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[Bernoulli]

Asus introduced its first handheld gaming console, that is, the ROG Ally in India and globally last year. The device runs the Windows 11 and it capable of providing a complete Windows experience along with all the benefits of a gaming PC. During our conversation, Arnold shared that Asus is planning to bring a successor to the device sometime this year.

"…we most likely will launch a second generation [handheld gaming console] this year. We will still keep the Windows features, but we will focus more on gaming," he told Techlusive.

He also talked at length about the kind of response that ROG Ally has received in India in less than a year since its launch. "…in India we sold around 70,000 – 80,000 units," he said adding in India it was mostly the early adopters who purchased this gaming console as opposed to the developed countries that have a higher PC penetration rate.

ASUS to launch second generation ROG Ally in 2024, says Arnold Su

Asus India kicked off 2024 by launching its first consumer PC in India today. The company launched the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED in India today. This new laptop will go on sale in India starting January 30

www.techlusive.in

 

[Gamezone]

Sure, why not? I love that companies now are making handhelds.

 

[Tomi]

Never had problems with asus gear
Gonna buy new gen for sure!

 

[Klosshufvud]

Sweet, bring it on. I hope they opt for a bigger battery this time around, 8' 16:10 display, PS-style dpad and functional MicroSD slot (lol). Those changes would elevate a great handheld to the highest levels.

It's no surprise a new model is coming so soon. This is a market that's currently on fire. I see lots of people opt for these handhelds rather than big chunky laptops.

 

[DenchDeckard]

I'm in day one.

Hall effect sticks and a better battery and it's perfect.

Mooooarrrr powaaaa

 

[Skifi28]

They really do believe in generations.

 

[Sleepwalker]

Oled or no buy

 

[Xyphie]

These kinds of devices should be updated when a new processor is available at a minimum, which is roughly a yearly cadence. AMD looks to be releasing their Strix Point (Zen5/RDNA3.5) APU in the second-half of this year and it's a drop-in replacement for the FP7 package the ROG Ally uses so the timeline is correct.

 

[balls of snow]

All in favor. Keeps Valve from being complacent with the steamdeck 2 later on.

 

[ChuckeRearmed]

I wonder what hardware it will use.

 

[Klosshufvud]

These kinds of devices should be updated when a new processor is available at a minimum, which is roughly a yearly cadence. AMD looks to be releasing their Strix Point (Zen5/RDNA3.5) APU in the second-half of this year and it's a drop-in replacement for the FP7 package the ROG Ally uses so the timeline is correct.

The graphical performance gains from Strix Point over Phoenix are modest at best. I would bet my money they will stick to their Z1 Extreme "custom" chip for this year aswell. ASUS is already providing driver support for the Z1E so I don't think they will fragment that software support by opting for a new, more expensive chip without the performance gains to justify it. Rather I would expect an SDOLED-like revision.

 

[Dr.D00p]

The first thing on their to do list will be repositioning the SD Card slot

 

[saobang3886]

- Fix SD card slot.
- Hall joystick + Trigger.
- OLED screen.
- 32GB Ram.
- 50 Whr Battery.
- Bottom USB 4 port.
- 8840U or Z2 extreme chip.

This better call Rog Ally Ultra because APU power not much different.

 

[onnextflix5]

Keep the same chip, 4nm?
Much better battery life.
much better dpad.
option to install steam os,

 

[Papa_Wisdom]

Wish companies would go all in on small form factor pcs with a bit more power than these handhelds (with more power that can deal with temps etc in that form) I’d be all about something like that.

 

[Gamezone]

Oled or no buy

Yeah, but budget options are needed.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

All in favor. Keeps Valve from being complacent with the steamdeck 2 later on.

Valve:

 

[crackajack]

Wish companies would go all in on small form factor pcs with a bit more power than these handhelds (with more power that can deal with temps etc in that form) I’d be all about something like that.

Would not surprise me if Steammachines are coming back, in various power levels. From stationary maxed/overclocked Steamdeck hw to a variant with a 4090. Just saving on the Windows license and pre installing Steam OS would be a kinda big deal for PC gaming especially in emerging markets for a minimum variant. Would be kinda weird to not expand the use of Steam OS since most work should already be done in regards to making games even compatible.
People even seem to have fallen in love with Steam OS, even though compatibility is not 100%. Linux guys should push/ work with Valve to make any regular Linux a viable gaming platform too.

 

[Papa_Wisdom]

Would not surprise me if Steammachines are coming back, in various power levels. From stationary maxed/overclocked Steamdeck hw to a variant with a 4090. Just saving on the Windows license and pre installing Steam OS would be a kinda big deal for PC gaming especially in emerging markets for a minimum variant. Would be kinda weird to not expand the use of Steam OS since most work should already be done in regards to making games even compatible.
People even seem to have fallen in love with Steam OS, even though compatibility is not 100%. Linux guys should push/ work with Valve to make any regular Linux a viable gaming platform too.

