ASUS has developed a new handheld gaming console to rival the Steam Deck.
Releasing on June 12, there’s not long left before gamers can get their hands on it.
The Asus ROG Ally is a slick machine.
However, a surprise price increase has left many fans shocked, and others are rethinking their decision to purchase the console.
The price for the ROG Ally was announced last month, and at $699 it is only $50 more than Valve’s most expensive Steam Deck.
However, as the ROG Ally has more processing power and is capable of running games at a higher resolution and framerate, this was seen as a good price.
Retailers across Europe now have the Asus ROG Ally available for pre-order, and there is an extreme price increase in Europe.
EU shoppers will have to pay over $100 more, as the recommended price in euro is €799.
At the current exchange rate this makes the ROG Ally roughly $850, a huge increase over the price in the US.
US prices don’t include sales tax as this can differ by state.
However, even in California, the state with the highest rate of sales tax, the console would cost less than $750.
The worst region we could find for the price hike was the UK, where the ROG Ally is priced at £699.
This is roughly $900, a shocking increase over the price in the US.
Other regions, such as Australia, have also been hit by the price increase, with the console retailing for $1300AUD, which is also roughly $850.
However, one region has been met by a stark price decrease over the price in the United States.
Those living in Canada can pick up their ROG Ally for just $899CAD, which works out as $650.
The vast range of prices have led many to reconsider their purchases.
This means either cancelling their plans to order, or importing ones from abroad.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
