In April, Asus introduced the ROG Ally handheld console in two variants: a $700 model featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and a more budget-friendly $600 option with the standard AMD Ryzen Z1. Initial reviews for the pricier model have generally been positive, and now, the brand has begun shipping the $600 version as well.
The $600 AMD Ryzen Z1 shares all its key specifications with the Z1 Extreme model, including 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB of storage, a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, and a 40Wh battery.
The primary difference in this version of the ROG Ally is the inclusion of the Ryzen Z1 APU, equipped with six CPU cores, whereas the Ryzen Z1 Extreme features eight CPU cores. The integrated GPU (iGPU) in this model has 4 Compute Units (CUs). Overall, both the GPU and CPU performance are slightly reduced compared to the Extreme editions. Some independent testers have even suggested that the Steam Deck outperforms this device at 15W.
Putting other details aside, Asus has reduced the initial price of the ROG Ally featuring the Ryzen Z1 by $100. This adjustment is aimed at appealing to a broader audience of gamers looking to enter the world of handheld gaming. The new starting price of $599 is expected to attract a wider range of customers, as ASUS strives to strike a balance between performance and affordability.
