Tag: Asus ROG Ally

  • Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Ally is priced at $499.99, making it more affordable than competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck OLED.
    2. It features impressive performance with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, capable of handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
    3. The device offers versatile connectivity with the Asus XG Mobile port, allowing for a hybrid setup with high-performance graphics options.
    4. The display is a standout feature, boasting a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD with AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay.
    5. Battery life is limited to just under an hour of AAA gaming, but upgrade options are available to extend capacity to 74 Wh.

    The Asus ROG Ally hit the market soon after the Valve Steam Deck, which marked a new era for handheld gaming. It quickly gained attention as a faster, although pricier, choice for Windows gamers compared to the Linux-based Steam Deck. However, thanks to a fresh deal from Best Buy, the Asus ROG Ally is now priced at just $499.99. This is lower than the Lenovo Legion Go, which is $749.99, and the Steam Deck OLED, priced at $549. It also matches a previous Black Friday offer on Amazon for the same price. Plus, Best Buy adds extra value by including a free official Asus ROG Ally Travel Case and a month of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.

    Impressive Performance

    When we first examined the Asus ROG Ally at its launch, the performance and efficiency of the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme really stood out. This 7-inch gaming device can handle complex and demanding 3D titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, with impressively high frame rates, despite having a somewhat weaker integrated graphics unit.

    Versatile Connectivity

    The CPU performance is comparable to that of similar gaming laptops, and the addition of Asus’s XG Mobile port makes it an excellent choice for a hybrid setup using a docking station at your desk. We tested it with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 in an Asus XG Mobile and found it to perform admirably, often outperforming many gaming laptops equipped with the same 4090 graphics card at higher resolutions.

    Display Quality

    The display is another highlight, featuring a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD that provides sharp images, good colors, and minimal response times. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync is especially beneficial since you may find yourself playing games at slightly lower frame rates at times, making the ability to prevent screen tearing essential.

    While the battery on the original Asus ROG Ally, rated at 40 Wh, is somewhat limited, offering just under an hour of AAA gaming on battery power, there are upgrade options available on Amazon for $49.99 that can increase the battery capacity to a robust 74 Wh.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or offer discussed in this article was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time limitations and/or restricted availability of units.

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  • Reddit User Transforms eBike Battery into 24-Hour ROG Ally Power Bank

    Reddit User Transforms eBike Battery into 24-Hour ROG Ally Power Bank

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit user connected an eBike battery to an ASUS ROG Ally X, creating a potentially large power bank for the device.
    2. The user designed a custom adapter to safely convert the eBike battery’s 48 volts for use with the ROG Ally via USB.
    3. This setup allows for gaming sessions of up to 24 hours without needing a power outlet.
    4. Community reactions were mixed, with some praising the innovation while others raised safety concerns about the voltage.
    5. The project highlights user ingenuity and the potential for DIY solutions in extending the functionality of tech devices.

    In a remarkable turn of events in the world of tech, a Reddit user has ingeniously connected their eBike battery to an ASUS ROG Ally X. The results are nothing short of impressive, as user DoggoLord27 may now possess the largest power bank for the ROG Ally. It’s worth noting the word “may,” since the r/ROGAlly subreddit consistently showcases users who are eager to maximize the longevity of their ROG Ally devices.

    Innovative Adapter Design

    The original poster sourced a large battery from an electric bike, which delivers a high voltage of 48 volts. They crafted a custom adapter that converts this power into a format that the ROG Ally gaming device can utilize via a standard USB port. This clever adapter ensures that the electricity from the bike battery is modified to a safe level, preventing any damage to the gaming device.

    Extended Gaming Sessions

    With this configuration, users can enjoy gaming sessions lasting up to 24 hours without the need to connect to a power outlet. The OP embarked on this project mainly as a fun DIY experiment, illustrating the potential of a sizable e-bike battery to extend the playtime of gaming devices far beyond what typical portable chargers can offer.

    Mixed Reactions from the Community

    Reactions on the subreddit varied. One user, u/lildinkyactivist, mentioned, “I just hook mine up to a Jackery,” which would be just as impressive if accurate. Meanwhile, u/Aflux suggested that this modification could be a great solution during power outages. However, some users expressed safety worries, with u/Competitive-Will-701 inquiring, “Are you doing a voltage step-down? Because 48 volts can do some damage to your battery.” The OP clarified that a special block is used to step down the voltage, from up to 72V to 12V. Others, like u/kellven, simply expressed admiration, exclaiming, “This is a really cool idea.”

