Asus ROG Ally 2: Leaks Point to Bigger, Chunkier Design and Possible Xbox Collaboration

For months, the tech world has been abuzz with whispers and teases surrounding a new iteration of Asus’s handheld gaming PC, the ROG Ally. The anticipation has been fueled by a steady stream of leaks and official breadcrumbs, culminating in a recent reveal via the US FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The FCC seemingly got its hands on not one, but two versions of what’s being dubbed the "ROG Ally 2," and the details are certainly intriguing.

The leaked images showcase two distinct models: a white version that retains the original ROG Ally’s design language, albeit with noticeable differences, and a black version that sports a familiar Xbox button. While the presence of an Xbox button might seem like a minor detail, it hints at a potential collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, sparking speculation about a possible Xbox-branded handheld in the future.

Both the white and black versions of the device appear to be larger and more substantial than their predecessor. A key difference lies in the addition of an extra button located above the D-pad. On the black model, this button features the iconic Xbox logo, instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. This aligns with the teaser trailer released by Asus, which prominently featured both ROG and Xbox branding.

Moreover, industry insiders have been whispering about a more definitive Xbox-branded handheld for some time now. Microsoft has been actively pushing the concept of the Xbox platform extending beyond traditional console hardware, further fueling speculation about a potential collaboration with Asus on a dedicated handheld device.

Adding weight to the leaks, a listing from Indonesia was reportedly linked to the FCC filing by Twitter/X user Huang514613, a known source for hardware leaks. While independent verification of the FCC regulatory photos remains elusive, their style and format are consistent with the agency’s documentation practices.

Beyond the Xbox button, other noteworthy details can be gleaned from the leaked images. The Verge reports that the most striking difference compared to the original ROG Ally and Ally X lies in the redesigned handles. These new handles are more defined and controller-styled, extending further from the main body and designed for enhanced comfort during extended gaming sessions. While distinct handle protrusions aren’t entirely new to the handheld gaming PC market, this would mark the first instance of such a design feature from a major PC manufacturer.

Zooming in on the leaked photos reveals further details about the ROG Ally 2’s specifications. Based on stickers affixed to the rear of the device, it appears that it will retain the same 7-inch 120Hz screen as its predecessor, boasting a resolution of 1920×1080. At least one version of the device will feature 32GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample memory for demanding games.

According to VideoCardz.com, the more powerful black model will be equipped with an 8-core, 36-watt processor branded as the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, coupled with an impressive 64GB of RAM. This is likely to be a different implementation than the similarly-branded Ryzen Z2 found in Lenovo’s latest handheld. Given that an integrated graphics system shares memory between Windows operations and the GPU, this configuration could potentially transform the ROG Ally 2 into a true portable powerhouse.

The two models identified by the stickers—RX73XA (black) and RC73YA (white)—correspond to listings from the Korean RRA (Radio Research Agency) certification agency. It’s important to remember that listings at the FCC and other regulatory agencies primarily indicate certification testing and don’t necessarily guarantee a retail release. However, considering the numerous leaks and official teases, it’s highly probable that these devices will see the light of day this year.

The timing of these leaks is particularly interesting, as Computex in Taipei, a major technology trade show, is just around the corner. Asus is likely to showcase its latest innovations at the event, potentially including the highly anticipated ROG Ally 2.

The redesigned handles, the potential Xbox collaboration, the upgraded processor and RAM, all point to Asus’s intention to deliver a superior handheld gaming experience. The ROG Ally 2 is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering enhanced performance, improved ergonomics, and potentially a closer integration with the Xbox ecosystem.

If the leaks are accurate, the ROG Ally 2 represents a bold step forward for Asus in the handheld gaming PC market. By incorporating features that cater to both PC and Xbox gamers, Asus is aiming to create a versatile and powerful device that appeals to a wider audience. Whether it will be a simple collab or an Xbox-branded system remains to be seen.

The combination of increased power, improved comfort, and potential Xbox integration could make the ROG Ally 2 a compelling alternative to existing handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. As Computex approaches, the world eagerly awaits the official unveiling of the ROG Ally 2 and the confirmation of its specifications and features. The ROG Ally 2 has the potential to redefine the handheld gaming PC landscape and solidify Asus’s position as a leader in the gaming hardware market.