The ASUS ROG Ally has been a game-changer for handheld gaming, offering PC power in a compact form factor. Now, ASUS is taking things to the next level with the ROG Ally X20, boasting a stunning OLED display and upgraded internals. But at a premium price point, is it worth the upgrade?
The Premium Handheld Experience
ASUS has officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Ally X20, bundling it with XR glasses previously announced earlier this year. The starting price of $1300 from the official ASUS online store and Best Buy is a significant jump from the original Ally, but it comes with some serious upgrades.
So, what do you get for that extra $300? The most noticeable upgrade is undoubtedly the display. The ROG Ally X20 features a 7.4-inch OLED HDR display with a resolution of 1080p and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This promises vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredibly smooth visuals for your favorite games. The chassis itself has been redesigned with semi-transparent plastic, allowing you to peek at the internal components – a unique aesthetic touch.
Under the hood, the X20 packs an 80Wh battery, a generous 1TB of storage, 24GB of DDR5 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The new design also focuses on improved airflow and thermal efficiency, crucial for maintaining performance during intense gaming sessions.
ASUS has also refined the D-pad and implemented TMR (Tactile Magnetic Resonance) analog sticks, promising a more precise and responsive control experience. While it retains the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, ensuring compatibility with modern games, the ROG Ally X20 is positioned as the ultimate handheld gaming device.
For those willing to splurge even further, a premium bundle includes the ROG Ally X20 alongside ROG XReal X1 glasses (with a 240Hz refresh rate), a Dbrand Killswitch protective case set, and a Pelican carrying case – all for $2500. This is a significant investment, but it represents the pinnacle of portable gaming.
The rising cost of components, driven in part by AI-related demands, has impacted the handheld market. Earlier this year, AyaNeo had to halt pre-orders for the Next 2 due to rapidly increasing costs. This trend also affects traditional console pricing. However, this price hike creates an opportunity for retro handheld manufacturers, offering more affordable mobile gaming options that are expected to become even more relevant by 2026.
The standard ROG Ally (with a $1000 price tag) and the lower-spec model at $600 haven’t seen price increases yet, but that could change. Both offer excellent ways to enjoy PC and Xbox games on the go, provided your budget allows. The original Ally had some initial software hiccups, but recent updates have addressed many of those issues, making the Xbox app a reliable platform for launching games from Microsoft Store, Steam, and more.
Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Ally X20 represents the bleeding edge of handheld gaming. It’s a premium device with a premium price tag, but it delivers an unparalleled experience for gamers who demand the best in performance, display quality, and portability.
Source: GameSpot
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