Kinda Funny Games Daily – Xbox Ally Costs HOW MUCH? (09.26.25)
Overview
On this September 26, 2025 episode, hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys, along with guest discussions and an extended cast, tackle another packed day in the gaming industry. The main focus is on the surprisingly high price of the new Asus Rog Xbox Ally X handheld, with deep dives into Nintendo exec changes, the evolving state of EA’s Skate, and Final Fantasy VII Remake’s future. The hosts keep it lively, personal, and interactive with their trademark mix of humor, industry insight, and community engagement.
Key Discussion Points
1. (10:52) The Price of the Asus Rog Xbox Ally X: Sticker Shock and Context
- Announcement: Microsoft and Asus announced preorders for the Xbox Ally ($599) and the beefier Ally X ($999), both shipping October 16.
- Industry Context: The prices position these as luxury products on par with high-end gaming laptops, not traditional consoles.
- Main Concerns:
- Console fans balk at paying $999—much more than a Switch 2 or a launch Xbox Series X.
- For PC/hardware enthusiasts, the comparison shifts to MSI and Lenovo devices with similar feature sets.
- Tim Gettys: “These are the exact prices that I’ve been saying this is going to end up at … that’s just what these things cost.” (14:12)
Insights & Reactions
- Tim (14:12): Not surprised by the pricing; considers it inevitable given hardware trends, tariffs, and Xbox’s history of recent price increases.
- Greg (17:25): Argues the window for sticker shock was unavoidable, and these handhelds are targeted at a subset of dedicated gamers, not the mass market.
- Luxury, Not Mainstream: Both hosts agree the Ally X is not intended as a mass-market product but as a “luxury tech product” aiming at enthusiasts.
- Market Impact: The true litmus test will be usability and reviews post-launch, not early unit sales. Tim predicts early supply shortages, not flop-level demand: “It’s going to sell out … even at the price that it’s at.” (23:34)
- “Just Works?” Skepticism: Tim is wary that Windows support for seamless handheld gaming may fall short of the “console-like” experience advertised. “If this doesn’t work … people will be upset.” (25:31)
- Hardware Iteration & Future-Proofing: Ongoing upgrades are likely, cautions Tim, drawing parallels to the Steam Deck OLED and upgrade cycles. (28:02)
- Value Proposition: Steam Deck may remain a better value; the Ally X’s main selling point is the Xbox ecosystem. But: “It’s not an Xbox console, it’s an Xbox PC.” (32:29)
Notable Quotes
- Tim Gettys (14:12): “These numbers are in line with what I expected … There might be $100 more on each SKU than possible. But with where we’re at with tariffs and everything, not surprised.”
- Greg Miller (21:35): “I don’t think either Asus or Xbox is looking at this going like this thing’s going to move 20 million units in the first year.”
- Tim Gettys (32:29): “It’s the promise of the Xbox ecosystem … but I think then comes the problem of it’s not an Xbox console, it’s an Xbox PC.”
2. (39:03) Nintendo’s Doug Bowser Retires: Succession Plans and Strategy
- News: Doug Bowser to retire as President/COO of Nintendo of America at the end of 2025. Devin Prichard, a 19-year Nintendo veteran, will replace him.
- Impact: Bowser oversaw the late Switch boom and Switch 2 launch, as well as Nintendo’s push into parks and film.
- Kit & Krysta Insight: Tim highlights their deep-dive video, revealing Bowser’s “peacetime president” role and Nintendo’s orderly, succession-based leadership planning.
- Nintendo leadership roles come with preset lines of succession—no surprises for those in the loop.
- Globalization Push: Bowser notably expanded Nintendo’s focus on Latin American localization and day-one releases—a major business move.
- Devin Prichard: Seen as a “rock the boat NOT” successor, expected to continue the quiet, steady approach rather than return to a “Reggie” era of public-facing personas.
Notable Quotes
- Tim Gettys (41:01): “Reggie very much was wartime president and his body was. Bowser very much peacetime president … through the lens of the Nintendo Switch and the success of the Switch.”
- Tim Gettys (44:09): “This push into Nintendo Latin America … and this push to worldwide day one releases … these are things that are so, so, so in the weeds, businessy, but can result in insane amounts of money and revenue and new customers.”
- Tim Gettys (46:54): “…There is a Nintendo voice and I don’t think that voice is Reggie anymore … They have a plan and they’re sticking to that plan.”
3. (50:32) EA’s Skate: Player Reactions and “Fortnitification”
- Skate Early Access: Public now, but divides opinion.
