Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld.

Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld.

      Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

      The handheld gaming market evolves rapidly, and that’s why a recently leaked ASUS device seems somewhat lackluster on paper. A new listing indicates that ASUS is getting ready to release another ROG Ally handheld, but rather than introducing a significant redesign, it appears the company may simply be updating the internal components. The leak points to an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor at the core of the device, implying a mid-generation upgrade instead of a true successor.

      This isn’t necessarily negative news. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme is anticipated to be a competent chip for portable gaming. However, handheld gamers are increasingly seeking more than just a processor enhancement.

      A familiar approach with updated hardware

      The listing doesn’t provide much information beyond the processor. Essential aspects such as display technology, battery capacity, RAM, storage options, and the final design remain undisclosed. This leaves ample opportunity for speculation but also makes the device seem less thrilling than some fans might have anticipated. If the leak is correct, ASUS appears to be following the same strategy many laptop manufacturers take: refresh the internals, maintain most of the hardware, and prolong the product's lifespan.

      For current ROG Ally owners, that might not be sufficient motivation to upgrade. A more intriguing rumor revolves around what the handheld is lacking. Earlier speculation suggested ASUS could experiment with Intel’s Arc-powered gaming silicon. Instead, the company seems to be sticking with AMD once again.

      The display could be a deciding factor

      If ASUS aims for this refresh to stand out, the screen might be its greatest opportunity. The handheld market has evolved significantly since the original ROG Ally was released. The Steam Deck OLED has raised the bar for display quality, while larger-screen devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. An OLED panel or a larger 8-inch display would greatly enhance the appeal of the new handheld.

      Unfortunately, early indications suggest that may not be the case. If the references in the product identifier are correct, ASUS might continue to use a 7-inch display. That’s where potential disappointment arises. A faster processor is always beneficial, but gamers typically focus on the screen every moment they use a handheld. If ASUS launches another 7-inch LCD device with only minor upgrades elsewhere, it risks coming off as a simple spec bump in a market that has already advanced. For now, one thing seems certain: a new ROG Ally is on the horizon — whether it feels genuinely innovative is an entirely different matter.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the tech space.

      AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 GRE boasts impressive 1440p performance claims, but at $549, it may be hard to justify the price tag.

      Radeon RX 9070 GRE goes global after making its debut in China.

      The Radeon RX 9070 GRE has launched worldwide at Computex 2026. AMD first unveiled the RDNA 4-based GPU in China in May 2025, marking this as an expanded release rather than a completely new graphics card. It will be available from board partners starting June 2, in both reference and overclocked versions, with a suggested retail price of $549.

      Alienware’s new gaming monitors feature increased brightness and refresh rates, with prices starting at $300.

      Alienware introduces four new screens over 30 inches, enhancing brightness, faster refresh rates, and economical 240Hz options.

      Alienware has launched four new monitors at Computex 2026, catering to nearly every segment that serious PC gamers are interested in. Its latest gaming monitors include brighter OLEDs, quicker ultrawide refresh rates, and a 240Hz QHD monitor priced at $299.99 within one launch timeframe. The range features a 39-inch 5K OLED flagship, a 34-inch 280Hz QD-OLED ultrawide, and two 240Hz QHD LCD models available in 32 and 34 inches. This variety allows Alienware to offer a premium product while bringing fast QHD screens closer to the mainstream upgrade market.

      MSI’s upcoming gaming monitor can switch between three different resolutions and refresh rates.

      Why purchase three monitors when MSI offers one premium option?

      Gaming monitors have increasingly become one of the most competitive categories in PC hardware. Over recent years, brands have rushed to enhance refresh rates, improve OLED technology, decrease response times, and create brighter displays. Despite these upgrades, buyers typically have to choose one experience — either a high-speed esports monitor with lower resolution or a high-resolution OLED screen geared more toward cinematic gaming. At Computex 2026, MSI seems to be addressing this compromise with the introduction of the MSI MPG OLED 322URDX36, which it claims is the world’s first triple-mode QD-OLED gaming monitor.

Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld. Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld.

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Asus may face a chip disappointment with its upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld.

A recently leaked ASUS handheld might offer a quicker chip, but the absence of one enhancement could leave gamers unsatisfied.