power Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Microsoft enters handheld games PC fray with Asus partnership

Microsoft has partnered with Asus to launch its first portable Xbox consoles, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, which run on Windows 11. These devices aim to enhance gaming compatibility with various platforms and integrate Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. An optimized version of Windows 11 for gaming has been introduced, and the consoles feature user-friendly elements such as an immersive full-screen experience and an aggregated gaming library. The launch is anticipated towards the end of 2025, though pricing details are not yet available.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft cuts the Windows 11 bloat for Xbox handhelds

Microsoft has streamlined Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, introducing the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in collaboration with ASUS. This new approach eliminates non-essential components of the operating system to enhance the gaming experience. Key features not loaded during gameplay include the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and various productivity-related processes. The idle power consumption of these handhelds is about one-third that of a traditional Windows desktop, freeing up around 2 GB of memory for gaming. Users can choose to revert to the full Windows 11 experience if desired.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft unveiled its new handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. Both models feature a design resembling a pair of controllers attached to a wide screen and are expected to launch this holiday season. They will operate on Windows 11 and allow for gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the device, providing access to a wide range of PC games and popular applications. Initial impressions of the consoles have been positive, with reports highlighting their comfortable design and gameplay experience. Microsoft aims to compete with existing handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the Ally will debut with popular titles, including Roblox.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

I tested Xbox’s powerful — and heavy

The ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld console with a 7-inch display, set to launch during the holiday season. It weighs 715 g (1.58 lbs), making it the heaviest handheld on the market. The console operates on Windows and comes pre-loaded with Steam, Battle.net, and Discord. Despite its impressive features and graphics, concerns about its ergonomics and comfort during prolonged use were raised after a short gameplay session. Feedback from other attendees indicated that some found the device comfortable, likening it to an Xbox controller.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft

PC gaming handhelds, including the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, are designed for the Xbox platform through a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while the base Xbox Ally has a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both models have a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support VRR and FreeSync technology. The Xbox Ally X was tested with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p and 60 fps. The systems run a streamlined version of Windows with an optimized Xbox app that allows game imports from other platforms. The ergonomic design resembles a split Xbox controller, but its size may affect portability. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but the Xbox Ally X is expected to be premium-priced.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Texas YouTuber recreates San Antonio Tower Life Building in ‘Minecraft’

Eric, a Texas-based YouTuber known for his channel Mogswamp, has dedicated over 500 hours of gameplay and a year of planning to recreate the Tower Life building in Minecraft. He became fascinated with the building, the fifth tallest in San Antonio, due to its distinctive design and visibility across the city. To ensure accuracy in his recreation, Eric researched drone footage, historical background, blueprints, and took his own photographs. The San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) is using Minecraft Education to engage students in various subjects, offering summer camps that incorporate technology and education. The Tower Life building is currently undergoing renovations to convert vacant office floors into apartment units while remaining a prominent feature of the San Antonio skyline.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

The First Xbox Handheld Has Been Revealed

Microsoft has announced its entry into the handheld gaming market with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus. The devices support native gaming and cloud streaming. Key features include a larger battery, ergonomic grips, a dedicated Xbox button, and an optimized operating system that reduces Windows 11's idle power consumption by about two-thirds, enhancing battery life and freeing up to 2GB of RAM for gaming performance. Exclusive Windows 11 features will initially be available only on these devices, with plans to extend them to standard ROG Allys by late 2025 and to other handheld gaming PCs in 2026. Specifications: - ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (upgradeable), 60Wh battery, 670g weight. - ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD (upgradeable), 80Wh battery, 715g weight. Both devices can run Windows games from platforms like Xbox, Battle.net, GoG, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam. They are expected to launch during the Holiday season of 2025 in markets including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 live: All the announcements in real-time

Obsidian Entertainment has announced that The Outer Worlds 2 will feature six companions with their own questlines linked to distinct factions, allowing players to influence their character arcs through gameplay choices. The game is set on Arcadia, a new colony governed by The Protectorate, and will include an enhanced perk system similar to Fallout: New Vegas, allowing for specialized character builds. Players will take on the role of a customizable Sky Marshall, with an emphasis on traits that affect gameplay dynamics. The sequel aims for deeper RPG mechanics and a more complex narrative due to increased development time and resources. The game is scheduled for release on October 29, 2025.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ Takashi Iizuka on Crossover Racers Like Minecraft’s Steve and How Travel Rings Change Everything

Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, announced details about the upcoming game Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which will feature characters such as Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga, Joker from Persona 5, and Minecraft characters like Steve, Alex, and the Creeper. The game will have a three-lap racing format where the first-place racer can choose a new world for the next lap using Travel Rings. It will include power-ups like the Rocket Punch and Monster Truck, and will allow any character to ride any vehicle. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to release on September 25, 2025, on platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, with cross-play functionality and support for up to 12 players online.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft tests CPU energy-saving feature in Windows 11

In the latest test build of Windows 11, version 26200.5603, Microsoft introduced User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management, which optimizes CPU usage by reducing power consumption during inactivity. The system detects a lack of user activity, such as no mouse movements or keyboard inputs, and transitions into a low-power mode to conserve energy and extend battery life. When user interaction resumes, full CPU performance is restored. This feature is expected to be included in the upcoming final releases of Windows 11, specifically in versions 24H2 and 25H2.