That would be amazing, I still have and use my Alienware alpha r2 as a main device and yeah it’s getting really long JB the tooth now (I’ve upgraded the processor to the best you can put in it, 16 gig ram etc) and use the amp with a 1660 super In it atm.

If I could get something similar aesthetically I would be all over it. Would probably replace all consoles for me.

 

[Topher]

He also talked at length about the kind of response that ROG Ally has received in India in less than a year since its launch. "…in India we sold around 70,000 – 80,000 units," he said adding in India it was mostly the early adopters who purchased this gaming console as opposed to the developed countries that have a higher PC penetration rate.

What's funny about this is that IGN reported on this article and repeated that Rog Ally "sold around 70,000 – 80,000 units", but somehow neglected to include the words "In India".

Asus ROG Ally 2 to Arrive Sometime in 2024, Says Vice President

Here's what to expect from ROG Ally successor.

in.ign.com

 

[Danknugz]

they chose "ally" because "friend" was too demeaning

 

[Trogdor1123]

Is there even a new chip to replace the old one?

 

[Topher]

Is there even a new chip to replace the old one?

I don't think there is word on that yet. At this point, I'm expecting an Steam Deck OLED type upgrade. If nothing else, improve that battery life.

 

[Stamps1646]

I'm all for more PC handhelds, but please stay away from Windows OS.

 

[xrnzaaas]

Isn't that too soon? I mean I get it, a handheld device shouldn't be on the market for like 6-7 years without significant performance upgrades, but it feels like Ally 1 just came out.

 

[Minsc]

Isn't that too soon? I mean I get it, a handheld device shouldn't be on the market for like 6-7 years without significant performance upgrades, but it feels like Ally 1 just came out.

This is how gaming laptops work. New editions 1-2 times a year.

 

[Topher]

This is how gaming laptops work. New editions 1-2 times a year.

Yeah, pretty common especially when we are talking about devices where new components are introduced on a yearly basis.

 

[Kuranghi]

Sweet, bring it on. I hope they opt for a bigger battery this time around, 8' 16:10 display, PS-style dpad and functional MicroSD slot (lol). Those changes would elevate a great handheld to the highest levels.

An 8' display? Christ that's gonna be hard to travel with, more for in the house this one I think

they chose "ally" because "friend" was too demeaning

ROG Frennnnnnnd? *goblin smile*

 

[Klosshufvud]

An 8' display? Christ that's gonna be hard to travel with, more for in the house this one I think



ROG Frennnnnnnd? *goblin smile*

8' handhelds aren't that much bigger. And since Ally v2 needs a larger battery, they really need to make the device slightly bigger and heavier anyways. Might aswell use that fact to put in a larger 16:10 display

 

[Kuranghi]

8' handhelds aren't that much bigger. And since Ally v2 needs a larger battery, they really need to make the device slightly bigger and heavier anyways. Might aswell use that fact to put in a larger 16:10 display

8' means 8 feet
8" means 8 inches

 

[Hohenheim]

What do you guys think is a realistic upgrade for this "Rog Ally 2" later this year? The Z2 extreme is not announced yet, and in order to beef up the performance something like that is needed, right?

ASUS decribed it as the "next generation" Ally, but If it's only a updated (Oled?) screen, better battery, smaller bezels and maybe hall sticks (for example).. is that enough to call it "new generation Rog Ally" if the hardware is the same?

That being said, if they upgrade all the things mentioned above + better sticks, i'll definitly be interested.

 

[Topher]

What do you guys think is a realistic upgrade for this "Rog Ally 2" later this year? The Z2 extreme is not announced yet, and in order to beef up the performance something like that is needed, right?

ASUS decribed it as the "next generation" Ally, but If it's only a updated (Oled?) screen, better battery, smaller bezels and maybe hall sticks (for example).. is that enough to call it "new generation Rog Ally" if the hardware is the same?

That being said, if they upgrade all the things mentioned above + better sticks, i'll definitly be interested.

I think Z1 Extreme is still plenty powerful enough. OLED, improved sticks and battery life have to be priority in my opinion. I'm also hoping for the option for Steam OS.

 

[diffusionx]

These kinds of devices should be updated when a new processor is available at a minimum, which is roughly a yearly cadence. AMD looks to be releasing their Strix Point (Zen5/RDNA3.5) APU in the second-half of this year and it's a drop-in replacement for the FP7 package the ROG Ally uses so the timeline is correct.

I really think they should only make new ones when there is a material improvement in performance. I also think Valve has an advantage here, as devs are now setting up Deck profiles for their games and making sure they work, almost like a console. So the fact that it is not as powerful on paper as the other devices doesn't matter as much.

