Recently, Asus has been making headlines with the leak of their upcoming ROG Ally 2 gaming handheld, revealing a surprising twist: the device will come in two versions, one of which will feature a dedicated Xbox button. According to Dominic Preston, about two months ago, Microsoft was reported to be collaborating with Asus on a project codenamed “Project Kennan,” which is now believed to be the black version of the ROG Ally 2. The white version, meanwhile, represents the standard model. The leaked photos show a small Xbox logo button in the top-left corner of the black version, a distinguishing feature from the vanilla model where this area is obscured in the images but is expected to have a different function or be removed in the final product. The certification details and hardware specifications from Indonesian regulatory websites and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) indicate that the ROG Ally 2 will retain its predecessor's 7-inch, 120Hz LCD display. However, the key difference lies in the processor configurations. The black Xbox-branded version is equipped with a powerful 8-core, 36W AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, while the white standard version features a less potent 4-core, 20W chip. This performance gap suggests that the Xbox version is aimed at more serious gamers. Design-wise, the new ROG Ally 2 undergoes significant changes. Each edge of the device now sports a molded grip, replacing the block-like sloped design of the original ROG Ally. These modifications make the new version appear bulkier but also promise better ergonomics and grip comfort. The design is reminiscent of the Xbox controller, which could appeal to fans of the console. Some critics, however, express concern about the sharp corners at the junction between the grips and the main body, potentially causing hand discomfort during extended play sessions. Both models include additional features like side buttons and dual USB-C ports on the top. The high-end black version is expected to boast up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, further separating it from the standard white model. Asus is known for its high-performance gaming laptops and accessories, and the ROG Ally lineup has been particularly popular due to its robust configuration and large battery capacity. For instance, the ROG Ally X, launched earlier this year, comes with 80Wh of battery power and extended RAM, resulting in a notable improvement in battery life. Priced around $800, the ROG Ally X has proven to be a strong contender in the market. In comparison, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which uses an Intel Lunar Lake processor, offers slightly better performance but is priced at $1,000 and faces supply issues in the U.S. market. Given the rising costs of components and manufacturing, the ROG Ally 2 is unlikely to be a budget-friendly device. However, if Asus can maintain a competitive price point while enhancing performance and battery life, the new掌机 might stand out against existing competitors like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. The unique design and superior hardware configuration of the ROG Ally 2, especially the Xbox version, could offer a distinct advantage and attract a broader user base. Industry insiders are particularly excited about this collaboration, seeing it as a strategic move by Microsoft to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles and PC platforms. The partnership with Asus, a leader in gaming hardware, underscores Microsoft's commitment to innovation and versatility in gaming. This move could also introduce new competition in the handheld gaming market, encouraging other manufacturers to innovate and improve their offerings. Asus, known for its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, has a strong track record in producing high-quality gaming hardware, ranging from laptops to peripherals. This new project with Microsoft highlights their ability to develop cutting-edge technology and their understanding of what gamers want in a handheld device. If the ROG Ally 2 meets the high expectations set by the collaboration and the leaked specifications, it could become a game-changer in the mobile gaming landscape. In summary, the upcoming Asus ROG Ally 2 gaming handheld is poised to enter the market with two versions, each targeting different segments of the gaming community. The black Xbox version, featuring a dedicated Xbox button and a powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, aims to appeal to serious gamers. Meanwhile, the white standard version, with its 4-core 20W chip, caters to those who prefer a balance between performance and cost. Both versions come with ergonomic improvements and maintain the high standards set by the original ROG Ally. With Asus's reputation in gaming hardware and Microsoft's push for a more diverse gaming ecosystem, the ROG Ally 2 is expected to make a significant impact in the handheld gaming market. The collaboration between Asus and Microsoft on the ROG Ally 2 is seen as a win-win scenario by industry experts. Microsoft gains a foothold in the mobile gaming segment, while Asus benefits from the strong brand recognition of Xbox, potentially boosting sales. If the pricing remains reasonable and the performance lives up to expectations, the ROG Ally 2 could challenge dominant players like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, offering consumers a compelling alternative with advanced features and better gaming experiences.