It sounds like Asus is focusing on refining the original ROG Ally before moving forward with the ROG Ally 2. This approach ensures that customers receive an enhanced and polished version of the product before introducing a new iteration.
Asus is gearing up to launch the successor to the ROG Ally, known as the ROG Ally X. Unlike a traditional “Ally 2,” the Ally X retains the powerful AMD Z1 Extreme chipset and the impressive 7-inch 48–120Hz VRR screen found in its predecessor. While it may not have undergone the same extensive hardware revisions as the Steam Deck OLED, which features a revised AMD chip and a stunning OLED panel with enhanced performance, the ROG Ally X promises to continue pushing the boundaries of affordable Windows handheld gaming with its notable improvements. Stay tuned for its release in the second half of the year.
The upcoming Asus ROG Ally X is set to introduce significant improvements, particularly in battery life. According to Asus SVP Shawn Yen, the black-colored handheld will feature a substantially larger battery pack, promising a substantial increase in battery capacity. While specific specifications are not disclosed yet, Yen hints at a considerable boost in battery life, aiming to exceed expectations even in intensive gaming scenarios. With these enhancements, the ROG Ally X aims to deliver a more immersive and uninterrupted gaming experience.
Yen acknowledges that battery life has been a primary concern expressed by users since the launch of the original Ally. Asus has observed how some users resort to attaching large external batteries to their handhelds, indicating a demand for longer battery life. Yen admits that during the launch of the original Ally, they didn’t fully grasp the extent to which users value extended battery life over a lighter-weight device.
Asus isn’t just focusing on battery improvements with the Ally X; they’re addressing various top priorities voiced by the community for enhancing the original device. Gabriel Meng, Asus’ senior product manager, mentions considerations such as battery life, storage, graphics performance, memory capacity, and ports, aiming to incorporate as many of these upgrades as possible into the device.
While specific specifications aren’t disclosed today, Asus hints at upgrades for the Ally X, including an increase in RAM capacity beyond the current 16GB. This enhancement allows users to allocate more memory to the GPU without affecting overall system performance. Additionally, the Ally X is expected to feature an extended M.2 2280 SSD slot, offering users easier access to larger SSD upgrades compared to the current M.2 2230 standard.
Asus also emphasizes enhanced repairability for the Ally X, with redesigned joystick modules that are more interchangeable. This design potentially opens doors for upgrades, possibly from third-party manufacturers like Gulikit. Although not personally witnessed, Asus mentions slight weight increase due to the larger battery, along with revised grips and minor adjustments to components like the D-Pad, joysticks, and triggers.
Asus remains steadfast in asserting that the Ally’s SD card reader wasn’t flawed, as it’s the identical reader found in their laptops. They deny any association between issues and overheating. However, with the Ally X, there’s a redesigned motherboard layout planned, seemingly aimed at relocating components away from the system’s vents. Gabriel Meng clarifies that this adjustment isn’t due to addressing specific issues but rather a necessity to accommodate components within the device’s design.
Asus has confirmed that the enhancements in the Ally X will reflect in its pricing, setting it higher than the original model, unlike Valve’s approach with the Steam Deck OLED. The original ROG Ally from 2023 will remain available, possibly with discounts.
Regarding a potential ROG Ally 2, Asus aligns with Valve’s strategy of waiting for a substantial performance leap before launching a successor, rather than incremental upgrades.
Although there are no plans for an aftermarket battery upgrade for existing Ally owners, Asus promises a significant software update with Armory Crate SE 1.5. This update not only brings a fresh interface and improved navigation but also enables players to share their game-specific button configurations with fellow Ally users.
Asus remains committed to Windows for its gaming handhelds, citing reasons such as the inclusivity of various game platforms and maintaining partnerships with Microsoft. While conversations with Valve have occurred, Asus emphasizes its philosophical and logistical alignment with Microsoft’s OS. Stay tuned for further insights into Asus’s reasoning in an upcoming story. The official announcement for the ROG Ally X is scheduled for June 2nd.
