In March, we discussed six key features we hoped to see in a rumored Xbox-branded, Windows-powered handheld gaming device. Fast forward to today, and Microsoft's announcement of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally hardware line appears to meet almost all of our expectations, marking a significant leap for Microsoft in the realm of portable gaming.
The Windows 11-powered Xbox Ally devices offer gamers access to an extensive library of titles available on Windows. This includes popular games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. Instead of requiring users to navigate through the stock Windows interface, which can be cumbersome on handhelds like the original ROG Ally line, all games will be accessible through an innovative feature that Microsoft refers to as an aggregated gaming library.
Microsoft and Asus emphasize that this integrated experience will allow seamless gameplay across various Windows-based launchers, providing access to titles that may not be available elsewhere. This could be interpreted as a subtle critique of devices powered by SteamOS, such as the Steam Deck, which often face compatibility issues with certain games that do not perform well on Steam and/or Linux.
In addition to games, the Xbox Ally devices will support essential applications like Discord, Twitch, and downloadable game mods directly through the Windows backbone. Although these devices run on Windows 11, they will initially boot to a dedicated interface known as the Xbox Experience for Handheld. This custom full-screen interface is designed to conceal the complexities of the Windows desktop, allowing for a streamlined gaming experience.
The Xbox Experience for Handheld aims to minimize background activity and defer non-essential tasks, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and higher framerates for games. A unique rhombus-shaped Xbox button positioned near the left stick provides quick access to the Xbox Game Bar overlay, enabling gamers to manage settings, monitor performance metrics, and swiftly switch between titles.
Microsoft is also working on a program similar to Deck Verified, which will identify Windows titles optimized for handheld gaming. Currently, Asus and Microsoft have announced two configurations of the Xbox Ally. The base model, ROG Xbox Ally, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a 60 Wh battery. The premium model, Xbox Ally X, features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and an 80 Wh battery, along with impulse triggers similar to those found on Xbox console controllers.
Both Xbox Ally configurations boast a 7-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz IPS display with variable refresh rate capabilities. Notably, the Xbox Ally's weight of 670 grams closely matches that of the original Steam Deck, while the Xbox Ally X weighs an additional 45 grams. As for pricing, Microsoft has yet to announce details, with information expected in the coming months ahead of a planned holiday release in North America, Japan, Australia, and select markets in Europe and Asia.
Regardless of the final pricing, it's clear that Microsoft is making a substantial commitment to a tailored version of Windows that caters specifically to the burgeoning portable PC gaming market. The Xbox Ally is poised to redefine the handheld gaming landscape, and we look forward to seeing how it performs upon its release.
