The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the first photos of the Asus ROG Ally 2 have emerged online, thanks to recent regulatory listings. What’s intriguing about this release is that there are two distinct versions of this highly anticipated gaming handheld, one of which comes with a dedicated Xbox button. This development aligns with earlier reports indicating that Microsoft is collaborating with Asus to create an Xbox-branded handheld codenamed “Project Kennan.”
The two versions of the Asus ROG Ally 2 include a sleek black model, which features a small button in the top-left corner, adorned with an engraved Xbox logo. In contrast, the standard white version of the ROG Ally 2 does not include this button, although it is anticipated that the button will either be replaced or removed entirely in the final production version.
According to reports from 91mobiles, listings for the ROG Ally 2 have been discovered in Indonesian certification documents. Additionally, VideoCardz has linked these findings to an FCC listing that showcases the Wi-Fi module present in both devices, complete with images of the hardware. This FCC listing has also disclosed some preliminary specifications, including a 7-inch, 120Hz LCD display, which mirrors the display size of the first generation of the ROG Ally.
The Xbox edition of the ROG Ally 2 is powered by an 8-core, 36W AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, offering a performance boost compared to the standard white version, which is equipped with a 4-core, 20W chip. These upgrades suggest that the Xbox edition is geared towards providing a more robust gaming experience.
The design of the ROG Ally 2 has also seen significant changes. The new model features more molded controller grips along the edges, moving away from the previous blocky and sloped design of the original ROG Ally. While this change may result in a slightly thicker overall appearance, it is likely to enhance user comfort during extended gaming sessions.
With the certification process already underway, enthusiasts can expect a launch announcement in the near future. Asus has a history of unveiling new hardware at major events, such as Computex, which is set to commence on May 20th—just one day after Microsoft’s Build conference on May 19th. This timing could mean that the ROG Ally 2 will be showcased to the public very soon.
As the gaming handheld market continues to evolve, the Asus ROG Ally 2, with its innovative features and performance upgrades, is poised to make a significant impact. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official release.
