Microsoft (MSFT) stock was up on Wednesday alongside reviews of the ROG Xbox Ally, a new handheld gaming PC set to be released on Thursday. The early reviews are looking good, with several publications praising the device for its ability to combine power and portability in a comfortable form factor.
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Here’s a quick roundup of the positive coverage the ROG Xbox Ally has received:
- Engadget scored the handheld Xbox an 88 out of 100, calling it a “top-tier handheld with strong performance and better software than all of its Windows-based rivals.”
- PC Gamer said the ROG Xbox Ally X “is quite probably the best handheld around” but noted that the high price tag will make it hard to justify over a Steam Deck.
- Wired had a similar stance on the handheld Xbox as PC Gamer, claiming that it’s a great option for hardcore gamers but comes with a steep asking price.
- Windows Central rated the handheld gaming PC 4.5 out of 5, stating it’s a “Windows handheld gaming PC that’s easy to recommend.”
While the reviews are solid, it will be interesting to see how the ROG Xbox Ally fares with consumers. The base version comes in at $600, while the more powerful X variant is $1000. This could turn consumers off, especially when the most expensive version of the Steam Deck is priced at $650.
Microsoft Stock Movement Today
Microsoft stock was up 0.6% on Wednesday, extending a 23.25% year-to-date rally. This also builds on a 23.42% increase over the past 12 months. Much of these gains are related to Microsoft’s position in the AI market, rather than results from its Xbox gaming division.
Is Microsoft Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, the analysts’ consensus rating for Microsoft is Moderate Buy, based on 33 Buy and a single Hold rating over the past three months. With that comes an average MSFT stock price target of $628.43, representing a potential 21.61% upside for the shares.
