Asus has opened preorders for the ROG Ally X20, an upgraded version of its handheld gaming PC, with pricing starting at $1,300. This iteration introduces a larger 7.4-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support, marking a significant visual enhancement over its predecessor.
The X20 model boasts a translucent plastic shell, offering a view of its internal components. Underneath, it features an 80Wh battery for extended playtime, a 1TB storage capacity, 24GB of DDR5 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Asus has also redesigned the cooling system for improved airflow and thermal efficiency, an important consideration given the potential for heat buildup during demanding gaming sessions. Subtle but notable hardware revisions include an improved D-pad and TMR magnetic induction analog sticks. The device continues to utilize the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, which is designed to handle modern games smoothly.
For consumers looking for a comprehensive package, a $2,500 bundle option is available. This bundle includes the ROG Ally X20, a pair of 240Hz ROG XReal X1 glasses, a Dbrand Killswitch protective case set, and a Pelican case for storage.
The substantial price increase reflects broader industry trends, as global component shortages, particularly for memory driven by AI development, have led to rising costs across the board. This has impacted other handheld PC manufacturers, with some, like AyaNeo, having to suspend preorders due to escalating prices. Standard console prices have also seen adjustments.
However, the market for more affordable retro-style handhelds is growing, offering budget-conscious alternatives for portable gaming. The original Asus ROG Ally models, priced at $1,000 for the X and $600 for a smaller-specced sibling, have not yet seen price increases. Both original models remain viable options for playing PC and Xbox games on the go. Initial software teething issues with these devices have reportedly been smoothed out through recent updates, improving the user experience and compatibility with various game launchers such as Microsoft's store and Steam.