 

[Topher]

I really think they should only make new ones when there is a material improvement in performance. I also think Valve has an advantage here, as devs are now setting up Deck profiles for their games and making sure they work, almost like a console. So the fact that it is not as powerful on paper as the other devices doesn't matter as much.

Battery life can't be an afterthought here either when considering the latest and greatest processors. To really see the benefits of these more powerful chips, you have to ramp up the wattage. If that gives you less than an hour of playtime without having to plug in, is it worth it?

 

[Little Chicken]

Gotta get as much market share as they can before the Xbox handheld comes

 

[Xyphie]

I really think they should only make new ones when there is a material improvement in performance. I also think Valve has an advantage here, as devs are now setting up Deck profiles for their games and making sure they work, almost like a console. So the fact that it is not as powerful on paper as the other devices doesn't matter as much.

There's a material improvement in PPA metrics, otherwise Strix Point wouldn't happen. The new SoC (should be announced around Computex in ~2 months) is a drop-in replacement for what they're already using, you literally solder another chip to the board, flash a newer firmware and you're done. You need to stop thinking about these devices as anything other than a laptop without a keyboard, because that's the only thing they are from a hardware POV.

 

[Esppiral]

They are going to saturate the market and we all know how this end.

 

[IAmRei]

This become chore for me. Its like phone, not console or handheld. User is expected to buy upgrades like pc. This is why i'm on console/handheld, i dont have to keep update each update to stay updated :/

 

[Dorfdad]

Wishlist- 1080p 8.5-9 inch screen oled, up to 32 gb Ram, 50% cpu bump, 50% Gpu bump 10-12gb dedicated ram, hall sticks, build in back stand, stripped down version of windows for gaming. Updated FSR capabilities, 2 usbc/thunderbolt4 ports for standard egpu connecticty.

699 price point

 

[ChuckeRearmed]

Battery

 

[Topher]

There's a material improvement in PPA metrics, otherwise Strix Point wouldn't happen. The new SoC (should be announced around Computex in ~2 months) is a drop-in replacement for what they're already using, you literally solder another chip to the board, flash a newer firmware and you're done. You need to stop thinking about these devices as anything other than a laptop without a keyboard, because that's the only thing they are from a hardware POV.

But there are fundamental differences in handhelds and laptops when it comes to battery life and heat dissipation. I don't want to be tethered to a wall or a power brick when I'm playing on a handheld. I don't think twice about that with a laptop because I'm not holding it up. Same when it comes to heat.

 

[Xyphie]

But there are fundamental differences in handhelds and laptops when it comes to battery life and heat dissipation. I don't want to be tethered to a wall or a power brick when I'm playing on a handheld. I don't think twice about that with a laptop because I'm not holding it up. Same when it comes to heat.

Again, the new chips are meant to drop-in replacements in the same motherboard and chassi designs. Nothing really changes thermally with the same configured TDP. Strix Point will be better than Phoenix Point was at the same power, or the same performance at lower power.

 

[Topher]

Again, the new chips are meant to drop-in replacements in the same motherboard and chassi designs. Nothing really changes thermally with the same configured TDP. Strix Point will be better than Phoenix Point was at the same power, or the same performance at lower power.

I was talking about your assertion that handhelds are simply laptops without keybaords.

 

[Xyphie]

I was talking about your assertion that handhelds are simply laptops without keybaords.

Yes, that's what they fundamentally are. How is a ROG Ally meaningfully different from .e.g. Zenbook running a 7840U if you removed the keyboard and stuck some controllers to the screen?

 

[Diseased Yak]

I really want to get an Ally, but head already read rumors of this happening. Day one for sure, unless there's some oddball design decision I hate.

 

[DR3AM]

Love my ROG. Next verison needs to have a kick stand.

 

[Diddy X]

Good that they release new more powerful handhelds, current ones are all too weak for my taste.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Hopefully they can somehow get a better chip.

I'm looking forward to improved battery, hall effect sticks and oled.

 

[Topher]

Yes, that's what they fundamentally are. How is a ROG Ally meaningfully different from .e.g. Zenbook running a 7840U if you removed the keyboard and stuck some controllers to the screen?

Ah....you mean a handheld vs laptop with the exact same (or comparable) internals? Ok.....I misunderstood. With a laptop, you can put a mobile version of the 4090 in it and that changes things drastically. But I get your point now.

 

[Ozriel]

I really think they should only make new ones when there is a material improvement in performance. I also think Valve has an advantage here, as devs are now setting up Deck profiles for their games and making sure they work, almost like a console. So the fact that it is not as powerful on paper as the other devices doesn't matter as much.

Most times - for AAA games - the Deck profiles are running at very low settings, 30fps.

More powerful hardware takes that same profile as a starting point and then improves performance and visuals.