The Asus ROG Ally 2 Might Have an Xbox Button and Wonky Grips

The Xbox handheld is reportedly real, and it already appears actually unusual in comparison with PC handhelds we’re used to. Leaked photographs discovered on authorities certification websites provide a glimpse into what is probably going Asus’ upcoming ROG Ally 2. It’s a successor to the ROG Ally released in 2023 and anticipated to have a extra highly effective processor and a devoted Xbox button. Whereas the Asus-Microsoft handheld is popping away from the Steam Deck’s brick-like design, the thought of contoured grips often is the factor that takes this machine excessive.

91Mobiles found entries at Indonesia’s certification workplace referencing two new fashions for the Asus ROG Ally 2, and VideoCardz dug up Wi-Fi module listings from the U.S. Federal Communications Fee that you could now see for your self. Judging by the timing for these filings, we might see the brand new ROG Ally 2 PC handheld and the Xbox model as quickly as this month, maybe through the Computex computing convention in Taipei, Taiwan set for Might 19.

ROG Ally 2
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Included within the leaked specs and pictures are two fashions of the supposed sequel to the ROG Ally (although we anticipate the actual deal received’t be completely filthy with fingerprint smudges). Each the black and white variations home a separate button to the left of what’s usually the swap to entry Asus’ Armoury Crate software program. The black model contains an overview for what seems to be the Xbox emblem, which signifies this could possibly be the machine’s rumored Xbox button. The swap might enable fast entry to the Xbox app or another operate for the mannequin working Home windows. We received’t know till we ultimately see it in particular person.

Specs-wise, the ROG Ally 2 could possibly be on the upper finish of contemporary handhelds with a 7-inch, 120Hz LCD show and an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip that was introduced alongside the Lenovo Legion Go 2 again throughout CES 2025. The black Xbox model could also be much more highly effective. That APU (accelerated processing unit) is an 8-core processor with a max 36W TDP (thermal design energy), permitting it to attract extra energy from the battery for higher in-game efficiency. The much less highly effective Ally 2’s processor sits at a mere 4 cores with a 20W TDP. It’s very near the processor that’s within the Steam Deck. It might be nearer in efficiency to the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go based mostly on the chipmaker’s Zen 3 structure discovered within the Legion Go S. The highest-end Ally 2 might have as much as 64GB of RAM. The variations noticed on the Indonesia listings reportedly got here with as much as 2TB of storage.

Essentially the most putting side of the brand new design is the 2 molded grips on both finish of the machine. Whereas it appears odd in comparison with the standard brick-like Steam Deck or older ROG Ally design, it truly jogs my memory extra of the Xbox controller—in a great way. All of us gave a little bit chuckle again when Sony launched its PlayStation Portal because it was basically a PlayStation DualSense controller cut up in half with a show within the center. However, hell, I benefit from the really feel of each the DualSense and Xbox controllers that contour across the palm. The one hangup I can see is whether or not your palms might dig into the sharp corners the place the grips meet the machine’s most important physique.

There’s a purpose these designs for controllers stick round. Essentially the most snug handheld I’ve used is the 8-inch Legion Go S with its bigger grips, however that machine suffered from decrease efficiency contemplating its $730 price ticket. Each ROG Ally 2 fashions ought to have two USB-C ports on the highest of the machine (none on the underside, apparently). The brand new handhelds also needs to have two again buttons, similar to the unique ROG Ally.

The $800 Asus ROG Ally X stood out from the pack due to its bigger quantity of RAM mixed with an 80Wh battery that helped it last more than different PC handhelds. We’ve but to do our personal checks of the Z2 Excessive APU past dealing with making an attempt out the Legion Go 2 earlier this 12 months. It appeared highly effective sufficient, however time will inform how a lot. Because it stands, the Intel Lunar Lake-powered MSI Claw 8 AI+ beats the Ally’s Z1 Excessive chip in uncooked efficiency, but it surely now costs $1,000 and also you’d be fortunate to get one within the states. Judging by rising costs in all places, we don’t anticipate the ROG Ally 2 might be an affordable machine by any customary.