    All in all, examples of user ingenuity like this highlight the practical applications of technology in everyday life. In an era where companies increasingly exert control over the ports of handheld consoles owned by users, it’s quite refreshing to witness a device that seems designed to endure serious experimentation by its users.

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    Reddit User Transforms eBike Battery into 24-Hour ROG Ally Power Bank

     

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  • Rog Ally Z1 Extreme Gets 80Wh Battery Upgrade for Longer Life

    Rog Ally Z1 Extreme Gets 80Wh Battery Upgrade for Longer Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ASUS ROG Ally is a popular and affordable handheld gaming device, but it has a limited battery life of about 2 hours during gameplay due to a 10W consumption.

    2. Users have explored battery modifications, such as upgrading from a 40Wh to an 80Wh battery, to enhance the device’s longevity, with significant improvements reported.

    3. A user reported that after upgrading to an 80Wh battery and using SteamOS, standby time increased to around 8 hours, with over 6 hours of playtime at lower power settings.

    4. Comparisons show that while the modified ROG Ally performs well on SteamOS, the ROG Ally X with a similar battery offers different performance metrics, indicating potential efficiency differences between the operating systems and hardware.

    5. iFixit provides a detailed DIY guide for upgrading the ROG Ally’s battery, requiring basic tools and careful handling, with the project estimated to take 2–3 hours.

    The ASUS ROG Ally stands out as one of the most sought-after and budget-friendly handheld gaming devices on the market today, serving as a straightforward entry point for both PC and handheld gaming enthusiasts. Nevertheless, a notable drawback of the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is its limited battery life. With a consumption of about 10W, users can expect roughly 2 hours of gameplay.

    Battery Mods for Improved Longevity

    Over time, numerous ROG Ally users and creators have explored battery modifications to extend the life of their handheld gaming machines, addressing the single significant concern with this otherwise impressive gadget. Recently, a mod was shared on Reddit by user u/BetweenInkandPaper, who upgraded their ROG Ally Z1 Extreme’s battery from 40Wh to 80Wh, using a battery sourced from AliExpress. It’s important to note that the modified ROG Ally in question is equipped with SteamOS rather than Windows 11, which inherently provides a notable boost in energy efficiency.

    Enhanced Performance After Upgrade

    After the upgrade to an 80Wh battery, u/BetweenInkandPaper reported significant enhancements in battery performance. While using SteamOS, the standby duration has increased to about 8 hours. The user noted that with DeckyTDP capped at 30W, the APU is restricted to 30 watts, but the overall system consumes around 40W due to other components like the display and fans, yielding roughly 2 hours of active playtime. When operating at a lower 15W TDP, with a total power draw of about 11W, they claim the Ally can last over 6 hours.

    Comparing Battery Efficiency

    These figures are quite remarkable, maybe even a bit too good to be true. In a thorough comparison by The Phawx, the ROG Ally X, which features a similarly sized 80Wh battery and a more efficient APU, as shown in the YouTuber’s analysis, offers around 4–5 hours of standby time, 6 hours at 15W TDP, and 3 hours at 30W TDP when running Windows 11. Conversely, the Redditor asserts that their modified OG Ally on SteamOS achieves approximately 8 hours of standby, exceeding 6 hours at 15W, and about 2 hours at 30W.

    The discrepancies, particularly in standby and light usage scenarios, don’t quite align. This could stem from SteamOS being considerably lighter and more power-efficient compared to Windows. Furthermore, The Phawx points out that the Ally X consumes less total system power at the same TDP, suggesting better efficiency at the hardware level. Whether the differences are due to the operating system, adjustments, or optimizations in hardware is hard to determine, but it’s a fascinating observation worth noting.

    DIY Battery Upgrade Instructions

    For those interested in enhancing their ROG Ally’s battery from 40Wh to 80Wh, iFixit has released a comprehensive step-by-step guide for a DIY battery modification. This procedure entails replacing the original battery with an Asus A42N1403 laptop battery and fitting a custom 3D-printed backplate to accommodate the larger battery size. The project is of moderate difficulty, estimated to take around 2–3 hours, and requires basic tools and careful handling during disassembly. You can find the complete guide on iFixit for further details.

