Asus Extends Warranty on ROG Ally SD Card Reader Due to Ongoing Issues
In response to persistent problems with corrupted SD cards in the ROG Ally handheld gaming PC, Asus has announced a 12-month warranty extension for the device’s SD card reader.
Nine months after initial reports, Asus acknowledges that the previous BIOS update intended to adjust fan speeds may not have fully resolved the issue. The extended warranty is available exclusively to customers in the US, indicating that the problem may be more prevalent in that region.
Asus claims that only a “small number” of SD card readers are affected, but the exact number of impacted customers remains unclear. Despite efforts to replicate the issue, some users have not experienced any problems with their Ally devices.
The warranty extension has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concern that it implies the underlying issue has not been completely fixed. Asus advises against using SD cards for additional storage on the Ally due to the potential for damage. Instead, users are encouraged to opt for faster and more affordable M.2 2230 SSDs.
However, SD cards remain convenient for transferring files, especially when the Ally is used as a desktop PC with a docking station. Asus’ decision to extend the warranty suggests that the engineers may not have sufficiently tested the design before releasing the product.
While the extended warranty provides some protection for US customers, the underlying design flaw remains a potential concern. Users who heavily rely on SD cards may consider alternative handheld gaming PCs to avoid the risk of damage.
