If you have been holding out for a price drop on current gaming handhelds or waiting for the next true performance leap, the market is about to get very interesting. Newly leaked details regarding the upcoming ASUS ROG Ally 2 reveal massive internal upgrades that will not only set a new benchmark for portable PC gaming, but will almost certainly push current-generation models into deep discount territory.
The leaks indicate that ASUS is prepping two separate devices, potentially including an official Xbox-branded variant alongside the standard ROG Ally 2. Inside, the platform is expected to make the jump to AMD’s next-generation Ryzen Z2 Extreme architecture, alongside an updated APU design. Backing up the new silicon is a massive memory upgrade, with configurations rumored to scale up to an unprecedented 64GB of ultra-fast LPDDR5 RAM running at 8533MHz, directly resolving the memory-bandwidth bottlenecks that limit current handheld chips.
- Next-Gen AMD Silicon: Expected to utilize the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and an updated “Aerith Plus” APU to deliver significant performance and power-efficiency gains over current Z1 Extreme devices.
- Massive Memory Speed and Capacity: Leaks suggest configurations with up to 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM clocked at 8533MHz, offering the bandwidth integrated graphics need to run AAA titles smoothly.
- Dual-Model Strategy: Rumors point toward both an ROG Ally 2 and a potential Xbox-branded handheld collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft.
- Inventory Clearance Ahead: The arrival of a true second-generation Ally means retailers and secondhand markets will soon see heavy discounts on original Z1 and Z1 Extreme models.
Bottom line: Enthusiasts looking for maximum handheld power should wait for the ROG Ally 2’s official unveiling, while value-focused gamers should get ready to pounce on original ROG Ally units as prices inevitably plunge.
