Back in April, Asus unveiled the ROG Ally handheld console in two versions – a $700 model featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and a more affordable $600 variant with the standard AMD Ryzen Z1. Reviews about the pricier model have mostly been positive, and now the brand has started shipping the $600 version as well.

Asus ROG Ally

The $600 AMD Ryzen Z1 shares all of its key specifications with the Z1 Extreme model like 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB storage, a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, and a 40Wh battery.

The main change in this version of the ROG Ally is the inclusion of the Ryzen Z1 APU, which boasts six CPU cores. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme on the other hand has eight CPU cores. The iGPU onboard features 4 Compute Units (CUs). Overall, the performance on both GPU and CPU fronts is a bit cut down compared to the Extreme editions. Some independent testers have also claimed that the Steam Deck offers better performance compared to this machine at 15W.

Setting other details aside, Asus has reduced the initial cost of the ROG Ally featuring the Ryzen Z1 by $100. This adjustment aims to cater to a wider audience of gamers eager to enter the realm of handheld gaming. This new starting price of $599 may attract a broader audience, as ASUS aims to strike a balance between performance and affordability.

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