Reports from tech news outlet 91mobiles and prominent leaker Huang514613 on X (formerly Twitter) have unveiled details about ASUS’s upcoming ROG Ally 2 series. The leaks suggest that ASUS is preparing to launch two distinct models: a sleek black edition featuring a dedicated Xbox Button, and a white model with slightly less powerful specifications aimed at a broader consumer base.
Two Models of ROG Ally 2 Leaked
The upcoming ROG Ally 2 lineup, much like its predecessor, seems to follow a familiar strategy by offering different performance tiers. The black variant, prominently featuring the Xbox Button, is expected to deliver higher performance, while the white model targets users seeking a more accessible and budget-friendly option. This approach is reminiscent of the first-generation ROG Ally, which similarly offered two models: one powered by AMD’s Z1 chip (4 Compute Units) and another featuring the more powerful Z1 Extreme (12 Compute Units), with a modest USD100 price difference between them. Furthermore, ASUS is reportedly maintaining its commitment to the x86 architecture for the ROG Ally 2 lineup. As a result, users can expect broad compatibility with existing PC games and software.
The inclusion of a dedicated Xbox Button on the black ROG Ally 2 variant pretty much highlights Xbox’s plans for an Xbox handheld. Despite this addition, current information indicates that the device will likely run on the familiar Windows 11 operating system, rather than a custom-built OS optimised specifically for handheld gaming. I do believe that the Xbox Button primarily functions as a quick access key to the Xbox Game Bar, mirroring its role on desktop PCs. Tech enthusiasts and gamers are eagerly awaiting an official announcement to see if Microsoft has implemented deeper software-level optimisations or exclusive features for this collaboration.
High-End Black Model Boasts Ryzen Z2 Extreme
Rumours suggest that AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip powers the black ROG Ally 2 model under the hood. This powerful APU reportedly features an eight-core configuration (3x Zen 5 + 5x Zen 5c) with 16 threads, akin to the Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360. However, it is expected to boast a significantly more capable integrated GPU in the form of a Radeon 890M with 16 Compute Units and a configurable TDP (Thermal Design Power) ranging from 15W to 35W. Further specifications for this high-end model allegedly include support for up to 64GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory, a spacious 2TB NVMe SSD for storage, and rapid 100W charging capabilities. Sources describe the display as a vibrant 7-inch touch-enabled LCD panel (likely IPS) that delivers a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
White Model Features Unannounced AMD “Aerith Plus” APU
An unannounced APU from AMD, identified by the OPN code “100-000001835,” powers the intriguingly listed white ROG Ally 2 model, which features 16GB of RAM, a similar 7-inch 120 Hz display, and support for 65W charging. Current information suggests that this new APU, codenamed “Aerith Plus,” could be a successor or a refresh of AMD’s “Von Gogh” architecture, which currently powers the popular Steam Deck handheld console.
According to the leaker, this “Aerith Plus” APU, purportedly part of AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series and dubbed “Ryzen Z2 A,” will feature a quad-core layout with a TDP ranging from 6W to 20W. Specific details regarding its architecture and integrated GPU remain unknown at this time. It’s safe to expect more information about these new handhelds and both ASUS and AMD will likely unveil AMD’s latest silicon at the upcoming Computex trade show in Taipei.
