Asus celebrates 20 years of Republic of Gamers with the ROG Ally X20, a special edition handheld that pairs an OLED display with bundled AR glasses. Separately, Microsoft has rolled out a suite of software updates for existing ROG Ally models, including a new "Xbox mode" for Windows 11, aimed at refining the docked and handheld gaming experience.
Asus ROG Ally X20: Hardware and Design
Asus unveiled the ROG Ally X20 at Computex to mark the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) sub-brand.
The device features a translucent black plastic chassis that exposes internal components, with gold accents. Airflow channels have been redesigned, and the handgrips now have a rubberized coating.
The X20 replaces the original's 7-inch IPS screen with a 7.4-inch OLED display. Source specifications vary, reporting a resolution of either 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display has a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits, supports Dolby Vision, and is VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified. It also includes AMD Freesync Premium Pro and Corning DXC glass with an anti-reflective coating.
The device includes GuliKit TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) joysticks. A rotating D-pad allows switching between 8-way and 4-way control modes. The face buttons (ABXY) are flush with the chassis. A new "Action" button replaces the previous "Library" button, and the bumpers have a longer throw. The Xbox button now lights up green.
The X20 uses the same AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage as the previous ROG Ally X. The cooling system has been redesigned to manage heat for the OLED panel. The device also supports a faster microSD Express card slot.
Asus ROG Ally X20: Bundled AR Glasses
The ROG Ally X20 is being sold exclusively as a bundle with a pair of ROG Xreal R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR glasses.
- The glasses project a virtual 171-inch screen at a distance of 4 meters, with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.01ms response time.
- They include native 3DoF head movement tracking and connect via USB-C.
- The glasses are also designed in a matching black and gold color scheme.
Asus ROG Ally X20: Pricing and Availability
- Asus has not announced a release date or total bundle price for the ROG Ally X20.
- A standalone purchase option for the handheld is not available.
- The original ROG Ally X remains priced at a suggested retail price of $1,000 (for the 24GB/1TB model, though some sources report a lower-priced 16GB/512GB model at $599).
- The ROG Xreal R1 glasses are expected to launch separately for a suggested retail price of $849.
Key Takeaway: The X20 is a collector's edition bundle, not a standalone replacement for the existing ROG Ally lineup.
Microsoft Software Updates for ROG Ally and ROG Ally X
Microsoft has released a series of updates for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handhelds. These updates focus on the user experience when the device is docked to an external monitor or TV.
- Docked Experience: When docked, the game display moves to the external screen, and the handheld display automatically turns off, replacing the previous mirroring behavior. The device optimizes resolution, refresh rate, and HDR output for the external display. When an Xbox controller is connected while docked, the handheld's controls are disabled, and the paired controller becomes the primary input.
- Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR): A preview of Auto SR is rolling out to Xbox Insiders for testing. This feature uses on-device AI to upscale visuals. Initially, it will only be available when the device is docked.
- Collective Library: A new "Collective Library" feature aggregates games from multiple PC storefronts (launchers) into a single view within the Xbox app.
- Enhanced Vibration: New calibration tools have been added for haptic feedback, intended to provide more nuanced tactile response.
- Display Widget: A new Display Widget has been added to the Game Bar, allowing players to adjust display settings during gameplay.
Xbox Mode for Windows 11
Microsoft has begun rolling out a dedicated "Xbox mode" for Windows 11.
- Interface: The mode provides a controller-friendly interface designed to function as a gaming hub for PCs, including handhelds, laptops, desktops, and tablets connected to a TV.
- Functionality: It is designed to launch games and access social features without requiring a mouse and keyboard.
- Rollout: The rollout began in select markets, with a global expansion planned over the following weeks.
The Bottom Line: These updates aim to bridge the gap between handheld and console gaming experiences, making Windows 11 significantly more navigable on devices like the ROG Ally.