The reason the ROG Xbox Ally skips an OLED screen in favor of sticking with LCD is a deliberate engineering decision that prioritizes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), battery life, performance, and cost:
- VRR Was Non-Negotiable: According to ASUS ROG’s Whitson Gordon, while the team prototyped OLED displays, they aren’t satisfied with OLED’s performance when it comes to VRR (which is crucial for smooth frame syncing in games). Gordon insisted that in 2025, any display without VRR “is not a gaming display.” Current OLED technology with VRR draws “significantly more power” than the existing LCD solution, leading to shorter battery life and higher device costs—both trade-offs the team found unacceptable.
- Battery, Power, and Software Prioritized: The ROG Ally team’s biggest user feedback prioritized battery life, higher performance, and better software. While OLED might look better on paper, the practical trade-offs (shorter battery life, higher cost, less reliable VRR) meant it wasn’t worth it for the handheld’s gaming-focused goals.
- OLED Not Off the Table, But Not Right Now: The article suggests that until OLED technology improves—especially regarding VRR and power consumption—LCD remains the more balanced choice for dedicated gaming handhelds like the Ally.
Source: Windows Report
Source: Windows Report Why the ROG Xbox Ally skips OLED—and why that's probably a good thing
