The handheld gaming market is heating up! With the success of the Steam Deck, Microsoft and Asus are entering the arena with the ROG Xbox Ally series. Launching on October 16th, these devices aim to offer a Windows-based alternative to SteamOS, promising broader game compatibility and a familiar user experience. But how do they stack up against the competition? This article dives into the details of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, exploring their specs, features, and potential impact on the handheld gaming landscape.
The ROG Xbox Ally series offers a unique approach by utilizing a customized version of Windows 11, aiming to provide a seamless gaming experience while maintaining compatibility with a vast library of PC games. We’ll break down the key differences between the standard Ally and the Ally X, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Get ready to explore the future of handheld gaming!
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Release Date
Asus has officially announced that the ROG Xbox Ally series will launch on October 16th. This marks the arrival of Microsoft and Asus’ answers to SteamOS and the Steam Deck, setting the stage for a competitive showdown in the handheld gaming market.
ROG Xbox Ally Console: What to Expect
The ROG Xbox Ally series, including the basic ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, both run a customized version of Windows 11 Home. This version is redesigned with an Xbox-style user interface, prioritizing controller input. The primary goal is to maintain wide game compatibility and support multiple storefronts, including Microsoft’s own, Valve’s Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
Unlike the Xbox console, these handhelds are designed to play Windows PC games rather than Xbox-specific versions. This approach leverages the extensive library of Windows-compatible titles, providing users with a diverse gaming selection.
Pricing and Specifications
While Microsoft and Asus announced the handhelds in June, pricing information remains undisclosed. This makes it challenging to compare their value against competitors like the Steam Deck (starting at $399 for the LCD version and $549 for the OLED version) and Nintendo’s rumored Switch 2 ($450), as well as past Asus handhelds like the ROG Ally X ($800).
Both ROG Xbox Ally consoles feature a 7-inch, 1080p IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4 support. However, internal specifications differ significantly:
- Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip with a 4-core Zen 2-based CPU and an eight-core RDNA2-based GPU, 512GB of storage, and 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM.
- Xbox Ally X: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with an 8-core Zen 5 CPU, a 16-core RDNA3.5 GPU, 1TB of storage, 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, and a built-in neural processing unit (NPU).
Hardware and Battery Life
The enhanced hardware of the Ally X includes a larger 80 WHr battery, compared to the regular Ally’s 60 WHr. This results in a weight difference, with the Ally X being approximately a tenth of a pound (45 grams) heavier than the Ally.
Windows Takes on SteamOS
The ROG Xbox Ally consoles and their customized Windows interface are a direct response to Valve’s SteamOS. SteamOS offers a clean, fast, gaming-centric, controller-first user interface but lacks compatibility with all Windows games and can be challenging when running games from other storefronts.
Microsoft is also implementing software optimizations. Through Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft will label games that are well-suited for the ROG Xbox Ally with “Handheld Optimized” or “Mostly Compatible” tags.
“Handheld Optimized means that the game is ready to go—with default controller inputs, an intuitive text input method, accurate iconography, clear text legibility, and appropriate resolution in full-screen mode,” says Asus’ press release about the Xbox team’s efforts. “Mostly Compatible means that the game may require minor in-game setting changes for an optimal experience on handheld.”
Future Features and Optimizations
Microsoft has plans for more features in early next year, including an Automatic Super Resolution feature. This will utilize the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme’s built-in neural processing unit (NPU) to provide high-quality upscaling for games without requiring changes from game developers. Another AI-powered feature aims to capture and assemble standout gameplay moments into shareable video highlight reels.
While these gaming-centric features will initially be exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft intends to add them to regular versions of Windows. Once implemented, any Windows-running handheld should be functionally similar to the ROG Xbox Ally, including older ROG Ally handhelds.
Valve’s SteamOS is also targeting other handheld PCs. While Lenovo’s Legion Go handhelds initially featured Windows variations, Valve is actively working to broaden SteamOS compatibility with various handhelds and generic PC hardware. The ROG Ally series is also being considered for SteamOS compatibility.
Conclusion
The launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally series on October 16th marks a significant step in the evolution of handheld gaming PCs. By offering a customized Windows experience, these devices aim to bridge the gap between the versatility of PC gaming and the portability of handheld consoles. With competitive specifications and innovative features, the Ally series poses a strong challenge to existing players like the Steam Deck.
As the handheld gaming market continues to grow, the ROG Xbox Ally series promises to be a compelling option for gamers seeking a flexible and powerful on-the-go gaming experience. The future of handheld gaming looks bright, with ongoing advancements and increasing competition set to benefit gamers worldwide.
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