ASUS ROG Ally – the joke that was actually real!
On April 1st, 2023, the tech world was abuzz with the announcement of the ROG Ally, a handheld gaming device from ASUS. At first glance, it seemed like an elaborate April Fools’ prank – a powerful, Windows-powered gaming machine that could rival the popular Steam Deck. However, as the days passed, it became clear that the ROG Ally was no joke, but a real product that would soon hit the market.
The Initial Skepticism
When the ROG Ally was first unveiled on April 1st, many tech enthusiasts and gamers were skeptical. After all, it’s not uncommon for companies to pull off elaborate pranks on April Fools’ Day, and the timing of the announcement seemed too convenient. The device’s impressive specs, including a custom AMD Ryzen Z1 APU with Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 graphics, a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, and the ability to connect to external GPUs, seemed too good to be true.
Adding to the confusion was a LinkedIn post from Shawn Yen, ROG’s head of project management, who referred to the ROG Ally as an “A-lie,” further fueling the belief that it was just an April Fools’ joke.
The Reveal
However, the skepticism didn’t last long. On April 2nd, ROG Japan tweeted about the ROG Ally, emphasizing that it was no longer April 1st, hinting that the device was indeed real. The following day, ROG North America confirmed the existence of the ROG Ally, telling fans to “stay tuned for more.”
As more details emerged, it became clear that ASUS had been working on the ROG Ally for over five years, and it was no mere prank. The company had collaborated with AMD to develop the custom APU, and the device was designed to compete directly with the Steam Deck, offering superior performance and a higher-resolution display.
The Success Story
Since its official launch in June 2023, the ROG Ally has been a resounding success, garnering praise from tech reviewers and gamers alike. Its powerful hardware, sleek design, and compatibility with a wide range of PC games have made it a compelling alternative to traditional gaming laptops and desktops.
One of the key factors contributing to the ROG Ally’s success is its versatility. Unlike the Steam Deck, which is primarily focused on running games from the Steam library, the ROG Ally runs Windows 11, allowing users to access a vast array of games from various platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and more.
The device’s performance has also been a standout feature. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, the ROG Ally can handle even the most demanding AAA titles, delivering smooth gameplay and impressive visuals on its 1080p display. And for those seeking even more power, the ROG Ally can be connected to an external GPU, further enhancing its capabilities.
Despite its impressive hardware, the ROG Ally’s design has not been overlooked. The handheld gaming device boasts a sleek, ergonomic form factor that is both comfortable to hold and easy to carry around. Its dual fans and advanced cooling system ensure that the device remains cool and quiet, even during intense gaming sessions.
The Takeaway: Lessons Learned
The success of the ROG Ally serves as a valuable lesson in the tech industry – sometimes, what seems like an April Fools’ joke can turn out to be a groundbreaking product. It’s a reminder to approach announcements and claims with an open mind and to exercise sound judgment before dismissing them as mere pranks.
Moreover, the ROG Ally‘s triumph highlights the importance of innovation and pushing boundaries. By daring to challenge the status quo and offering a unique solution to portable gaming, ASUS has not only captured the attention of gamers but has also set a new standard for handheld gaming devices.
As the tech world continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more innovative products that challenge our preconceptions. The ROG Ally’s journey from an apparent April Fools’ joke to a smashing success serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to take risks.
In the end, the ROG Ally’s success is a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely ideas can become game-changers, and that’s what makes the tech industry so exciting and unpredictable.
The ASUS ROG Ally is still available in the Philippines. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 edition is currently on sale until April 30, 2024 for PhP32,995 with bundled freebies worth PhP6,500.
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Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
