Daniel Mercer
The previous year’s ROG Xbox Ally X stood out as one of the premier handheld devices for PC gaming. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, ASUS is enhancing its flagship portable device with a stylish redesign and a significant upgrade to its display.
While the overall design remains consistent, the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 introduces a redesigned chassis that features a translucent black exterior adorned with elegant gold accents both inside and out. Although this represents a subtle shift from the original’s solid black body, the aesthetic upgrade is undeniably appealing. For those familiar with the previous version, ASUS has incorporated a standout new feature: a 7.4-inch Nebula HDR display. This new screen is not only slightly larger than the 7-inch display found in its predecessor, but it also transitions from an IPS panel to OLED technology, promising enhanced contrast and vibrant color saturation. Brightness levels have seen a boost as well, reaching 600 nits with peak brightness levels hitting 1,400 nits, compared to the nominal 500 nits offered by the previous model.
In terms of specifications, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 remains largely the same as its predecessor, retaining the powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of shared RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Whr battery. The button layout is familiar, featuring customizable paddles on the back and improved magnetic joysticks. While the enhancements focus mainly on the display and analog sticks, the lack of additional new components is not a drawback since the original model was already among the top-performing handhelds available. It’s worth noting, however, that newer competitors like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ deliver even greater gaming capabilities, albeit at a significantly higher price point of $1,800. The ROG Xbox Ally X20, while still more affordable, has seen its price increase to $1,300, up from the original’s $1,000.
For those seeking a complete gaming setup for on-the-go play, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 will also be offered as a bundle. This package includes the ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses, a Dbrand Killswitch shell, a 68-watt power adapter, and a custom Pelican Protector Case for a total price of $2,499.
While spending over $2,000 on a gaming handheld certainly represents a substantial investment, the inclusion of AR glasses in the bundle may be an appealing benefit for gamers wishing to enjoy their titles on a larger screen without the hassle of carrying a portable monitor. the specifications of the ROG XREAL R1 have been designed to accommodate various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and even the Switch 2, making it a versatile option beyond just pairing with ASUS’ handheld.
Pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally X20 are now available through ASUS’s website or at Best Buy, both for the standalone handheld and the bundle. Official sales are set to commence on October 15.
Brandon Fletcher
