ASUS initially teased the ROG Ally, their first-ever gaming handheld, on April 1st, which made many people skeptical about its authenticity. However, the company has now confirmed that the product is indeed real and will be available soon, posing a potential challenge to the Steam Deck in the gaming handheld market.
While the company hasn’t officially released the specifications, several tech YouTubers, including Linus and Dave2D, have already posted hands-on videos of the prototype.
According to ASUS, the Ally boasts twice the performance of the Steam Deck, thanks to a custom AMD 4nm Zen 4-based APU. Its 7-inch screen, which boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, also sets it apart from its rival, offering twice the resolution and refresh rate. With a brightness of 500 nits, the display promises to deliver stunning visuals even in bright environments.
The Aus ROG Ally will offer twice the performance of the Steam Deck, thanks to its custom AMD 4nm Zen 4-based APU. It features a 7-inch 16:9 screen with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, offering twice the resolution and refresh rate of the Steam Deck, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits.
In terms of features, the ROG Ally has shoulder buttons, a 3.5mm audio jack, a microSD slot (UHS-II), volume rockers, a fingerprint sensor, and a connection port for the ASUS XG Mobile external GPU that can support up to RTX 4090 and output 4K via the display port. The device also has a USB Type-C port for charging at 65W, an M.2 2230 SSD, and should come with up to 1TB storage options.
The ASUS ROG Ally seems to be designed with gamers in mind, as it offers a range of features that can enhance the gaming experience. The shoulder buttons can provide more control over the gameplay, while the 3.5 mm audio jack can allow for a better audio experience. The microSD slot can be useful for expanding the storage for games, and the volume rockers can be handy for adjusting audio levels during gameplay.
The fingerprint sensor can add an extra layer of security to the device, while the ASUS XG Mobile external GPU can provide a boost in performance for demanding games. This can be especially helpful for gamers who want to play high-end games with high settings. The ability to output 4K via the display port when connected to the eGPU can also enhance the visual experience.
The USB Type-C port used for charging at 65W can provide fast charging for the device, which can be helpful for gamers who don’t want to be tethered to a wall outlet during long gaming sessions. Additionally, the M.2 2230 SSD with up to 1 TB storage option can allow gamers to store a large number of games without worrying about running out of storage space.
The ROG Ally also features a cooling system with a heat pipe and two-element heat sinks, which is designed to dissipate heat efficiently and keep the device running smoothly during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, there are vents on the top and intake ports on the back of the device, which help to keep the temperature down and prevent overheating.
According to early hands-on reviews, the cooling system on the ROG Ally is much quieter than that of the Steam Deck, which is a welcome improvement for gamers who prefer a more silent experience.
The company has created a page on their website for North America and Canada, where interested users can sign up to be notified when the device is available for pre-order and purchase.
ASUS has expressed its confidence in the competitive pricing of the ROG Ally, which is expected to be released later this year. While it is not yet known how much it will cost, ASUS has indicated that it will be priced competitively. It remains to be seen whether the ROG Ally will be able to compete with the Steam Deck, which has generated a great deal of buzz since its announcement. It will likely take a few more months before the public can compare the two devices in terms of pricing, features, and overall performance.
Source: YouTube (1), (2)