The ROG Ally has problems with the SD reader causing the microSD card to pop out of the slot, and ASUS has confirmed the issue exists. The company says on the ROG forums that it’s aware of the problem.
For some with a ROG Ally, this is an issue that might be a big concern. The Ally only has so much internal storage and it’s easy to fill that up with games. For example, a few large game installs like Diablo IV, Final Fantasy XIV, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order could gobble up the majority of the storage space without breaking a sweat.
The way around that, is with the SD card reader. Just like with the Steam Deck, you can insert a microSD card with more storage to install games onto. The deck, or in this case the Ally, can then play games installed on the card. But that doesn’t really work if the card pops out of the slot.
ASUS says ROG Ally SD problems are caused by overheating
You likely don’t have to worry about this problem if you don’t use a microSD card. But many users will, so it’s important know what you can expect.
According to ROG forums community manager MasterC, the Ally SD reader can malfunction under “certain thermal conditions.” Basically if the unit gets too hot, it might spit out your card. Just from general use, the Ally doesn’t get that warm. But under heavy loads from graphically intensive games, well that’s another story entirely. ASUS says that it will be sending out an update to help this problem in the near future.
The update will fine-tune the fan speeds to account for heavy thermal loads. In an attempt to help keep temps down to a point where the SD reader won’t malfunction. That being said, ASUS also states that users can RMA their Ally unit if they’re experiencing issues with the SD reader. And if you plan on using it, you may want to take ASUS up on that offer and just having the unit looked at. Or if possible simply return the unit and get it replaced.