A key difference between the Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC models-the inclusion of magnetic Hall Effect joysticks on the $600 version versus their absence in the $1,000 Ally X-is now addressable thanks to a new upgrade from gulikit. The company,in collaboration with ASUS,has released officially licensed TMR (Triple Magnetic Ring) joysticks designed to eliminate the frustration of “stick drift” [[2]], [[3]]. Available for $20, these joysticks offer a relatively inexpensive solution for Ally X owners seeking improved precision and longevity in their gaming experience.
Xbox Ally owners can now address a key hardware difference between the handheld gaming PC’s models with a new upgrade from Gulikit. Despite the higher $1,000 price tag, the Ally X doesn’t include magnetic Hall Effect joysticks, a feature found in the $600 version. However, for $20, users can now add this functionality thanks to Gulikit’s officially licensed and ASUS-approved TMR (Triple Magnetic Ring) joysticks, a company known for its anti-drift technology.
Gulikit collaborated with ASUS, the manufacturer of the Xbox Ally, to develop these joysticks. The company states that the joysticks are automatically recognized when installed and can be calibrated using the device’s built-in Armoury Crate application. This addresses a common concern among gamers regarding joystick drift, a frustrating issue where characters move on their own.
Installation of the new joysticks is reportedly straightforward. Users simply need to loosen the Phillips-head screws, create a small gap, and gently pry the existing joysticks free. The joystick module is then located directly underneath. The process involves disconnecting a ribbon cable and removing three screws.
For those interested in a visual guide, the company provides a description on Amazon, though it advises against using sharp tweezers for connecting the wires, suggesting fingernails are a safer and easier option. (Ribbon cables are notoriously fragile.)
When discussing TMR or older Hall Effect joystick technology, the term “anti-drift” is often used rather than “drift-free” because some center point drift can occur over time. However, the benefit of magnetic joysticks is that they only require recalibration. Unlike the potentiometers found in Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox controllers, magnetic versions don’t rely on materials that wear down and cause permanent drift.
Gulikit’s new joysticks for the Xbox Ally are available today in the US for $20 and will be available in the UK for £20 starting January 20. They are also available in Italy, France, and Spain for €22 as of January 2024. The availability of aftermarket upgrades like these demonstrates the growing ecosystem surrounding the handheld gaming PC.
