Xbox Ally X20 Scalping Makes the $1,300 Handheld More Expensive

The PC handheld market has seen prices increase as manufacturers introduce new models and mid-generation refreshes. Xbox Ally X20 is one example, offering updated controls, TMR sticks, an OLED display, and a redesigned appearance. However, the device has also faced scalping, with some resellers listing it for thousands of dollars above its original price.

At this point, we probably shouldn't be surprised, but the Xbox Ally X20 shows how far scalping can go. The device is an enhanced mid-generation refresh of the existing Xbox Ally X. The primary differences are better buttons, TMR sticks, a slightly larger OLED display, and a redesigned look with transparent black and gold accents.

Xbox Ally X20 Brings Updated Controls and an OLED Display

Overall, it offers aesthetic and feature improvements over the standard Xbox Ally X. However, performance-wise, the two devices are functionally the same. The original version cost $1,000, while the new ASUS anniversary edition, the Xbox Ally X20, costs $1,300. For a mid-generation refresh, that price increase isn't unreasonable.

Considering that many of these features are things people have been asking for, the price difference is understandable. The original model wasn't necessarily bad, but these additions address some of the things people want most from a PC handheld. TMR sticks matter for long-term durability, and OLED has become a key feature many people want in their PC handhelds.

We might not personally care about OLED, but the community has been fairly unanimous in wanting it on everything. Paying $300 more for these features seems reasonable, especially given how much PC handheld pricing has changed. What has been disappointing, however, is how much scalping this device has faced.

Xbox Ally X20 has been listed on eBay and other reseller sites for anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000. That is a problem because the device is fun to use and has a design that appeals to many people. But should you spend several thousand dollars on it? Probably not. If you're considering spending around $3,000 on one of these listings, you're better off looking at other high-end handhelds.

At or below $1,000, some buyers might start to justify the purchase.

You're only a few hundred dollars away from Strix Halo handhelds or base models from other brands. You could also consider a OneXPlayer 3 with Panther Lake, an MSI Claw AI EX+, or several other handhelds on the market. Plenty of alternatives exist, so you don't need to be completely set on the Xbox Ally X20.

Xbox Ally X20 is different because it isn't entirely new. It is an update to an existing device, so I find it difficult to imagine scalpers making much money from it in the long run. I highly doubt many people are going out of their way to buy the Xbox Ally X20 at the highest prices. However, eBay's sold listings show people buying these handhelds from resellers.

The devices aren't necessarily selling for $3,000, though. Instead, sold listings show prices ranging from around $1,500 to nearly $2,000 for brand-new, sealed Xbox Ally X20 units. Since this device launched only a couple of weeks ago, buyers are largely responding to the hype around its release. Seeing brand-new, sealed units sell at scalper prices is disappointing, especially since the device is expected to be restocked.