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  • Steam Games Now Accessible on Xbox App for Windows Handhelds

    Steam Games Now Accessible on Xbox App for Windows Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft announced two new Xbox handheld gaming devices in partnership with Asus, distinct from the Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X.
    2. A redesign of the Xbox app is in progress, specifically tailored for handheld gaming to compete with the Steam Deck.
    3. The updated Xbox app allows integration of games from other platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net, currently available to Xbox Insiders.
    4. Supported game stores for the Xbox app include Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and potentially others like Steam and Epic Games Store, with automatic library updates for installed games.
    5. New features in the Xbox app include the ability to search the library by publisher and manage settings for included stores, enhancing user navigation and experience.

    At the start of June, Microsoft revealed two new Xbox handheld gaming devices created in partnership with Asus. While they have similar names, these devices are not the same as the Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, even though Microsoft is also incorporating Windows 11. To enhance its competitiveness against the Steam Deck, Microsoft is planning a redesign of the Xbox app, tailoring it specifically for handheld gaming.

    New Features for Gamers

    To make it easier for users to access games without switching constantly between the Xbox app and other launchers like Steam, the Epic Games Store, or Battle.net, Microsoft has rolled out an update for the Xbox app. This update now allows games from those platforms to be added to the Xbox library and launched directly from the Xbox app itself. Currently, this feature is exclusive to Xbox Insiders, which are members of Microsoft’s beta program, but all Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally (X) users should have it available by Christmas at the latest.

    Supported Game Stores

    Besides Xbox, Game Pass, and Battle.net, Microsoft has only referred to “leading PC stores,” likely meaning Steam, but it could also include the Epic Games Store and GOG. The list of supported stores is expected to grow over time. If a game is installed from one of these platforms, it will automatically show up in the library and in the “Recently Played” section of the Xbox app. Users can manage their app settings to choose which stores to include in the library at any time. Another new addition is the ability to search the library by publisher, which should simplify navigation through the Game Pass library.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Microsoft is making strides to enhance the Xbox app for handheld gaming, aiming to create a seamless experience for users. With new features and support for various game stores, gamers will find it easier to enjoy their favorite titles.

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    Steam Games Now Accessible on Xbox App for Windows Handhelds

     

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  • SteamOS Update: Supports Asus ROG Ally & Lenovo Legion Go

    SteamOS Update: Supports Asus ROG Ally & Lenovo Legion Go

    Key Takeaways

    1. SteamOS 3.7.8 officially launched, replacing version 3.6.24 and introducing support for third-party gaming handhelds.
    2. Optimized for the Lenovo Legion Go S and compatible with other AMD-powered devices, though not all AMD handhelds are officially supported.
    3. Installation guidance is provided for users wanting to try SteamOS on their AMD gaming handhelds.
    4. Enhancements include improved external VRR monitor support, a Battery Charge Limit control feature, and integration of Plasma 6.2.5.
    5. The update addresses various bugs and includes changes across multiple areas such as controllers, Bluetooth, graphics, and performance.

    Valve has officially launched SteamOS 3.7.8 in its Stable software channel after several weeks of updates through its Beta and Preview channels. This new version replaces SteamOS 3.6.24 and finally brings support for third-party gaming handhelds, something many users have been eagerly anticipating.

    Optimizations and Support

    In the changelog, Valve mentions that they have fine-tuned SteamOS for the Lenovo Legion Go S, which is currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon. Additionally, SteamOS 3.7.8 is compatible with other notable AMD-powered gaming handhelds, including the Asus ROG Ally and the original Legion Go. However, Valve does caution that not every AMD handheld has official support. Therefore, issues that might not appear with other distributions like Bazzite could pop up on this version of SteamOS.

    Installation Instructions and Improvements

    Despite potential issues, Valve offers installation guidance if you’re interested in trying the operating system on your AMD gaming handheld. Alongside the support for handhelds, SteamOS 3.7.8 also brings several enhancements, including better external VRR monitor support, a Battery Charge Limit control feature, and integration of Plasma 6.2.5. Moreover, this update is reported to fix various bugs, and you can check the complete list below.

