The Next ASUS ROG Ally?
In an interesting turn of events, ASUS Republic of Gamers teased about the next ROG Ally this morning. ASUS will hold a livestream later at 3AM of May 10, Philippine Time and I cannot wait to see what is next in store for us, handheld PC gamers.
Get rid of the Micro SD Card Issue
The original ROG Ally suffered from a major flaw that caused Micro SD cards to become unusable or “toasted” due to the placement of the card slot. This issue was a significant inconvenience for users who relied on Micro SD cards for additional storage or game installations.
The problem stemmed from the design of the Micro SD card slot, which placed the cards in close proximity to the device’s heat source. Over time, the excessive heat exposure would degrade and ultimately render the Micro SD cards unusable. This issue was particularly frustrating for users who had invested in high-capacity Micro SD cards to expand the Ally’s storage capabilities.
To address this problem, ASUS needs to redesign the Micro SD card slot placement in the next-generation ROG Ally. By positioning the slot away from heat sources and ensuring proper insulation, the company can prevent premature card failure and provide a reliable storage solution for users.
Add another Type-C port at the bottom
One of the standout features of competing handheld gaming devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and the GPW Win series is the inclusion of two Type-C ports. This design choice offers users greater flexibility and convenience when it comes to charging, connecting external displays, or using dongles and peripherals.
The current ROG Ally, however, only has a single Type-C port, which can be limiting in certain scenarios. For instance, if a user wants to charge the device while simultaneously outputting the display to an external monitor or using a dongle, they would need to rely on additional adapters or hubs, adding complexity and potential compatibility issues.
By incorporating a second Type-C port on the bottom of the next-generation ROG Ally, ASUS can provide users with a more streamlined and versatile experience. This addition would allow for simultaneous charging and peripheral connectivity, eliminating the need for additional adapters and enhancing the overall usability of the device.
Increase the battery capacity
One of the most critical aspects of a handheld gaming device is its battery life. The original ROG Ally, while impressive in many regards, fell short in terms of battery capacity compared to some of its competitors.
Longer battery life not only allows for extended gaming sessions on the go but also provides peace of mind for users who may not have immediate access to a power source. With the increasing demand for high-performance gaming and the power-hungry nature of modern games, a larger battery capacity is essential to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience.
ASUS should prioritize increasing the battery capacity in the next-generation ROG Ally. By incorporating a higher-capacity battery or optimizing power management, the company can offer users longer playtimes and reduce the need for frequent recharging, enhancing the overall portability and convenience of the device.
Put a better APU
The original ROG Ally was the first handheld gaming device to feature the AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme APUs, setting a new standard for performance in the handheld gaming market. However, as technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for ASUS to stay ahead of the curve and incorporate the latest and most powerful APUs in the next-generation ROG Ally.
AMD is expected to announce the new generation of Ryzen Z series APUs this year, and it is imperative for ASUS to leverage these advancements in their upcoming device. A more powerful APU would not only provide a significant boost in gaming performance but also enable smoother multitasking, improved graphics rendering, and better overall system responsiveness.
By incorporating the latest Ryzen Z series APU, ASUS can ensure that the next-generation ROG Ally remains competitive and offers users a cutting-edge gaming experience that rivals or surpasses its predecessors and competitors.
32GB RAM
While 16GB of RAM is generally considered sufficient for most gaming and productivity tasks, there are compelling reasons why having 32GB of RAM in a handheld gaming device like the ROG Ally can be advantageous.
Increased RAM capacity allows for more efficient multitasking, smoother game performance, and the ability to run more resource-intensive applications simultaneously. Additionally, as game developers continue to push the boundaries of graphics and gameplay complexity, having ample RAM can future-proof the device and ensure a seamless gaming experience for years to come.
Handheld gaming devices from manufacturers like AYN and GPD have already embraced the benefits of 32GB RAM in their flagship models, providing users with a performance edge and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
By incorporating 32GB of RAM in the next-generation ROG Ally, ASUS can position the device as a true powerhouse in the handheld gaming market, capable of handling even the most demanding games and applications with ease.
The next-generation ASUS ROG Ally has the potential to be a game-changer in the handheld gaming market, but only if ASUS addresses the shortcomings of the previous model and incorporates the improvements outlined above. By fixing the Micro SD card issue, adding an additional Type-C port, increasing battery capacity, incorporating a more powerful APU, and offering 32GB of RAM, ASUS can deliver a truly exceptional handheld gaming experience that meets the evolving needs and expectations of gamers worldwide.
As for me, I cannot wait to learn more from their livestream later at 3am. Until then, check out our previous ASUS ROG Ally coverage.
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.
