ASUS ROG Ally Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Xbox fans lose it as new console is teased in mysterious trailer

A new Xbox-branded handheld console is set to launch later this year, developed in collaboration with ASUS. This device will not be a fully in-house creation but a partnership product. Recent trailers have hinted at Xbox branding on the ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld, suggesting a fusion of technologies. The official Xbox Twitter account responded to ASUS's teaser trailer, indicating their collaboration. An official release date has not yet been announced.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

The next-gen ROG Ally looks to be Xbox’s first steps toward handheld gaming

On April 1, 2023, Asus announced the ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 APU, which received a four out of five stars rating. In 2024, Asus released the ROG Ally X, rated four-and-a-half stars. A teaser for a redesigned successor to the ROG Ally suggests enhanced performance and the possibility of being the first Xbox-branded handheld. The new device may feature AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which includes significant improvements over its predecessor. There are indications of collaboration between Microsoft and Asus for an Xbox-branded handheld, potentially linked to a new generation of consoles in 2027. Pricing and availability details for the new handheld have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here

Microsoft has rolled out updates for Xbox consoles and Windows 11 users, particularly enhancing the Game Bar. The Game Bar has received a graphical overhaul, including redesigned widgets such as Capture, Performance, Resource widgets, and the Widget Store. Improvements have also been made to navigation within the Widget Store for controller users, especially in Compact Mode, which optimizes the display for gaming handhelds. The updates aim to create a cleaner and more organized user interface. There is anticipation for a potential 'handheld mode' for Windows 11, which has been rumored.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Amazon has reported that the Surface Laptop 7 is frequently returned by customers. Mojang has introduced a "Vibrant Visuals" update for Minecraft, enhancing the game's aesthetics while keeping its gameplay mechanics intact. Microsoft is developing a Steam filter for the Xbox app on PC, suggesting deeper integration with Steam. HP announced 25 new PCs at its Amplify conference, including the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld received a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its performance and features.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Xbox Gaming Handheld details emerge as millions of soon-to-be stuck Windows 10 PCs get an unlikely savior in ChromeOS and Microsoft prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary

An upcoming Xbox gaming handheld, known as "Project Kennan," is being developed through a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. This device will run PC games but will not support exclusive Xbox console titles. Users will have access to a wide range of games through services like Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As Windows 11 enforces strict hardware requirements, many PCs will remain on Windows 10, prompting Google to enhance ChromeOS for Microsoft 365 compatibility, potentially attracting users to Chromebooks or allowing them to convert their existing Windows PCs to ChromeOS. Microsoft has integrated Copilot into GroupMe to enhance the messaging experience, aiming to revitalize the app among college students. This announcement coincides with Microsoft's plans to phase out Skype. Microsoft's 50th anniversary event is scheduled for April 4, 2025, where new AI and Copilot announcements are expected, although significant product launches may be unlikely. Epic Games and Qualcomm are collaborating to enhance the Easy Anti-Cheat system for Snapdragon X PCs, improving gaming experiences on these devices. The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has been reviewed and described as the "Surface Pro on steroids." Windows Central has identified deals, including a bundle with a free Meta Quest 3S and discounts on WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

This new Windows 11 feature would be perfect for an Xbox gaming handheld

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11 Build 22631.5116, which includes the gamepad keyboard feature for Xbox controllers, enhancing gaming accessibility on smaller screens. The update also improves Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations, File Explorer's text scaling support, and Settings with a new home page feature for commercial devices. Additionally, a new system tray icon for the emoji panel has been introduced. The rollout is gradual, with Microsoft addressing bugs like those affecting ctfmon.exe and printer outputs. This update aims to optimize Windows 11 for gaming, especially with upcoming handheld devices.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

GTA 5 Enhanced performance analysis: Forget max settings, my advice is to enable Very High RT and enjoy the show

GTA 5's Enhanced PC version was launched on March 4, featuring modern graphical enhancements such as ray-traced shadows and reflections, upgraded ambient occlusion, global illumination, and support for DLSS 3 and FSR 3 upscaling. Performance testing was conducted using the RTX 4070 and RX 7800 XT graphics cards. With ray tracing enabled, performance dropped below 30 fps, while setting it to Very High without ray tracing resulted in frame rates between 40 to 70 fps. The RTX 4070 averaged 100-110 fps at Maximum RT, but switching to Very High RT provided a 35 fps improvement. The RX 7800 XT eliminated sub-60 fps drops with this adjustment. Performance testing revealed frame drops in certain areas, such as Franklin's backyard, likely due to dense vegetation. Very High RT settings offered a smoother experience and slightly better image quality than Maximum settings.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Here are 12 free Steam games worth trying on your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go right now

A selection of 12 free games available for PC and handheld users includes: 1. A Cat’s Way Home - A simulation game focused on building relationships with cats. 2. Farm Wars - A real-time PvP strategy game involving crop planting and animal transformation for sabotage. 3. Starling - A game where players build a base using local resources as a Starling Corp employee. 4. A Very Merry Nightmare - A 3D first-person adventure set in a twisted Christmas world, evading an AI enemy. 5. Little Robot - A 15-minute exploration game featuring a melancholic robot in a backyard. 6. Cedric & Odious - A 2D hack-and-slash adventure in a dark fantasy realm. 7. Paw Pirates - A multiplayer game focused on chaotic battles between pirate ships. 8. Realm Traveler - An RPG-style game where players choose a class and embark on quests. 9. Strange New Tides - A 2.5D sandbox experience in Saltbay Cove, involving relationship building and home construction. 10. Templar - A 2D hack-and-slash game where players battle demons as the last Templar knight. 11. Popo & Rob - A fast-paced first-person shooter with team-based matches. 12. The Machine Arena - A game featuring dynamic 4v4 PvP battles or solo PvE matches with short gameplay sessions. Additionally, Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti GPU launches today, with listings available from major retailers.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Take your favorite PC games on the go with $200 off the ASUS ROG Ally

As of February 18, the ASUS ROG Ally is available at Best Buy for 9.99, down from its regular price of 9.99, representing a 35% discount. The device weighs just under 2 pounds and is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with AMD RDNA3 architecture graphics. It offers several hours of battery life and can recharge to 50% in 30 minutes with a USB-C adapter. The ASUS ROG Ally can also be connected to a television, allowing it to function as a mini PC.