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  • DOOM: Dark Ages Crashes on ROG Ally Due to Old AMD Drivers

    DOOM: Dark Ages Crashes on ROG Ally Due to Old AMD Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Issues: DOOM: The Dark Ages has been launched after early access, but many players on devices like the Asus ROG Ally are experiencing crashes and performance problems.

    2. GPU Driver Problems: Players often receive warnings about outdated GPU drivers, particularly affecting handheld systems, and updating these drivers is challenging due to slow manufacturer support.

    3. Developer Acknowledgment: The developers are aware of the driver-related issues and are working on fixes, with some users noticing improvements after recent driver updates, though problems persist for many.

    4. Performance Discrepancies: The game runs better on the Steam Deck due to Valve’s cohesive software and driver setup, highlighting differences in performance reliability between Linux and Windows handheld devices.

    5. Market Impact: The situation illustrates a larger issue in the handheld PC market, where inconsistent driver updates can prevent users from accessing new game titles, limiting the potential of powerful hardware.

    DOOM: The Dark Ages has finally been launched after an early access phase for Premium and Collector’s Edition players. The game is meant to work on various Windows 10 and 11 devices, including portable gaming PCs. However, many players are facing significant problems. For instance, on the Asus ROG Ally with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, reports suggest that the game crashes shortly after starting, even when it is set to low graphics and running at about 30 frames per second.

    GPU Driver Challenges

    As reported by PC Gamer, players might see a warning message when they try to start the game, which says that the GPU driver on their device is outdated for this game. The article also points out that updating GPU drivers for the ROG Ally is difficult, as Asus has been slow in providing updates, making users wait for the manufacturer. A user on Reddit mentioned that they also received a GPU driver warning when trying to play DOOM: The Dark Ages through Xbox Game Pass, followed by a black screen that caused their PC to freeze, requiring a restart.

    Developers’ Response

    The developers have recognized the issues related to drivers that affect handheld systems like the ROG Ally and Legion Go and are actively working to fix these problems. There have been recent graphics driver updates for the ROG Ally, and some users noticed improvements after installing the update. Nonetheless, community feedback indicates that certain players still face problems. For instance, a Reddit user reported struggling to find the latest AMD drivers in Armoury Crate, implying that the update might not be detected automatically for everyone.

    User Experiences

    Another Reddit user named StevWong shared their experience, stating that even with low settings, the game froze after just a few seconds. They reported, “Inside game I set most things to LOW and then I was inside the game, for 2 seconds. Because when I was trying to walk and turn, my Ally hang. It did not register any input from all the Ally buttons. The fan was running like crazy as well. I had to long pressed the Ally on off button to force turned off the Ally.”

    In a recent YouTube video by Deck Wizard, the game starts for a moment on the ROG Ally before it freezes. Although it runs at 30 frames per second on low settings with FSR activated, the footage reveals the game crashing soon after launch, likely due to outdated GPU drivers. The video illustrates the difficulties faced by handheld Windows devices when the drivers provided by vendors lag behind game releases.

    Performance Comparisons

    While the Z1 Extreme chip is technically able to deliver solid performance for AAA games, as indicated in benchmarks by Tom’s Hardware, its performance is highly dependent on the quality of the software. If driver support is inconsistent or outdated, the hardware’s full capabilities cannot be realized.

    On the other hand, DOOM: The Dark Ages performs more reliably on the Steam Deck, which benefits from Valve’s cohesive SteamOS software and driver setup, helping to prevent the performance issues seen on the ROG Ally. A quick SteamOS update resolved launch problems, showcasing Valve’s ability to provide fixes directly through its integrated operating system. This situation emphasizes a widening gap in handheld gaming reliability between Linux and Windows platforms. Valve’s integrated system has enabled the Steam Deck to avoid the fragmented support that devices like the ROG Ally face, where driver updates depend on multiple vendors.

    Market Implications

    This scenario sheds light on a broader issue within the expanding handheld PC market. Without a steady flow of OEM driver updates, users may be excluded from major new titles, regardless of how powerful their hardware might be. As game developers increasingly incorporate advanced technologies such as ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling, and real-time global illumination, outdated drivers are likely to pose a growing obstacle for otherwise capable systems.

