ASUS is gearing up to launch the ROG Ally 2, and early leaks suggest it could be one of the most polarizing handhelds of the year. The first images of the upcoming device have surfaced online—and let’s just say the internet already has opinions. Departing from the sleek, compact design of the original ROG Ally, the second-gen model looks bulkier, with oversized grips and a silhouette that resembles a fusion between the PlayStation Portal and a touchscreen-equipped GameCube controller. On the upside, this chunkier form factor seems tailor-made for long gaming sessions with improved ergonomics.
Two color variants have been spotted: one in white and one in black. According to FCC filings and hardware labels, the black model (RC73XA) packs serious power, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip built on the Zen 5 architecture, with 8 cores and a 36W TDP. It also sports a whopping 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 8533 MT/s—making it easily the most powerful handheld console we’ve seen to date.
Meanwhile, the white variant (RC73YA) appears to be aimed at budget-conscious gamers. It’s powered by the AMD Aerith Plus chip, a successor to the Steam Deck’s Van Gogh APU, with 4 cores and a 20W TDP. Charging speeds also differ: 100W for the black model and 65W for the white, hinting at larger batteries inside.
What’s really sparking speculation, though, is the presence of an Xbox-branded button on the black unit. While the white console features a similar button without any branding, the black version’s badge is fueling rumors of a deeper collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. Both devices are expected to run Windows 11, but there’s growing chatter about the black model including a dedicated Xbox launcher or gaming mode. If true, it could signal a strategic move to strengthen Xbox’s footprint in the handheld space—currently dominated by Valve’s open-source-friendly Steam Deck.
Design-wise, the Ally 2 ditches the minimalist aesthetic of its predecessor in favor of function-over-form. Thick bezels, beefy grips, and dual USB-C ports on top emphasize power and versatility over portability. The display appears to measure between 7.4 and 8 inches, now supporting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate—an essential upgrade for fluid gameplay. However, as Mobilissimo noted in its review of the ROG Ally X, high-end performance may still come with a tradeoff: modest battery life, especially on the Ryzen Z2 Extreme variant.
ASUS is expected to officially unveil the ROG Ally 2 lineup at Computex 2025, but with detailed leaks and FCC docs already out, most of the major specs are no longer a mystery. One thing’s clear: this is shaping up to be a love-it-or-hate-it device. Hardcore gamers will appreciate the raw power and Xbox synergy, while others may balk at its heft and revised look. Still, ASUS seems determined to challenge the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go with a dual-strategy approach—offering one chassis, but two very different configurations for premium and mid-range buyers.
Would you go all-in on power with the Xbox-flavored Ally 2, or stick with the sleeker, more budget-friendly white model?
via videocardz/91mobiles
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