Asus Goes OLED With the New ROG Xbox Ally X20
Asus has just announced the ROG Xbox Ally X20, a new iteration of its popular handheld gaming PC. This device is essentially the same as the original Xbox Ally X, but with a 7.4-inch 120Hz OLED display, which should be a significant upgrade over the LCD-equipped model. However, there's a catch: the X20 will only be available bundled with a pair of ROG XReal R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses. This bundling approach may limit accessibility for some users but highlights the synergy between the handheld and augmented reality (AR) components.
The 7.4-inch OLED screen is a notable upgrade from the 7-inch LCD of the previous model. Asus claims it can output up to 1,400 nits and has a VESA DisplayHDR 1000 rating, promising excellent HDR performance. The display supports Dolby Vision and features a 0.2ms response time, which is ideal for fast-paced gaming. Additionally, it has an anti-reflective coating that Asus says reduces glare by 65%, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
New Features and Upgrades
The Xbox Ally X20 brings a few new features that set it apart from its predecessor. One of the most notable is its translucent design, which gives the device a futuristic look. It also includes a "Transforming D-Pad" that can be easily converted from a 4-way to an 8-way control, offering more flexibility for different gaming styles. The device features Gulikit TMR joysticks, which are designed to prevent stick drift – a common issue in gaming controllers. According to The Verge, these joysticks are a significant upgrade over previous models.
Other improvements include enhanced face buttons that sit flush against the chassis, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted thumb sliding. While this may sound like the buttons are embedded into the body, Asus clarifies that they are not. The internal components remain largely unchanged from the Xbox Ally X, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of NVMe storage. This suggests that the upgrade is more about cosmetic and ergonomic changes than a complete overhaul of the hardware.
The Xbox Ally X20 will support Auto Super Resolution, a feature that uses AI to upscale lower-resolution games to higher framerates and resolutions. This is a significant benefit for gamers looking to enjoy their favorite titles at higher visual fidelity without compromising performance.
The Bundling Catch
Despite these upgrades, the Xbox Ally X20 is only available in a bundled package with the ROG XReal R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses, which could be a drawback for some. Asus has not yet announced a price for the bundle, which is concerning given the high cost of the AR glasses alone. The XReal R1 is priced around $850, and the Xbox Ally X itself costs $1,000, making the bundle potentially very expensive. This is especially notable in a market where competitors like Valve have recently increased the price of the Steam Deck by $300.
However, the XReal R1 appears to be a high-end AR device. Asus highlights its 171-inch virtual screen at 4 meters, a 240Hz display, and 95% field of view coverage, all powered by micro-OLED technology. The device also has a 3DoF head-tracking system, allowing the screen to follow the user’s head movements, although it can also be set to remain in one place. The R1 connects to the handheld via USB-C, offering a seamless integration between the two devices.
Asus has not yet revealed a release date for the Xbox Ally X20 bundle, leaving gamers eager to know when they can get their hands on this cutting-edge gaming setup.