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  • Tenku Luna: New Japanese Handheld with Dual USB4 and 120Hz Display

    Tenku Luna: New Japanese Handheld with Dual USB4 and 120Hz Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The gaming handheld market is growing rapidly, with Anbernic leading the way through frequent new releases like the RG557.
    2. A new Japanese brand, Tenku, is entering the market with its model, the Tenku Luna, which is set to launch soon.
    3. The Tenku Luna features a 7-inch display with 1080p resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, similar to Asus gaming handhelds.
    4. It is equipped with the older Ryzen 7 7840U processor, despite AMD having newer models available.
    5. Unique features of the Tenku Luna include a 50 Wh battery and two USB4 ports, with pricing and availability to be announced on May 17.

    The gaming handheld market has seen a significant influx of devices in recent years. Anbernic has played a key role in this growth, thanks to its continuous stream of new releases, culminating with the RG557 (curr. $339.99 on Amazon) launched last month. Nonetheless, other brands are still attempting to break into this competitive arena.

    A New Japanese Brand Enters

    In this context, a fresh model, touted as the first from a Japanese manufacturer, is set to hit the market shortly. The Tenku Luna is scheduled for a full launch later this week; however, it seems to offer very little innovation. It appears that Tenku has taken inspiration from the Asus ROG Ally, rather than trying to forge its own path.

    Specifications and Features

    For instance, the Tenku Luna boasts a 7-inch display with 1080p resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, mirroring the specs of Asus’ gaming handhelds. Interestingly, Tenku has chosen to equip their device with the older Ryzen 7 7840U, which AMD has since replaced with the Ryzen 7 8840U, moving on to even newer models like the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

    What Makes It Unique?

    However, the Tenku Luna isn’t just a clone of the ROG Ally. The device features a 50 Wh battery and two USB4 ports—one located on the top and another on the bottom of the device. At this moment, specific pricing and availability details are still not revealed; Tenku plans to disclose all this information on May 17 at 02:00 UTC.

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    Tenku Luna: New Japanese Handheld with Dual USB4 and 120Hz DisplayTenku Luna: New Japanese Handheld with Dual USB4 and 120Hz Display

     

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  • Asus ROG Ally 2 Leaked Specs: 50% Larger Battery for Gaming Handheld

    Asus ROG Ally 2 Leaked Specs: 50% Larger Battery for Gaming Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus is introducing two new ROG Ally gaming handheld models, replacing the original ROG Ally but not the ROG Ally X.
    2. The black model (RC73XA) will feature the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, while the white model (RC73YA) will likely have a quad-core AMD Aerith Plus APU.
    3. The black model is expected to include 2 TB of storage and 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, while the white model will have 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM.
    4. The white version will have a 60 Wh battery, a 50% increase from the original, and both models will feature 7-inch displays, with the black model offering 1080p resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate.
    5. The black model may be marketed as the ROG Ally 2 (Xbox Edition) and will be more powerful than the white variant, but release dates for both models are still unannounced.

    Earlier today, images of two new Asus ROG Ally gaming handhelds were seen online. It appears that these new models will only take the place of the original ROG Ally, not the ROG Ally X as well. From what we’ve talked about earlier, only the black model (RC73XA) shown above is expected to feature AMD’s much-anticipated Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset.

    Additional Specifications

    Thanks to some digging by @94G8LA, we can now learn a bit more about both models. For instance, Asus seems to be pairing the Ryzen Z2 Extreme with 2 TB of M.2 2280 storage and a maximum of 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is clocked at an impressive 8,533 MT/s. On the other hand, the white model (RC73YA) is likely to come with 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM.

    Battery and Display Features

    Moreover, the screenshot below indicates that the white version will have a 60 Wh battery, which is a 50% increase in capacity compared to the original ROG Ally (currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon). Both ROG Ally 2 models seem to be equipped with 7-inch displays made by BOE. However, we can only see that the black variant will have a 1080p resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

    According to @94G8LA, the black model might actually be introduced as the ROG Ally 2 (Xbox Edition). While the precise function of its dedicated Xbox button is still unclear, the device is expected to be more powerful than the white version. Right now, it looks like the white variant will use a quad-core AMD Aerith Plus APU with a 20 W TDP, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the black version has a 36 W TDP. No information regarding the release dates has been shared yet either.

