Enhancing the Asus ROG Ally: A Modder’s Project
The Asus ROG Ally is a fantastic PC gaming handheld with a stunning full HD screen and impressive performance, all packed into a sleek and lightweight design. However, one modder decided to take it a step further and added an additional screen to enhance its capabilities.
The full project details can be found on GitHub, thanks to modder Kira Patel (YesItsKira), who documented the process of selecting a 7-inch screen and integrating it into the system. This involved removing the extra HDMI port and headphone jack, utilizing a USB Type-C compatible dock to connect the monitor, and 3D printing various parts to properly attach the screen to the ROG Ally.
The additional display used for this modification is a WIMAXIT M728, a 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution IPS LCD touchscreen display. The Type-C dock served as a necessary replacement since the screen typically requires HDMI and USB cables for connection. The 3D-printed components included a new back cover, a housing shell for the display, and a 360-degree hinge support for folding the display against the screen.
Modding is always a fascinating and fun endeavor
This additional screen provides a convenient way to multitask, such as playing games on one screen while engaging in productivity tasks, streaming content, or browsing the web on the other. For emulation enthusiasts, it opens up possibilities for playing DS or Wii U titles that utilize dual touchscreens.
It’s intriguing to witness hobbyists take on such projects and customize systems. PC gaming handhelds offer a high level of flexibility for mods, given their mini-PC nature, making them ideal for enhancements like this. As shown by YesItsKira, you can easily obtain affordable parts online and create the remaining components through 3D printing.
Hopefully, this trend of tinkering with gaming handhelds will gain more traction as top models become more popular, leading to increased market demand for customization options. Beyond dual displays, users may explore CPU and GPU upgrades, as well as enhancements to RAM and storage capacities.
This not only allows users to overcome the inherent limitations of these devices but also enables them to purchase entry-level models and upgrade them without incurring substantial costs for minor spec improvements. It’s also fascinating to witness the creative extents to which these modifications can push the boundaries, offering entertainment value in its own right.