ASUS ROG Ally X20 Could Ship Standalone, Ditching AR Glasses Bundle

Announced July 15, 2026, ASUS unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally X20 as a limited-edition upgrade to its Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC. The new iteration, part of ASUS' 20th-anniversary celebrations, boasts a larger 7.4-inch OLED display, enhanced TMR joysticks, a 'Transforming D-Pad,' and improved airflow via a redesigned cooling system. Crucially, the X20 was initially marketed exclusively as a bundle with XREAL's R1 AR gaming glasses.

This bundling strategy proved unpopular with prospective buyers. As PC Guide reported, the XREAL R1 AR glasses retailed for $849.99, inflating the total cost of the package and drawing considerable criticism from the gaming community.

Fortunately for consumers, ASUS now indicates a standalone X20 may be on the horizon. The Verge, which had early hands-on access to the device, revealed that ASUS is 'actively discussing the release schedule for a standalone version of the new Ally,' according to Anthony Spence of ASUS PR.

Our take: While XREAL R1 glasses present an intriguing companion for handheld gaming, forcing a high-cost AR bundle on every customer was a misstep. Uncoupling the X20 from the AR glasses will likely broaden its market appeal, making the premium handheld more accessible to gamers who may not prioritize the AR experience or simply prefer to manage their budget. PC Guide predicts the OLED X20 could push past the current $999 price point of the Xbox Ally X, even without the AR glasses bundle.