Asus has announced pricing for its forthcoming ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, which will feature an OLED display and retail for $1,300. This announcement arrives as hardware prices across the gaming ecosystem have seen significant increases.
Initially reviewed with some reservations due to its software and performance compromises at a $1,000 price point, the ROG Ally X's value proposition appears to shift in the current market. The new X20 model includes the OLED screen, new TMR joysticks, and a revised D-pad, all housed within a translucent black shell with gold accents. The internal specifications remain consistent with the original model.
The PC gaming handheld market offers limited OLED options. The Lenovo Legion Go 2, which also boasts an OLED display and detachable controllers, is priced at $1,350. Valve's Steam Deck OLED, initially costing $650 and now $950, provides a more streamlined, console-like experience but with considerably lower hardware specifications compared to the Ally X.
While the ROG Ally X20 may still fall short against competitors in specific categories, the widening price gaps between devices are narrowing these distinctions. The ability to access both Microsoft's Game Pass and Steam's extensive library remains a primary draw for the ROG Ally, making it a less compelling option for those not invested in the Xbox ecosystem.
Should Microsoft successfully implement a more streamlined and performance-enhancing version of Windows for gaming, the ROG Ally X20 could solidify its position as a leading PC gaming handheld.