Excitement Surrounds ROG Xbox Ally X and Windows 11 Handheld Mode
The anticipation for the ROG Xbox Ally X has reached a fever pitch, particularly with the promise of being the first handheld device to showcase Microsoft’s innovative Windows 11 handheld mode. However, it appears that this feature has already made its debut on existing devices, thanks to a recent leak.
A Reddit user, known as Gogsi123, shared insights on the ROGAlly subreddit, revealing that the “full screen experience” designed for handhelds is now accessible for those willing to install the Windows 11 25H2 update on their devices. While this update is technically exclusive to members of the Insider Program, users can bypass this requirement by utilizing an ISO file.
For those eager to explore the new feature before its official release, Gogsi123 has provided a comprehensive guide. It’s essential to note, however, that this is pre-release software and may not represent the final product. Proceed with caution.
Windows Central wasted no time in testing the ROG Ally with the new handheld mode. The results indicate that this mode significantly enhances usability for handheld systems, enforcing a fullscreen layout wherever feasible and optimizing the controller configuration.
In terms of performance, the transition to the classic interface highlights the efficiency of the new handheld mode. Operating in this mode results in fewer background processes, leading to approximately 4.5GB (40%) RAM usage. In contrast, switching to the desktop interface incurs a notable increase in system processes, consuming an additional ~2.4GB (20%) of memory.
While these numbers may seem modest, the impact on performance is substantial. For instance, benchmarking the popular game Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveals a significant leap in frame rates—from an average of 29fps in desktop mode to an impressive 38fps in handheld mode. This represents a remarkable 31% enhancement, attributed to a reduction in Windows 11 startup applications and other optimizations.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is set to make its retail debut on October 16, 2025, marking the arrival of Microsoft’s handheld mode. Although this feature will eventually be available on other systems, Asus’ devices, including the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, will be the first to officially support it.
As the launch date approaches, there is a palpable excitement to experience this mode firsthand, especially since it promises to alleviate some of the persistent challenges associated with Windows 11 that have kept many users loyal to their Steam Deck OLED. Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to the release.
In the meantime, for the latest developments in handheld technology, be sure to follow Club386 on Google News.
