The new ROG Xbox Ally X20 Anniversary Bundle makes the PS5 Pro appear inexpensive.
Xbox's aspirations for handheld gaming are becoming significantly pricier—much pricier. After moving into high-end territory with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, Microsoft and Asus are gearing up for another version that could make even the PlayStation 5 Pro seem like a more reasonable option.
As per an X post from Asus, the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 Anniversary Bundle is set for release in October at a staggering price of $2,499. This limited-edition handheld, which celebrates 20 years of the ROG brand, features enhanced hardware alongside a unique anniversary design. However, the price places it well outside the typical range for portable gaming devices.
A handheld priced to prompt a double-take
The ROG Xbox Ally X20 Anniversary Bundle is derived from the existing ROG Xbox Ally X, which is priced at $999.99. This anniversary version includes an enhanced OLED display, a custom ROG Xbox Ally X20 design, and a bundle that features ROG X20 AR Edition gaming glasses as well as a custom Pelican Protector Case.
This upgraded handheld is reported to offer a 7.4-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Internally, it supposedly retains the AMD Ryzen AI Z Extreme processor, 1TB of storage, and 24GB of memory found in the current Ally X model.
The extra $1,500 does not appear to stem from superior performance. Instead, the premium price likely derives from the OLED screen, the limited edition features, and the included accessories.
GamingBible mentions that the AR glasses alone are priced at $849.99, while the base ROG Xbox Ally X costs $999.99. When combined, these figures begin to provide a clearer rationale for the bundle's price, although $2,499 remains a striking amount for a handheld gaming device.
Premium gaming hardware is expanding the boundaries of “portable”
The context further amplifies the difficulty in overlooking the price. At $2,499, it’s comparable to purchasing multiple iPhones or several PlayStation 5 Pros or Xbox Series X consoles. While the comparison may be extreme, it highlights how far premium handheld gaming has diverged from the traditionally accessible roots of the category.
The pressing question is who this device is actually aimed at. A $999 handheld already caters to enthusiasts, while a $2,499 limited edition bundle leans even closer towards collectors and devoted ROG supporters.
Microsoft and Asus seem to be wagering that the handheld market can accommodate the same luxury tiers that have long been a feature of gaming PCs. The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is less about supplanting a console and more about providing a high-end piece of technology for those willing to invest in exclusivity.
Preorders are reportedly available, with both the standard X20 and Anniversary Bundle set to launch in October. For the majority, the regular ROG Xbox Ally X will likely remain the more pragmatic entry point into Xbox's handheld venture.
While the X20 may be portable, its price tag is certainly not easy to handle.
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The new ROG Xbox Ally X20 Anniversary Bundle makes the PS5 Pro appear inexpensive.
Xbox and Asus are elevating handheld gaming to a premium level with the $2,499 ROG Ally X20 Anniversary Bundle, which includes an OLED screen and AR glasses.