YouTube channel iFixit highlights that the ASUS ROG Ally could have much more benefits over the “undisputed champion of PC-based gaming handhelds”, Valve’s Steam Deck. Whereas it’s effectively documented that the Home windows gadget could be extra performant, it seems that ease of restore may additionally be in its favor.
It solely takes the removing of 6 Philips screws and a few clips to get entry to the insides of the ASUS ROG Ally, as seen within the latest video by iFixit. As soon as face-to-face with the interior elements, they commend the simply detachable 40Whr battery, which is a “direct distinction” to the glued in battery as discovered within the Steam Deck. In addition they reward the ROG Ally for how straightforward it’s to take away the M2 drive, which could be changed with a bigger 1TB or 2TB drive should you’re hungry for some additional area.
Not like different well-known handhelds available on the market, the thumbsticks are simpler to repair too, because it solely takes the removing of two screws and a ribbon cable to separate them. Nonetheless, iFixit clarify that as a result of they’re constructed equally to the thumbsticks discovered within the Nintendo Swap, they’re inclined to points like drift.
Additional examination of the hand held reveals the simple technique of eradicating the followers, which could be taken out individually if needing to get replaced, or the whole cooling system could be eliminated simply in a single go. The one main challenge iFixit confronted was with the display, which is hooked up with loads of adhesive and could also be tough to take away.
Though the ASUS ROG Ally wins over its rival in ease of repairability, the absence of official assist for replaceable components from ASUS means the hand held doesn’t but reign supreme over its Steam Deck rival. There’s nonetheless no phrase on when, if ever, ASUS plans to introduce substitute components, however we’ll preserve our fingers crossed.
Take a look at our Asus ROG Ally evaluation for a deep dive into the workings of the hand held, and see if it’s the fitting PC gaming handheld for you.
Function picture supply: iFixit.
