I tested the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20, and the 171-inch display makes a significant difference.

      Gaming handhelds are fantastic due to their portability (essentially, they're compact). However, that characteristic can also be a significant drawback. My experience with Asus’ new ROG Xbox Ally X20 bundle at Computex 2026 reminded me of this. The Ally X20, on its own, is already a more refined version of the ROG Xbox Ally X. It comes with updates that may seem minor on paper but enhance the overall feel of the device in your hands. The real surprise, however, was the included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses.

      I intended to test the 20th-anniversary edition of ASUS’ handheld console, but the impressive 171-inch screen ended up stealing the spotlight.

      The handheld receives the right enhancements

      The ROG Xbox Ally X20 does not completely reinvent Asus’ Xbox-branded handheld. It remains within the familiar Windows handheld category, offering PC gaming capabilities, Xbox integration, and the usual promise of portability for your game library. ASUS has made changes primarily to enhance the user experience, and that’s noticeable as soon as you pick it up.

      Vikhyaat Vivek / Digital Trends

      The most significant improvement is the display. The X20 features a 7.4-inch OLED Nebula HDR panel, slightly larger than that of the standard Ally X screen and much more visually impressive. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium Pro support, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits.

      The controls have also been refined. ASUS introduced TMR joysticks, a Transforming D-pad that can alternate between four-way and eight-way control, enhanced face buttons that are more flush with the chassis, and rubberized grips on the back that significantly improve hand feel, crucial for gamers. A few additional frames per second from a quicker chip is great, but poor grips, unresponsive controls, or a subpar display are issues you’ll notice every time you start gaming on the handheld.

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      Then ASUS adds a gigantic screen to the mix

      The included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 glasses elevate ASUS’ portable console beyond just new Intel G3 Extreme-powered handhelds. Even the largest handheld screens are still limited in size. Admittedly, that’s part of the charm. If you prefer a larger display, you might opt for a gaming laptop. For many, this is precisely what they desire: a compact way to access expansive games.

      However, the glasses alter that dynamic. They can project a virtual display up to 171 inches at 4 meters, a notion that seems outrageous until you try them on. Now, you’re no longer dependent on the handheld’s screen, and the Ally X20 effectively transforms into a large controller, driving a much bigger screen.

      Vikhyaat Vivek / Digital Trends

      My experience with the ROG Xbox Ally X20 combined with the XREAL R1 Edition 20 revealed why this bundle is significant. By pairing these two devices, ASUS enhances the immersive experience. While this isn’t the first instance of gaming AR glasses designed for handhelds, the Ally X20 bundle is noteworthy as it includes the ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20, specifically tailored for this system.

      How AR glasses integrate seamlessly

      Vikhyaat Vivek / Digital Trends

      Gaming AR glasses have been relatively niche within the broader PC and console gaming markets. However, since you’re already holding a portable console that comes with its own cables, chargers, and carry case, adding another peripheral doesn’t seem too burdensome. The ability to stay portable while the glasses create the sensation of a massive display when desired is incredibly appealing.

      Not everyone may be interested in this bundle, but the ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 glasses enhance it. They transform the Ally X20 from just a superior handheld into a more versatile gaming setup, allowing you to enjoy the advantages of a convenient console combined with a 171-inch virtual screen for a more immersive gaming experience.