We all remember the ASUS ROG tweet on 1 April announcing a handheld game console, not because it was a world-first for ASUS, but because no-one could figure out if the brand was serious or playing in to the now expected April fools’ Day pranks from tech brands.
It turns out that the handheld is indeed real and not a prank.
Today, Republic of Gamers (ROG) officially unveiled the ROG Ally, an incredibly powerful new Windows 11 gaming handheld.
Incredible AMD-powered performance
It features an all-new purpose-built Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) – AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor with RDNA 3 graphics and ROG’s Zero Gravity thermal system, which uses a dual-fan system with ultra-thin heatsink fins and high-friction heat pipes.
The device is equipped with a 120 Hz full HD (1080p) panel with FreeSync Premium support, has a max brightness of 500 nits, and the touchscreen display can be used to navigate the Windows desktop when you need to change settings or install your next game.
Full-fledged Windows 11 gaming
Yup, the ROG Ally runs Windows 11, which, according to ASUS, means “gamers can access all of their publisher libraries and game streaming services on a single device.”
Additionally, a Special Edition of Armoury Crate makes its debut with the Ally, customised with quick performance mode toggles, a game launcher, in-game monitoring software, Aura Sync support, and more. ROG is also offering a bundled 90-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Ergonomic and lightweight design
The Ally weighs in at just 608 grams (1.34 lbs) and has handgrips with unique triangle texturing on the rear. ROG styling lines adorn the palm side of the grip while also helping to reduce any accidental slipping.
The official ROG Ally launch event will be held on May 11th, 2023 with keynote will starting at 4pm South African time, followed by a panel discussion with Shawn Yen, Product Management Director of Gaming Business Unit from ASUS, Roanne Sones, CVP, Head of Xbox Hardware, and Frank Azor, Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions and Gaming Marketing from AMD to talk about the design story of the ROG Ally and its impact on the gaming landscape.
To access the ROG Ally event site, please visit: https://rog.gg/ALLY_m
