Asus ROG Strix XG17 hands-on review: The world’s first 240Hz portable monitor is revealed at Computex 2019

Computex 2019 has officially begun here in Taipei, and Taiwan-based Asus isn’t messing around. At its Computex Media Event, the tech giant has just served up a smorgasbord of new devices, from laptops to gaming peripherals and monitors – including this one, the Asus ROG Strix XG17, described as “the world’s first 240Hz portable monitor”. I’ve had early hands-on access to the XG17 and you’ll find my impressions below, as well as all the specification details released so far.

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Asus ROG Strix XG17 review: Key specifications, price and release date

• 17.3in 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD) 240Hz display
• Adaptive sync (48-240Hz)
• Built-in high-capacity battery
• UK price: TBC
• UK release: TBC

Asus ROG Strix XG17 review: Design, key features and first impressions

Who on earth needs a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate? According to Asus, a lot of people. Its “industry research” finds that many gamers are already pushing well over 150fps in competitive titles such as PUBG and CS:GO, and they’re looking for a monitor that can keep up with such astronomical frame rates. What’s more, they want the freedom to take the ultrafast, competition-standard experience with them wherever they go. Hence, the idea of a portable 240Hz monitor.

So far there’s not much information available regarding the specifications, pricing or UK availability of the ROG Strix XG17.

What we do know is that it has a 17.3in FHD display and adaptive-sync technology, which automatically identifies the optimal refresh rate for whatever’s currently happening on screen, from 48Hz all the way up to 240Hz. Asus claims that this completely eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates, without the user having to lift a finger.

We’re also told that the ROG Strix XG17 contains a “high-capacity” battery delivering up to three hours of battery life at 240Hz, and considerably longer at lower refresh rates.

It also packs a pair of integrated speakers below the display: audio specs haven’t been provided yet, but I tried playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch through the Strix XG17 and found the volume and sound quality perfectly acceptable, even in a bustling press room.

One final distinctive thing about the Strix XG17 is its physical design. It stands up in tent mode using a fold-out panel that extends from the base, and Asus will also be selling an attachment that lets the monitor sit directly above a laptop display, creating a stacked dual-screen setup. As you can see from my photos, this allows you to play a game on the 240Hz panel while, for example, keeping a map and inventory open on the laptop display.

Asus ROG Strix XG17 review: Early verdict

I’ve enjoyed getting hands-on with the Asus ROG Strix XG17 240Hz monitor, but a closer inspection will be needed to deliver a proper verdict. Asus also hasn’t yet revealed anything in the way of pricing information, so we’ve no idea whether or not it will offer good value for money.

Still, there’s no denying that this 240Hz portable display is damn impressive. Asus already had the world’s first 144Hz 4K monitor under its belt with the Asus PG27UQ, and the ROG Strix XG17 is another big leap forward for the Taiwanese tech titan. I’ll be updating this article once more information lands: keep an eye on Expert Reviews for that, plus plenty more Computex 2019 coverage as the show rolls on in Taiwan. It’s going to be a long week!