ROG is among the most recognisable gaming manufacturers on this planet, however Asus has by no means made a handheld console… till now.
The ROG Ally was initially regarded as a joke when teased on April Idiot’s Day, though it’s since been confirmed as an actual product. As a Home windows 11 handheld powered by AMD, comparisons to the $399/£349 Steam Deck are inevitable.
However might the Ally be considerably costlier? Asus has solely confirmed it’ll be underneath $1,000 up to now, with particular pricing not revealed till a separate launch occasion on 11 Could.
Efficiency is clearly a high precedence, although, with the brand new Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Excessive processors supposedly the quickest we’ve ever seen in a handheld console. AMD is
Alongside RDNA 3 graphics and as much as 16GB of DDR5 RAM, AAA gaming is anticipated to be a key power of the Ally.
Like Valve’s Steam Deck, it has a 7in show. However the Full HD (1920×1080) decision is increased, whereas the gadget has a 120Hz refresh price relatively than the usual 60Hz. A most brightness of 500 nits, versus 400 on the Steam Deck, also needs to enhance visibility in sturdy gentle.
It’s additionally a touchscreen with 7ms response time, however the Ally is designed to predominantly be used with the controls on both facet. These are arrange within the acquainted Xbox-style format, however not like the Nintendo Swap, can’t be indifferent for modular gaming.
Asus (edited)
As a substitute, you need to use the ROG XG Cellular eGPU to stream video games to your TV, utilizing the Ally as a wi-fi controller. It’s the identical accent that’s out there for the ROG Circulation Z13 gaming pill however stays an optionally available additional.
Working Home windows 11 means the ROG Ally has entry to all the identical video games as any PC or laptop computer, whether or not it’s by way of the Steam Retailer, Epic Video games Retailer or elsewhere. However all purchases embody a 90-day free trial of Xbox Sport Cross Final, after which it prices $14.99/£10.99 monthly.
Different options of observe embody twin, front-facing audio system, a sophisticated dual-fan cooling system and a fingerprint sensor constructed into the facility button. You additionally rise up to 512GB of inner storage, which could be expanded additional by way of a microSD card. It weighs simply 608g, however the white end you see right here is the one color choice.
Battery capability is one thing we nonetheless don’t know, and it might make or break the ROG Ally. That is anticipated to be revealed on the launch occasion on 11 Could, alongside full pricing and availability. However Currys is already confirmed to be the unique retailer for the ROG Ally within the UK.