Ever since the launch of the first Steam Deck in 2022, I’ve spent a lot of time with gaming handhelds over the last few years. Over that time, one thing has become pretty clear: there’s more to making a good handheld than simply putting PC hardware into a smaller device.
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 is the latest example of that. It builds on the existing ROG Xbox Ally X with a new OLED screen, updated controls, and a different look. Those are all welcome changes, but with a price tag of $1,300, I wanted to see whether the upgrades actually made a difference.
The Screen Is the Biggest Upgrade
The first thing you’ll notice about the ROG Xbox Ally X20 is its 7.4-inch OLED screen. It runs at 1920 x 1080 with a 120Hz refresh rate like the original Xbox Ally X, but replacing the LCD is a noticeable improvement.
The OLED screen offers better contrast and deeper blacks, and the difference can be particularly noticeable in games with darker environments or bright, colorful visuals.
The difference in how a game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks on the original Ally X to the Ally X20 is remarkable. It’s like when Nintendo launched the Switch OLED after the original Switch. It’s nearly impossible to ever want to go back to the LCDs, and I don’t think I will after playing on this screen.
It also supports VRR from 30-120 Hz. It made for an incredibly smooth playing experience, whether I was playing games without much on-screen action like Balatro or faster, more chaotic titles like Megabonk or F1 25.
How Does It Actually Perform?
The X20 uses an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. On paper, that’s a solid setup for a handheld gaming PC. The catch is that the core hardware is largely unchanged from the standard ROG Xbox Ally X. You get a better screen and some other refinements, but don’t expect a massive performance jump just because you’re buying the newer model.
Every game I played on both devices performed nearly identically. You truly are paying for the increased visual fidelity and a few other overall improvements here. One of which is the controls.
ASUS has made changes to thumbsticks. Whereas the Xbox Ally X uses magnetic thumbsticks, the X20 introduces TMR thumbsticks. These newer tech sticks should completely remove any risk of stick drift and, in the two weeks I’ve spent with the device, I’ve noticed a lot more control over my in-game movements than with the original.
Another small change is the inclusion of a microSD Express card reader, allowing for increased read and write speeds over the base microSD reader.
The X20 also has an 80Wh battery like the original, but battery life will depend on the games you’re playing and the settings you’re using. I averaged, across all games, around 2.5-3 hours on a full charge. But when needed, it charges quick enough that it doesn’t take you away from playing for too long.
It’s also a bit heavier at 756g compared to 715g.
A Cooler Device
One gripe I had with the original Ally X was that, when playing intensive games, the heat would blow straight up or into my hands, leading to some uncomfortable moments. The fans would also get a bit too loud for me.
I didn’t feel that with the X20. The fans are still blowing out air the same, but temperatures averaged about 15°C cooler than the Ally X. It was great to not feel as much hot air that caused the problems before while running games like Elden Ring, NASCAR 26, and others.
Is Windows A Problem?
With any handheld PC, the operating system is going to be a hot-button topic. The Xbox Ally X20 runs on Windows 11, meaning setup requires you to walk through a traditional Windows setup. You have to run your updates through Windows Update and/or Armory Crate after your first load, and then install all of your software like a traditional Windows machine.
- More Hardware Reviews: Logitech RS50 McLaren Racing Wheel
The Xbox mode is solid and works really well. However, if you don’t have Xbox Game Pass or primarily use a different storefront like Steam or Epic Games Store, it can become a bit tedious. What’s nice is that in Xbox Mode, apps like Steam, Epic, GOG Galaxy, and others can all be installed and run right from the mode. It stops you from having to go into Windows directly to install.
It’s not perfect by any means, but it is getting better. It just still would be nice, in my opinion, for a dedicated operating system geared exclusively for gaming without the traditional Windows 11 runaround.
Is It Worth $1,299.99? Xbox Ally X20 Review Verdict
This is where the ROG Xbox Ally X20 gets difficult to recommend without some reservations.
The OLED screen is a welcome upgrade, and improvements to the controls and design could make it a better device to use every day. It’s also the most comfortable handheld device I’ve ever used. But the price is hard to ignore when the core gaming hardware hasn’t changed significantly.
If you don’t already have a handheld device and you want to get in now, then the X20 is a no-brainer recommendation. The OLED screen is incredible, the thumbsticks feel great, and the overall design with the colored Xbox button, the gold trim, the additional LEDs in the thumbstick ring, and other quality-of-life updates make it feel like a premium device.
But if you already have an Ally X, jumping to the ROG Xbox Ally X20 comes down to how much you value its upgrades. If the screen and improved controls make a big enough difference to you, there may be a case for spending the extra money. If you’re primarily looking for better gaming performance, the lack of a substantial hardware upgrade makes that decision harder.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
More from Mike Straw
