What To Know
- The ROG Ally is a powerhouse of a handheld gaming device, offering incredible performance and a seamless gaming experience.
- However, if you’re a hardcore gamer with a vast library of titles, or if you prefer to keep multiple games installed at all times, you might find yourself needing more space.
- If you have a large game library, move less frequently played titles to external storage to free up space on the internal SSD.
The ROG Ally is a powerhouse of a handheld gaming device, offering incredible performance and a seamless gaming experience. But what happens when you find yourself staring at a “storage full” notification, just as you’re about to embark on an epic gaming adventure? That’s where the question of how to expand ROG Ally storage arises.
This guide will delve into the various methods for expanding your ROG Ally‘s storage capacity, ensuring you can download and play all your favorite games without any limitations.
Understanding ROG Ally’s Storage Options
The ROG Ally comes with a generous 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, which is more than enough for most gamers. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer with a vast library of titles, or if you prefer to keep multiple games installed at all times, you might find yourself needing more space. Fortunately, the ROG Ally offers several options for expanding your storage:
1. MicroSD Card Expansion: The ROG Ally boasts a microSD card slot, allowing for easy expansion using readily available microSD cards. This method is ideal for storing less demanding games, game saves, or even streaming applications.
2. External Storage via USB-C: The ROG Ally‘s USB-C port supports external storage devices like portable SSDs or hard drives. This option provides a larger storage capacity for your games, but it might slightly increase the load times compared to internal storage.
3. ROG Ally Dock (Optional): The optional ROG Ally Dock includes two additional USB-A ports, allowing you to connect even more external storage devices. This is a great option for maximizing your storage potential and creating a dedicated gaming setup.
How to Expand ROG Ally Storage with a MicroSD Card
Expanding your ROG Ally‘s storage with a microSD card is a simple and straightforward process:
1. Choose a compatible microSD card: The ROG Ally supports microSD cards with a maximum capacity of 1TB. Ensure you select a high-speed card with a UHS-I or UHS-II rating for optimal performance.
2. Insert the microSD card: Locate the microSD card slot on the bottom of the ROG Ally. Gently insert the card until it clicks into place.
3. Format the microSD card: Once inserted, you need to format the card to make it usable by the ROG Ally. This process erases all data on the card, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand.
4. Select the microSD card as the storage location: When installing games or other applications, you can choose the microSD card as the storage location. This allows you to manage your storage space effectively and keep your internal storage free for frequently played games.
Utilizing External Storage via USB-C
Connecting external storage to your ROG Ally is another effective way to expand your storage capabilities:
1. Choose a compatible storage device: Ensure the external storage device you select is compatible with the ROG Ally‘s USB-C port. A portable SSD or hard drive with a USB-C connection is ideal.
2. Connect the external storage device: Connect the storage device to the ROG Ally‘s USB-C port. Windows will automatically detect the device and assign a drive letter.
3. Select the external storage device as the storage location: Similar to the microSD card, you can choose the external storage device as the installation location for games and applications.
Optimizing Storage Space and Managing Files
Even with expanded storage, it’s crucial to manage your files efficiently to prevent storage issues. Here are some tips:
- Delete unused games and applications: Regularly check your storage space and delete games or applications you no longer use.
- Move less frequently played games to external storage: If you have a large game library, move less frequently played titles to external storage to free up space on the internal SSD.
- Use cloud storage for game saves: Services like Steam Cloud or Xbox Cloud Save allow you to store your game saves online, freeing up valuable storage space on your ROG Ally.
- Manage game installations: Some games offer options to install specific game modes or content packs separately. This allows for more flexibility in managing your storage space.
Beyond Storage: Exploring Other ROG Ally Enhancements
While storage expansion is crucial, there are other ways to enhance your ROG Ally experience:
- Upgrade to a faster microSD card: If you’re using a microSD card for storage, consider upgrading to a faster card with a higher UHS rating for improved performance.
- Use an external SSD with higher read/write speeds: For optimal performance, opt for a high-speed external SSD with faster read and write speeds.
- Utilize the ROG Ally Dock for a desktop experience: The ROG Ally Dock transforms your handheld into a desktop gaming system with additional ports and display options.
The Final Frontier: Embracing the Future of Gaming
The ROG Ally is a testament to the evolution of handheld gaming, offering a powerful platform for immersive gaming experiences. By understanding how to expand ROG Ally storage and optimizing your storage space, you can ensure that you’re always ready to embark on your next gaming adventure without limitations.
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use a USB flash drive to expand ROG Ally storage?
While USB flash drives are readily available, they are not recommended for expanding ROG Ally storage. Flash drives typically have slower read/write speeds compared to microSD cards or external SSDs, which can lead to lag and performance issues during gameplay.
2. How do I format the microSD card for use with the ROG Ally?
You can format the microSD card using the built-in Windows File Explorer. Right-click on the microSD card drive letter and select “Format”. Choose the desired file system (usually exFAT) and click “Start”.
3. Can I install games directly to the external storage device?
Yes, you can install games directly to the external storage device. However, some games might require installation on the internal SSD for optimal performance.
4. Is there a limit to the number of external storage devices I can connect to the ROG Ally?
The ROG Ally‘s USB-C port can support one external storage device at a time. If you want to connect multiple devices, you can use the optional ROG Ally Dock, which provides additional USB-A ports.
5. How do I know if my microSD card is fast enough for gaming?
Look for microSD cards with a UHS-I or UHS-II rating. UHS-I cards offer read speeds up to 104MB/s, while UHS-II cards can reach speeds up to 300MB/s. Higher speeds are generally better for gaming performance.
