The ROG Xbox Ally X20, Asus’ latest handheld gaming PC, is now on sale in the US. The X20 costs $1,299 on its own, or $2,499 in a bundle that adds a pair of AR glasses and two cases.
Asus announced the launch on Thursday, and you can buy it from the ASUS Store and Best Buy. Pre-orders opened in August, so some buyers already have one on the way.
That price is $300 more than the Xbox Ally X, which still retails for $999. It’s $700 more than the original Xbox Ally at $599. Asus says both older models will remain on sale at those prices.
What extra money you get
The biggest change is the screen. The X20 has a 7.4-inch OLED display, a type of screen known for deeper blacks and richer color. It runs up to 120 frames per second, which keeps the movement smooth.
The joysticks are also new. They use magnetic sensors that Asus says reduce stick drift, the problem where a joystick registers movement you’re not making. Asus has also redesigned the cooling, using fans with fewer but larger blades. The company says that the airflow improves by 20%.
There is also a new travel mode. It limits the charging power to 65 watts, which Asus says works better with the seat cushions on planes and trains. It turns on automatically when you turn on airplane mode.
Inside, the chip, memory, storage and battery match the Xbox Ally X. That means 24GB of memory, 1TB of storage and an 80Wh battery. Asus did not say how long the battery will last. The X20 weighs 1.67 pounds, slightly more than the Ally X.
What’s in the $2,499 bundle
The bundle adds ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR glasses. They display a virtual screen up to 171 inches across while you play. You also get a dbrand Killswitch case and a Pelican Protector case that holds every accessory in the bundle.
Asus first showed off the handheld in June as a special edition for the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers brand. It comes in transparent black plastic with gold-colored parts visible inside.