Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 review roundup: OLED upgrade meets high price

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 has arrived as a mid-generation refresh of the company's Windows-based handheld gaming line. While it retains the core performance profile of its predecessor, the device distinguishes itself with a 7.4-inch OLED panel, updated magnetic TMR joysticks, and a redesigned chassis. Despite these physical improvements, the handheld continues to rely on the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, leading to mixed reception regarding its $1,300 price point.

Reviewers consistently praise the transition to an OLED display, noting that it offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD screens found on previous models. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate and reaches a peak brightness of 1,400 nits in HDR, which Stuff described as a transformational upgrade for the platform. However, XDA noted that while the screen is undeniably better, the improvement may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade for existing owners of the ROG Ally X.

Ergonomics and input quality received positive feedback across the board. The device features a semi-transparent smoked black case and refined controller grips that reviewers found comfortable for extended play sessions. The inclusion of magnetic TMR sensors in the joysticks is a highlighted addition intended to prevent stick drift, while the new transforming D-pad offers flexibility for different game genres. The Impulse Trigger haptics also earned praise for providing immersive feedback during gameplay.

Despite these design successes, the consensus among reviewers is that the internal hardware is beginning to show its age. Because the X20 utilizes the same Z2 Extreme chipset and 24GB of RAM as the previous iteration, it does not offer a performance boost over the standard Ally X. Critics pointed out that at its $1,300 price, the device faces stiff competition from newer, more powerful alternatives like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, which may offer better value for performance-focused buyers.

Software remains a point of contention for the handheld experience. Reviewers noted that Windows 11 continues to present challenges for a portable form factor, including difficulties with sleep mode consistency and the management of game updates across multiple platforms. While the hardware refinements make the X20 a more polished device than its predecessors, the underlying operating system limitations persist as a recurring frustration for users.