In the realm of handheld gaming, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X stands out with its robust specifications, featuring the Zen 5 AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and a generous 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory. However, when it comes to playing Halo: Campaign Evolved, the experience can be a mixed bag, especially without the aid of upscaling.
Performance Insights
During my testing, I found that playing without upscaling resulted in a visually appealing game, but the performance left much to be desired. The absence of an option to completely disable upscaling in Halo: Campaign Evolved means players are limited to ‘native’ modes that incorporate TSR, FSR, or DLSS. These settings function similarly to anti-aliasing but lack the performance enhancements typically associated with upscaling.
When the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is set to performance mode while plugged in, it operates at approximately 17 W. This mode strikes a balance between performance and noise, making it a suitable choice for extended gaming sessions. In my experience, the TSR setting emerged as a strong contender among the available upscalers, yielding an average frame rate of 31 fps and lows of 25.6 fps on TSR Ultra—marginally better than the native settings.
For those seeking smoother gameplay, FSR Medium appears to be the optimal choice. In my tests, FSR Medium delivered an average of 43 fps with lows around 34 fps, which is commendable for a handheld device. Conversely, FSR Low provided a respectable average of 49 fps but compromised on visual clarity, making it less appealing for longer play sessions.
Graphical Settings and Experience
Halo: Campaign Evolved offers specific settings tailored for handheld devices, including a very low graphical mode accessible only on the ROG Xbox Ally X. This mode sacrifices some graphical fidelity in exchange for improved performance. My findings suggest that FSR Medium combined with very low graphics settings creates a sweet spot for gameplay, allowing for a satisfactory experience on the 7-inch 1080p display.
Interestingly, the distinction between low and ultra graphics settings is subtle. While the ultra settings enhance visual appeal, the gameplay remains fundamentally the same, with only minor differences in clarity. It’s advisable to disable motion blur, as it detracts from the overall experience.
As I continue to explore the capabilities of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, it’s clear that while the device is equipped to handle demanding titles, the right balance of settings is crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience.
