In a market where prices seem to be perpetually climbing, Asus has managed to keep its handheld offerings surprisingly affordable. The company’s special-edition ROG Xbox Ally X, celebrating a significant milestone, offers a premium experience without the exorbitant price tag often associated with high-end gaming devices.
ROG Celebrates 20 Years with Golden Gaming
At gamescom, Asus unveiled more details about the upcoming gold-themed version of the Xbox Ally X, aptly named the Xbox Ally X20. This iteration builds upon the foundation of the original Xbox Ally X, adding a vibrant OLED display, enhanced TMR joysticks, and a redesigned D-pad for improved precision. Under the hood, it retains the powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and 24GB of memory.
Initially, there were concerns that the X20 would be a thinly veiled attempt to refresh the handheld with minor upgrades at an inflated price, potentially reaching levels comparable to devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 or even exceeding the Steam Deck’s cost. However, Asus has confirmed that the Xbox Ally X20 will be available as a standalone device for $1,299, offering a more palatable entry point for potential buyers.
A Standalone Option and a Premium Bundle
While the standalone Xbox Ally X20 offers excellent value, it’s important to consider the bundled option. For $2,499, you receive the handheld along with the Asus ROG Xreal R1 glasses (which I previously reviewed) and additional accessories. This represents a significant investment, as the glasses alone retail for around $849. While the bundle offers a complete entertainment package, the standalone Xbox Ally X20 presents a more sensible choice for those primarily interested in gaming on the go.
The new handheld draws inspiration from the design language of the Xbox Elite controllers, featuring a transforming D-pad that allows users to switch between a traditional concave configuration and one with distinct cardinal directions. This innovative feature provides enhanced versatility and control for various game genres.
Visually, the Xbox Ally X20 boasts a striking aesthetic, characterized by a translucent chassis accented with gold detailing. While I haven’t had the opportunity to examine it in person, images released by Asus suggest a premium and eye-catching design that sets it apart from its predecessor. The standalone handheld is where it’s at. The Xbox Ally X is one of the best Windows handhelds out there, and tacking on an OLED display really might be worth the extra $300, especially with every other handheld with similar specs being closer to $2,000 right now.
Source: IGN
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