Asus ROG Ally X20 performance review
This text is a detailed review and personal experience of a handheld gaming device, specifically focusing on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20.
Here is a summary of the key points discussed:
1. Input and Design
Trackpad Missing: The reviewer strongly misses a trackpad for mouse control, despite the device being relatively well-balanced (756 grams).
Ergonomics: The device is well-balanced, allowing for long play sessions without fatigue.
Aesthetics: The X20 features a distinct black and yellow look with RGB highlights, and it includes a gold commemorative plate.
Screen Quality: The new OLED screen boasts a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, which the reviewer finds excellent, allowing for bright outdoor viewing. It also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) from 30 to 120 Hz for smooth gameplay.
2. Sound and Thermals (Performance)
Sound: The device is generally quiet. Fans are well-tuned, and the reviewer notes that the system can handle intense audio (like Cyberpunk 2077) without the fans becoming overwhelmingly loud.
Cooling Performance: The cooling system is effective. When pushed to its limits (35W Turbo mode), the CPU temperature peaked at 79 °C. The reviewer notes this is notably cooler than tested models, suggesting improved thermal management.
Thermal Headroom: The system seems to have good thermal headroom, allowing the reviewer to push settings higher without immediate throttling.
3. Software and Battery Life
Xbox Mode: The Xbox mode is praised for streamlining access to games by pooling libraries (Steam, Epic) and reducing the need to constantly boot Windows, making it feel closer to booting into Steam Big Picture Mode.
Software Bloat: While the system is streamlined, some Windows bloatware (like Copilot) is present, though the reviewer opted to remove it.
Battery Life: The 80 Wh battery offers a solid capacity. Real-world testing showed significant endurance, achieving up to nine hours in indie games and almost three hours in intensive games (using the 25W mode).
4. Value Assessment
Upgrades vs. Cost: The reviewer acknowledges that the X20 costs $300 more than the standard X, but these upgrades—an OLED screen, better thermals, and TMR thumbsticks—are considered luxurious and welcome, though they make the device “worse for the money for the average person.”
Market Position: The reviewer suggests that finding handheld devices below $1,000 is becoming difficult, noting that even the Steam Deck‘s OLED version is priced high.
In conclusion, the review positions the Asus ROG Ally X20 as a powerful and aesthetically pleasing device with excellent thermal management and solid battery life, but it ultimately suggests that the added premium is not justified for the average consumer.
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