Gaming handhelds continue to evolve rapidly as manufacturers race to capture the portable gaming market. Asus has just teased its second-generation ROG Ally, promising significant improvements over its predecessors while potentially featuring deeper Xbox integration.
The Next Evolution of ROG Ally
Asus has officially teased its next-generation ROG Ally gaming handheld through a short 34-second video on social media. While the video doesn't show the actual device, it provides several hints about what gamers can expect from this upcoming portable powerhouse. The teaser features the ROG mascot working on the new device with screen text highlighting four key improvements: marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds, and fresh look! These phrases clearly suggest enhanced battery life, increased storage options, improved performance, and a redesigned chassis compared to the current models.
Possible Xbox Integration
Interestingly, Xbox responded to Asus's announcement with a side-eye emoji, fueling speculation about potential deeper integration between the two brands. There have been reports of Microsoft working with Asus on a project codenamed Kennan to create an Xbox handheld competitor to the Steam Deck. While it's unclear whether this new ROG Ally will feature a full Xbox OS or simply enhanced Xbox software integration on Windows 11, the connection between the two companies appears to be strengthening. The teaser also shows both the original ROG Ally and the ROG Raikiri Pro controller (an Xbox-licensed controller) being merged together, further hinting at this collaboration.
Hardware Expectations
The new ROG Ally will likely be powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2 chipset, representing a significant upgrade over the Z1 Extreme found in current models. This should deliver the faster speeds promised in the teaser. Battery life has been a consistent criticism of the original ROG Ally, so the marathon stamina improvement would address one of the device's key weaknesses. Storage capacity will also see an increase, potentially matching or exceeding the 1TB offered in the ROG Ally X model released in 2024.
| Current ROG Ally Models | Price |
|---|---|
| ROG Ally X (1TB) | USD $799.99 |
| Original ROG Ally | Price varies (likely reduced) |
Expected Improvements in Next-Gen ROG Ally:
- Battery life ("marathon stamina")
- Storage capacity
- Processing speed (likely AMD Ryzen Z2)
- New physical design
Market Positioning and Pricing
While no official pricing has been announced, industry speculation suggests the next-gen ROG Ally could enter the market at approximately USD $799. This would position the current ROG Ally X at a reduced price point of around USD $699, creating a tiered product strategy. The original ROG Ally with Z1 Extreme processor could see further price reductions, making it an attractive entry-level option for budget-conscious gamers.
Release Timeline
Asus hasn't confirmed a release date, but based on the company's previous product launch patterns, we might expect more detailed information during either Computex 2025 or Summer Games Fest. It's worth noting that the original ROG Ally was first teased on April 1, 2023, exactly two years before this new announcement, suggesting Asus may be establishing a pattern for its product reveal cycle.
Building on Previous Improvements
The ROG Ally X, released in 2024, addressed many of the shortcomings of the original model while maintaining the same processor. The next-generation device appears poised to combine these refinements with updated internal components, potentially creating the most complete version of Asus's gaming handheld vision. With competitors like Valve's Steam Deck and Lenovo's Legion Go firmly established in the market, and Nintendo's Switch 2 on the horizon, Asus is clearly working to maintain its competitive position in the increasingly crowded handheld gaming space.