The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20: A Premium Upgrade with AR Glasses
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has long been a standout in the handheld gaming space, but its price point has always been a concern for many. That concern was only heightened when Asus announced the Xbox Ally X20, an upgraded anniversary edition bundled with AR glasses. The new model, revealed at Computex 2026, comes with several notable improvements, but with them comes a hefty price tag that has left many gamers, including myself, bracing for the financial impact.
The Xbox Ally X20 features a 7.4-inch OLED screen, a significant upgrade from the standard 7-inch IPS LCD screen found on the original model. Both screens share a 120 Hz refresh rate, but the OLED variant promises richer colors and deeper blacks, which should elevate the visual experience for gamers. Alongside the display upgrade, the X20 includes TMR thumbsticks, a feature designed to reduce stick drift and improve battery life. This is a welcome addition, as stick drift has been a common issue with many gaming handhelds.
Enhanced Features and Design
The Xbox Ally X20 also introduces a new D-Pad that can be swapped between four-way and eight-way input, offering greater flexibility for different gaming styles. The internal hardware is nearly identical to the original model, with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and an NPU for AI tasks. The X20 also includes 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1 TB SSD, and an 80 Wh battery, providing ample power and storage for extended gaming sessions. However, the device is 40 grams heavier than the original, which might affect its portability.
The AR Glasses Bundle: A Game-Changer or a Gamble?
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the Xbox Ally X20 bundle is the inclusion of ROG XReal R1 AR glasses, which are priced at around $1,000 on their own. These glasses connect to the handheld via a 240 Hz display, effectively creating a 171-inch screen experience. However, the glasses are tethered to the device, limiting their use to stationary settings. While this setup could be ideal for home gaming, it’s unlikely to be practical for on-the-go play.
Price and Availability: The Big Unknowns
Despite the impressive upgrades, price and release date remain uncertain. Asus has not officially confirmed either, and the only numbers mentioned are in the 20th anniversary section of their Computex 2026 page. These numbers could be indicative or misleading, but it’s safe to assume the Xbox Ally X20 will be significantly more expensive than the original $1,000 model. Given the inclusion of high-end hardware and AR glasses, the final cost is expected to be well over $2,000, which is a tough pill to swallow for many gamers.
The memory crisis in the PC and console markets has also made it difficult to find reasonably priced hardware with such high specifications. The 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory in the X20 is a major upgrade, but it also contributes to the overall cost. For now, gamers are left waiting for more details, but one thing is clear: the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 is a premium product aimed at those who want the best of both worlds — a top-tier handheld and cutting-edge AR technology.
