The ROG Ally handheld gaming device has had its proper reveal, confirming various details about the device's capabilities with more news to come at the official launch event on May 11. The ROG Ally handheld gaming device is one of the first to challenge Valve's Steam Deck, and it's coming out swinging.
The Steam Deck has been a decent success for Valve, proving that there is a market for high-end handheld gaming devices. Asus initially announced its ROG Ally high-end handheld gaming device on April Fools' Day, but later clarified that it wasn't a joke and is in fact a full-fledged machine to rival Valve's Steam Deck.
The ROG Ally is still without a price or release date, but that information will likely come at the special launch event, scheduled to take place on May 11 at 10am ET. In the meantime, some key details have been revealed about the device itself. The ROG Ally utilizes Windows 11, and an AMD RyzenTM Z1 series processor with RDNATM 3 graphics. This should mean that the ROG Ally is not only capable of playing smaller-scale indie games, but bigger AAA games as well. Those worried about the device overheating when trying to run the more demanding games on the market should note that the device boasts a Zero Gravity thermal system comprised of dual-fans, an ultra-thin heatsink, and high-friction heat pipes to keep its temperature under control.
With the ROG Ally running on Windows 11, the device has easy access to Steam as well as the Xbox Game Pass library of games. While it's possible to access Game Pass on a Steam Deck, it will be a lot more convenient for ROG Ally users to do so. ROG Ally is actually offering a bundle that includes a 90-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, meaning early adopters will be able to choose from hundreds of different games at launch.
Anyone sold on the ROG Ally even without knowing its price should note that the device is going to be exclusive to Currys in the UK, in select Currys stores and online storefronts. It's unclear what this means for the ROG Ally outside the UK, but again, more information on that front should come to light at the May 11 event.
If the pricing is right for the ROG Ally, it should prove to be a serious competitor to the Steam Deck. It's pulling out all the stops, and it will definitely be exciting to learn more about the ambitious new handheld come May 11.