- Community Feedback:
- High-contrast visuals, “Fortnitification”, microtransactions, and character styles are controversial.
- Developers acknowledge complaints, promise visual changes, and clarify: new gameplay features (tricks) will be free, only cosmetics are monetized.
- Upcoming Changes: Next update (2.28, due October 7) focuses on toning down visuals for a more grounded feel. Seasonal events (like “Skate-O-Ween”) and additional features are planned.
- Battle Pass: Optional, cosmetic-focused; Greg is enthusiastic about the evolving model and the Halloween theme.
Hosts' Takes
- Tim (51:42): Not a Skate fan, more into Tony Hawk—but intrigued by Skate’s social systems and ongoing iteration, though wary players are hungry for a “complete” product.
- Greg (53:01): Loves the new skate, appreciates the Fortnite-like customizations, continuous updates, and the “ownership” it fosters for players. Acknowledges it’s not the traditional Skate 4 some wanted.
- IGN’s 4/10 Review: Greg finds that score baffling given how good the core gameplay feels, but recognizes the culture/classic fans' letdown.
Notable Quotes
- Greg Miller (53:01): “That’s the ownership of it, of what I’m doing in there, right? … I love games criticism and I love understanding where people are coming from. But for me … it controls too well to be a four.”
4. (56:51) Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3: Will It Deliver?
- Reassurance: Despite reports that Rebirth underperformed, director Naoki Hamaguchi confirms FFVII Remake Part 3 is greenlit and well-resourced.
- Rebirth’s Comeback: PC sales aided recovery after a weaker-than-awaited launch.
- Future-Proofing: The trilogy will complete across platforms, but exclusivity deals cloud the timeline.
Quotes
- Tim Gettys (58:46): “They keep going out of their way to affirm that … the trilogy of Final Fantasy 7 Remake is going to be on all systems.”
- Tim Gettys (58:02): “Slightly, I mean not in a real way, but I do think that it was very disheartening … to not sell as well as they needed it to.”
5. (60:31) Quick Hits – “Wii News” and Notable Headlines
- Helldivers 3: No plans; Helldivers 2 is now an online platform, per Arrowhead CEO.
- Witcher 3’s Crossplay Update: Mod support for console slips to 2026.
- Twitch Adds New Features: Subscribers can now pause/rewind live streams.
- Borderlands 4 PC Users: Advised to wait 15 minutes for shader precompiling after latest update—a source of amusement for Greg.
- Pokemon TCG Pocket: Special packs to celebrate the game’s 1st anniversary.
- Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2: Still in progress per Konami.
- NBA 2K, Hotel Barcelona, Pac-Man World 2 Repack, and indie Possessors: New releases.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
The Human Side: Tim’s Author Moment
- Tim Gettys (02:28): “I was shocked last night … my name is on the short list. … I get to be in that. That’s pretty cool, dude.”
- Greg, on congratulating Tim: “Congratulations, Tim. That’s a big deal for you. I’m happy that’s happening.” (06:51)
Surprise Appearance: Troy Baker & Abdul
- Abdul calls in with Troy Baker from Kuwait to thank Greg for his influence: “You made me love gaming. I love your content and everything. … Thank you for interrupting whatever you’re doing right now.” (05:10)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:28: Show intro & banter, Tim’s writing accomplishment
- 10:52: The Roper Report: Xbox Ally pricing and industry context
- 14:07: In-depth price/value analysis
- 19:15: Comparing the Ally X to PS5 Pro and market expectations
- 24:21: Usability, “just works” concerns for the Ally X
- 31:55: Steam Deck vs. Ally X: pros and cons
- 39:03: Nintendo’s Doug Bowser retires, succession discussions
- 44:09: Doug Bowser’s legacy and the Latin America push
- 50:32: Skate discussion: feedback, changes, hosts’ opinions
- 56:51: Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 status
- 60:31: “Wii News” headlines and quick hits
- 64:57: Birthday super chats and community messages
Final Notes & Community
- Large Listener Participation: Numerous community super chats interleaved, especially birthday wishes and reactions to the Ally X.
- Upcoming Milestone: Kinda Funny Games Daily hits 2000 episodes on October 6, with special events planned.
Summary
This episode delivers a packed, in-depth analysis of the new Xbox Ally handheld’s high price, Nintendo’s executive shifts, and Skate’s divisive new direction—always filtered through Kinda Funny’s blend of sarcastic humor, real-world tech/business know-how, and audience love. Whether you’re here for industry news, snappy takes, or the feeling of being among friends, this installment captures everything that makes Kinda Funny Games Daily essential listening for gaming news.