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    Asus ROG Ally 2 Leaked Specs: 50% Larger Battery for Gaming HandheldAsus ROG Ally 2 Leaked Specs: 50% Larger Battery for Gaming HandheldAsus ROG Ally 2 Leaked Specs: 50% Larger Battery for Gaming Handheld

     

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  • ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X Get Major New Updates

    ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X Get Major New Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has released a significant update (V32.0.13031.9000) for the ROG Ally X and original ROG Ally without prior announcement.
    2. The update introduces support for AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 (AFMF 2.1), enhancing image quality and reducing ghosting effects.
    3. AFMF 2.1 does not require additional hardware compared to its predecessor, AFMF 2.
    4. There may be regional availability issues, with some users unable to see the update for their devices.
    5. The new drivers could improve image quality but may cause crashes in games like The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

    Without any prior notice, Asus has rolled out a significant update for the ROG Ally X and the original ROG Ally, which is currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon. The company has not officially announced this update on its forums. Rather, users have discovered new graphics drivers listed on Asus’ product support pages.

    New Features in the Update

    The new update introduces V32.0.13031.9000, which brings support for AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 (AFMF 2.1) to both devices. To summarize, AFMF 2.1 was launched in March without additional hardware needs compared to AFMF 2. However, version 2.1 is said to enhance image quality while reducing ghosting effects. You can check the video below to see some popular AAA games making use of AFMF 2 and AFMF 2.1.

    Availability Issues

    Some early reports indicate that V32.0.13031.9000 might not be visible for the ROG Ally in certain regions. If you’re experiencing this issue with either the ROG Ally or ROG Ally X, you can manually download Asus’ latest graphics drivers using the links provided below. These drivers are available on Asus’ official website. While the new drivers might enhance image quality in some situations, they could also lead to crashes when launching The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

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  • Free Closed Alpha: New Roguelite Blends MOBA and RPG on Discord

    Free Closed Alpha: New Roguelite Blends MOBA and RPG on Discord

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Announcement: Raiders of Blackveil is the first game from Wombo Games, founded by former Square Enix chief creative officer Janos Flösser.

    2. Multiplayer Roguelite Concept: The game is a multiplayer roguelite where teams of up to three animal champions break into a mega-corporation, causing destruction and escaping with loot.

    3. Character Classes: There are eight character classes (Mage, Assassin, Priest, Guardian, Monk, Druid, Warrior, Warlock), with four currently available that fit traditional roles like tank, damage dealer, and support.

    4. Early Access and Testing: The game is set to release on Steam Early Access this summer, with a closed alpha test available for free on Discord for macOS and Windows users.

    5. Future Development: Wombo Games intends to expand the game further, hinting at the addition of more champions and features as it evolves.

    Raiders of Blackveil has been officially announced as the first game from Wombo Games, a new indie studio started by former Square Enix chief creative officer, Janos Flösser. While Raiders of Blackveil is primarily a multiplayer roguelite, it incorporates a diverse blend of elements and mechanics from various other genres, presenting what appears to be an exciting concept.

    Gameplay Overview

    In Raiders of Blackveil, players join forces in teams of up to three powerful animal champions to break into a nefarious mega-corporation, cause as much destruction as they can, and then make their escape. The game is heavily influenced by MOBA mechanics, featuring four distinct playable champions, while also encouraging players to search for loot during each run. This loot can include special currencies, equipment, gadgets, and unique legendary items that give your character’s setup special abilities.

    Character Classes

    The game boasts eight different character classes: Mage, Assassin, Priest, Guardian, Monk, Druid, Warrior, and Warlock. Each class comes with its own perks and synergies, enhancing the strategic elements of gameplay. At the moment, the four available heroes fit into traditional roles like tank, damage dealer, and support. However, Wombo Games has mentioned that Raiders of Blackveil is “our baby, and we intend to see it mature,” hinting at the addition of more champions in the future.

    Early Access and Testing

    Wombo Games has announced that the Steam Early Access version will be released with at least the following features:

    Although Raiders of Blackveil is expected to be available on Steam Early Access “this summer,” the developers have provided a closed alpha test version for free through Discord for both macOS and Windows users. Be advised: bugs may be an issue in this version, but participating in the alpha test will assist the developers in refining the game before the official release. As the game is only available for download through Discord, handheld players are restricted to devices like the Asus ROG Ally (currently priced at $649.99 at Best Buy), unless they want to go through the hassle of manually setting up the game with options like Steam, Bottles, or WINE on SteamOS.

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