How to upgrade the Asus ROG Ally to a full-size 2280 M.2 SSD

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Handheld gaming devices are currently taking the market by storm. They make it easier to enjoy your favorite games on the go, and some of them can also be used as a laptop since they run the Windows operating system. However, devices like the Asus ROG Ally may leave users more to be desired, especially when it comes to total storage.




Fortunately, upgrading the storage on the ROG Ally is quite simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. In this article, we'll take it a step further and show you how to use a 2280 M.2 instead of the standard 2230 M.2 drive that comes with the device. First, you'll need an adapter, which you can find on Amazon for around $10 if you search for “ROG Ally SSD adapter.”

Before you begin, you should decide how you will transfer an operating system to your new SSD. Do you want to clone your old drive to your new drive? Or do you want to reinstall Windows using Asus Cloud Recovery?

Installing a 2280 M.2 in the ROG Ally

It's easier and faster than you think

  1. Remove the six screws from the back of the ROG Ally and remove the back cover.
    Image showing the removal of screws on the Asus Rog Ally

  2. Separate the battery. Be careful when disconnecting the cable and do not pull too hard. Slow and careful wins the race.
    Asus Rog Ally battery disconnected

  3. Remove the small black cover Protecting the SSD.
    Asus Rog Ally with rear case removed

  4. Remove the SSD And replace it with the adapter.
    Asus Rog Ally shows original 2230 SSD

    Asus Rog Ally with 2280 SSD bracket installed

  5. Install the 2280 SSD and secure it in place.
    2280 SSD installed in bracket in Asus Rog Ally

  6. Replace the black SSD cover.
    Asus Rog Ally with rear case removed

  7. Reconnect the battery Cable back to the connector.
    Asus Rog Ally battery connected

  8. Place the rear housing on And tighten all screws.
    Back of the Asus Rog Ally


The rear paddles will not respond until all 6 screws on the rear cover are back in place and tightly tightened.

And that's it! You can now use a standard size 2280 M.2 drive in your Asus ROG Ally. This has several advantages, most importantly it is cost-effective for many users. Also, it doesn't take long. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and in most cases you only need to remove a total of seven screws.

You may need to connect the power cable when you turn on your ROG Ally for the first time after replacing the SSD.


Is it worth it?

While it depends on your individual needs, in most cases it's worth it. If you have a 2280 M.2 SSD left over from your PC, it's much cheaper to buy the adapter needed to install the 2280 SSD into the ROG Ally than it is to buy a new 2230 SSD. Of course, the 2280 drives are easier to come by, especially if you often buy your PC parts from brick-and-mortar stores.


I've been using the 2280 adapter in my ROG Ally for a little over a week now and haven't noticed any performance issues. FPS while gaming is the same and the battery still lasts as long as it did before I installed the adapter. So all in all it's been a win-win for me.


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