Excitement is building in the gaming community as several leaked photos of the upcoming ASUS ROG Ally 2 handheld gaming device have surfaced online. These images reveal a prototype version of the device, showcasing both black and white model variants. The release is expected to occur in 2025, and rumors suggest a collaboration with Xbox, making this an eagerly anticipated addition to the handheld gaming market.
The information surrounding the ASUS ROG Ally 2 comes from a variety of reputable sources, including 91 Mobiles, FCC filings, Video Cards, and Windows Central. This leak provides gamers with a first look at what ASUS has in store for its next-generation handheld consoles.
Design and Specifications
The black variant of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is particularly noteworthy due to its powerful hardware. It is rumored to be equipped with AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, boasting eight cores and a maximum thermal design power (TDP) of 36 watts. This impressive setup is expected to come with either 32 or 64 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, operating at an astounding 8,533 MHz. This combination suggests that this model will cater to gamers who demand high performance and speed.
In contrast, the white model of the Ally 2 is anticipated to feature the AMD AIF Plus chip, which is believed to be a successor to the Steam Deck Van Go APU. This variant contains four cores and operates at a more energy-efficient 20 watts, making it a potentially more affordable option for gamers looking for a balance between performance and power consumption.
Storage and Display Features
Both models of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 will be equipped with a 2280 M.2 NVME internal drive, ensuring ample storage for games and applications. The display is expected to be a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which closely resembles the panels used in the original ROG Ally. While the devices haven’t been powered on in the leaked photos, the FCC sticker confirms the LCD touchscreen, indicating that OLED might not be included in this iteration.
Ergonomics and User Experience
One of the significant design changes in the ROG Ally 2 is its ergonomic grip. Unlike the sharper edges found in previous models like the RG Ally and Ally X, the new device appears bulkier but more comfortable to hold. This improvement is likely to enhance the gaming experience, as comfort during prolonged play is essential.
Another notable feature is the addition of a new third left armory crate button, which is speculated to be a dedicated Xbox button. This could allow for customizable mapping to enhance user experience, especially for those who play games across different platforms.
Collaboration with Xbox
The collaboration between ASUS and Xbox has generated significant buzz, particularly with the speculation surrounding a handheld device named Project Kennon. Windows Central initially reported on this partnership, claiming that both companies are working together to create a more Windows-friendly handheld gaming experience.
Both versions of the ROG Ally 2 are expected to run on Windows 11, featuring dedicated enhancements designed to improve usability on a handheld device. This means gamers can expect access to a wide range of services, including the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, and third-party platforms like Steam.
Leaked UI and Future Expectations
Recently, leaked materials of a new Xbox UI mockup surfaced, showcasing the Steam label. This suggests that Microsoft is preparing to integrate Steam into its ecosystem, potentially allowing seamless access to game libraries through the Microsoft and Game Pass applications. This move aligns with the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which aims to provide gamers with more flexibility and options.
Moreover, a teaser released on the official RG Global YouTube channel hinted at a merging of the ROG Ally and Xbox controller designs, further fueling speculation about the capabilities and features of these upcoming handhelds.
Conclusion
As we await the official announcement of the ASUS ROG Ally 2, expected to take place at Computex 2025 from May 20th to 23rd, the excitement around these leaks continues to grow. With impressive hardware, ergonomic design changes, and a collaboration with Xbox, the ROG Ally 2 could be a game-changer in the handheld gaming market. Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check out Video Cards and Windows Central for further details on this highly anticipated device.
Credit: Deck Wizard
