact overall battery life. Despite this trade-off, the devices remain a strong contender for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful gaming solution. The combination of advanced hardware and thoughtful design ensures that the ROG Xbox Ally series delivers a premium gaming experience without compromising on comfort or usability. Expanding the Xbox Gaming Ecosystem Microsoft envisions the ROG Xbox Ally series as a stepping stone toward a broader ecosystem of energy-efficient gaming platforms. The company plans to extend its optimized gaming operating system to other devices, creating a unified and sustainable gaming experience. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's long-term strategy to enhance cross-platform compatibility and foster collaboration with developers to improve game performance and compatibility. Future updates to the ROG Xbox Ally series could include features such as a desktop mode, enhanced sleep/wake functionality, and further refinements to energy efficiency. These advancements will likely be shaped by feedback from the gaming community, making sure that the devices continue to evolve in response to user needs. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, Microsoft and ASUS aim to set a new standard for handheld gaming technology. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Energy efficiency is a central focus of the ROG Xbox Ally series, reflecting broader industry trends toward sustainability. The custom operating system plays a pivotal role in reducing power consumption, allowing longer gaming sessions on a single charge. This focus on efficiency is particularly important for portable devices, where battery life is a critical factor. However, the ergonomic grip design has posed challenges in optimizing battery space, which may require further innovation to address. Despite these hurdles, the ROG Xbox Ally series underscores Microsoft's commitment to creating leaner, more efficient gaming systems. By balancing performance with sustainability, these devices offer a compelling solution for gamers who value both functionality and environmental responsibility. Shaping the Future of Handheld Gaming The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X represent a bold step forward in the handheld gaming market. By combining a custom operating system, innovative hardware, and seamless integration with the Xbox ecosystem, Microsoft and ASUS have created devices that cater to a wide range of gaming preferences. Whether you prioritize affordability or high performance, the ROG Xbox Ally series provides a versatile and innovative solution for portable gaming. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, these devices have the potential to redefine the standards for handheld gaming technology. With a focus on energy efficiency, user-friendly design, and cross-platform compatibility, the ROG Xbox Ally series is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming. The collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS highlights the possibilities of innovation and partnership in delivering exceptional gaming experiences. Enhance your knowledge on Xbox Handheld Gaming Devices by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: Dave2D Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
