If you prioritize the ease of repairs when choosing a handheld gaming PC, the ROG Ally from ASUS might be worth considering. Recently, iFixit conducted a teardown of this machine and found that it is notably easier to open and repair compared to Valve’s Steam Deck.
One of the advantages of the ROG Ally is its battery removal process. Unlike Valve’s power pack, which is glued in, the battery in the Ally can be removed by simply unscrewing it. This makes replacing the battery much less complicated. Additionally, the thumbsticks and their circuit boards can be easily removed on the Ally, offering a potential solution if stick drift becomes a problem. Similarly, upgrading the SSD is a simple process as long as you can find a compact enough drive.
However, iFixit did identify one component in the ROG Ally that is repair-hostile—the display. The display is secured with a significant amount of adhesive, making it difficult to remove without the right tools. While this may not be a major problem if the entire screen needs to be replaced, it can be a hassle if you’re trying to put a new screen in a different cover.
It’s worth noting that ASUS has not committed to offering replacement parts for the ROG Ally. This means that, for now, you would need to source parts from other users who are willing to provide working components from broken devices. On the other hand, iFixit currently sells some official Steam Deck parts, including screens, button assemblies, and storage.
Related Post
Although Valve’s Steam Deck also received positive feedback regarding its repairability, the company initially discouraged repairs due to concerns about potential risks and the use of third-party components. While ASUS is not currently promoting do-it-yourself repairs, the modularity of the ROG Ally could still prove useful as right to repair policies become more common.
In conclusion, if ease of repairs is a significant factor in your handheld gaming PC decision, the ROG Ally might be worth considering. While it has some repair-friendly features, such as easy battery and thumbstick removal, the display component can be challenging to repair due to the adhesive. Keep in mind that ASUS has not committed to offering replacement parts, so you may need to rely on other users for sourcing components. Ultimately, the modularity of the ROG Ally could be advantageous as right to repair policies gain traction in the industry.
