The ASUS ROG Ally handheld console has launched a new version with a Ryzen Z1 chip, offering consumers another choice in handheld gaming devices. This release comes shortly after Steam Deck announced a price reduction. The ROG Ally is priced at $599, making it an interesting alternative. In this article, we delve into the detailed specifications, features, and pricing of this new product offering from ASUS.

Specifications: An Overview

The new ROG Ally handheld model goes by the identifier RC71L-Z1512 and comes equipped with a Ryzen Z1 processor. The processor features a 6-core Zen4/Zen4c APU and 4 RDNA3 compute units. When it comes to storage, this model offers 512GB, although there is no information available yet regarding 256GB or 1TB models.

Comparison with Previous Model

It’s essential to note that the new model is less powerful than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme version. Specifically, the GPU performance of the new model is significantly lower compared to the 8-core Zen4 and 12 CU RDNA3 in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Nevertheless, it is $100 cheaper, retailing at $599 in the United States.

Display and Memory Features

The device features a 7-inch 120Hz display with a 1080p resolution. Furthermore, it supports AMD FreeSync Premium and FSR (FidelityFX) and RSR (Radeon) super-resolution technology. The console comes with 16GB LPDDR5-6400 memory, a feature that users cannot upgrade manually.

Expandability with XG Mobile External Graphics Card

Similar to its Ryzen Z1 Extreme counterpart, the Z1 version also offers support for the XG Mobile external graphics card expansion. The connection to this external graphics card is enabled through a dedicated interface provided by ASUS. It’s worth noting, however, that the price of the external graphics card surpasses that of the console itself.

Availability and Pricing

The new version of the ASUS ROG Ally handheld console can now be purchased from BestBuy and ASUS official stores in the United States. In China, the availability is limited to the more powerful Z1 Extreme version, which is priced from 4,999 yuan (approximately RMB 4367).

Summary and Conclusion

ASUS has launched a new ROG Ally handheld console version featuring a Ryzen Z1 chip. This model offers lower performance than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme but comes at a reduced price. With its less powerful specifications but more affordable price tag, it presents another option for handheld gaming enthusiasts, particularly in the context of recent price reductions for competing products like the Steam Deck.

The device’s notable features include a 7-inch 120Hz display with advanced resolution technology, 16GB of non-upgradable memory, and the capability for external graphics card expansion. It is now available for purchase in the United States, giving consumers an intriguing new alternative in the handheld gaming console market.

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