Despite its $1,000 price tag, the Xbox Ally X handheld device did not initially come equipped with magnetic drift-resistant joysticks, nor did the $600 version. However, you can now upgrade this feature for just an additional $20 on Amazon. This upgrade comes in the form of officially approved TMR joysticks by Asus, provided by Gulikit, a company renowned for its aftermarket drift-resistant joystick solutions.

Gulikit collaborated with Asus, the manufacturer of the Xbox Ally, to develop these joysticks. They promise seamless integration, being “automatically recognized” once installed. Users can then fine-tune them through the device’s built-in Armoury Crate app.

Although I haven’t personally tested these specific joysticks, I have experience with a similar setup on my Switch. Installing them on the Xbox Ally is relatively straightforward. By loosening the Phillips-head screws, using a guitar pick pry tool to create an opening, and applying a bit more force than expected, the device clips open to reveal the joystick modules. These modules are easily accessible—simply detach a ribbon cable and remove three screws to proceed.

For those interested, Gulikit provides a detailed guide, though I advise against using sharp tweezers on ribbon cables. Fingernails are a safer and more effective alternative, as I’ve learned the hard way by damaging a few cables in my attempts.

When discussing TMR or the slightly less efficient Hall effect joystick technology, I prefer to use the term “drift-resistant” rather than “drift-free.” Over time, the center point might shift, but the advantage of magnetic technology is that recalibration is straightforward. Unlike traditional potentiometer joysticks found in Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox controllers, magnetic joysticks avoid the wear-and-tear that leads to permanent drift.

Gulikit’s new Xbox Ally joysticks are available for $20 in the U.S. and are expected to launch in the UK for £20, and in Italy, France, and Spain for €22 this coming January.