Asus to Offer Standalone OLED Xbox Ally X20 Due to Its Impressive Quality
When I first shared my excitement about the “OLED Xbox Ally X of my dreams,” I had to temper my enthusiasm a bit. I hadn’t had the chance to try the handheld yet, and Asus was initially planning to bundle it with a pricey pair of AR glasses. Thankfully, both of those concerns have been addressed.
Asus has confirmed that a standalone version of the OLED Ally will be available. A spokesperson mentioned, “We are actively discussing the release schedule for a standalone version of the new Ally. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.” After spending a couple of hours with the OLED Ally at their California offices, I believe it could give the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus a serious challenge.
The $1,000 Asus Xbox Ally X is now a top contender, especially with the current market conditions, while the MSI Claw 8 EX offers a significant performance boost for those willing to shell out $1,800. However, the OLED Ally presents a compelling third option for gamers looking for a premium handheld experience.
A clearer screen is one of the standout features. I find Asus’ 7.4-inch OLED display superior to the 8.8-inch screen on the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which I previously hailed as “the best handheld screen money can buy.” It also outshines the MSI Claw 8 EX’s 8-inch IPS panel. Despite being smaller and slightly lower in resolution at 1080p compared to 1200p, the Ally’s screen is remarkably clearer due to its anti-glare cover glass and brighter panel.
I compared the OLED Xbox Ally X20 directly with a Legion Go 2 and a Claw 8 EX under harsh indoor lighting. While I struggled with reflections on the competitors’ glossy screens, the OLED Ally’s display remained crystal clear. It peaks at 1,400 nits, significantly brighter than the Claw EX’s 500-nit screen, making it much easier to see in bright conditions.
The 7.4-inch screen may not seem much larger than the previous 7-inch models, but it feels more spacious, especially after using 8-inch handhelds. I didn’t experience any claustrophobia during my time with the Ally X20.
The controls are even more comfortable this time around. Last year’s Xbox Ally X demonstrated that handhelds benefit from ergonomic designs, and while the MSI Claw EX introduced a beefier grip, Asus has now added soft rubberized grips for enhanced comfort.
The new ABXY buttons are the most satisfying I’ve encountered on a handheld, quieter and flush with the device when pressed. The bumpers feel improved, and the reworked fans help keep the screen cooler during use. However, I’m still unsure about the triggers, as my review unit developed a squeak, and these feel similar.
I’m pleased to report that the troublesome “Library” button from the previous model is gone. The new “Action” button, which replaces it, simply takes a screenshot instead of interrupting gameplay. I still think the Start button should be positioned at the top, though.
The innovative D-pad, which transforms from eight-way to four-way, initially seemed gimmicky until I tested it in Hollow Knight: Silksong. It made a noticeable difference in executing precise diagonal attacks, enhancing my gameplay experience.
To transform the D-pad, you pull up on its edge and rotate it a quarter-turn. It felt solid and premium, and while the clicky dome switches may not appeal to everyone, I found them satisfying.
As for performance, Asus didn’t allow for full benchmarking, but I did run two games on both the Xbox Ally X20 and the MSI Claw 8 EX for a direct comparison, setting both processors to 25 watts and using the same save file. In Cyberpunk 2077, the Claw EX achieved 61 frames per second, while the Ally X20 managed 44fps. In Returnal, the Claw EX hit 62fps compared to the Ally X20’s 41fps. Both devices drained their batteries at a similar rate, suggesting their 80-watt-hour batteries would last about two hours on a charge.
While the Claw may deliver 40 to 50 percent more performance without a battery penalty, the OLED Ally has its advantages. It features a 30–120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) screen, which should provide smoother visuals at lower frame rates compared to the 48–120Hz panels in the Claw EX and the original Ally. My brief demo indicated it performed smoothly.
Additionally, the Intel chip in the Claw is experiencing some driver issues, which may affect performance. I noticed less volumetric fog and ground cover in my Returnal comparison, and I’ve encountered stuttering in some games with the Claw, while the Ally’s fans were quieter during testing.
Given the current market conditions, every gaming handheld is priced higher than usual, and the OLED Ally will likely follow suit. It’s expected to cost more than the current $1,000 Xbox Ally X, so if that’s your budget, you might want to act sooner rather than later. However, if you’re in the market for the best handheld experience available, the OLED Ally could be worth the wait.
