ROG Ally Archives

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Steam OS vs. Windows: Which Wins for Handheld Gaming?

The handheld PC market is currently divided between powerful Windows devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally X, and Steam OS-powered devices that focus on gaming immersion. Steam OS allows users to access their game libraries immediately upon booting, providing a distraction-free experience. In performance comparisons, devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S show a 69% speed increase on SteamOS (39 fps) compared to Windows (23 fps), while the ROG Ally X can see a 32% performance boost with SteamOS. Battery life differs significantly, with the Steam Deck offering 3 to 6 hours of gameplay versus the ROG Ally X's 2 to 4 hours, despite the latter having a larger battery. Windows handhelds provide compatibility with various gaming platforms but suffer from inefficiencies due to background processes that consume CPU resources. Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience attempts to improve usability but does not resolve the underlying issues. Windows handhelds typically have 8GB or 16GB of VRAM, which may be insufficient for future games, while SteamOS's lighter footprint allows for better VRAM allocation, enhancing performance. SteamOS is gaining traction not necessarily due to technical superiority but because of its efficiency in addressing the unique constraints of handheld gaming.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Best Marathon settings for peak gaming PC performance

Bungie's multiplayer FPS, Marathon, is currently in an early Server Slam until March 2, with a full release on March 6. The game is designed to be accessible on mid-range PCs and does not require high-end GPU power. Initial settings for optimal performance include Vsync on, frame rate cap off, field of view at 90°, and high graphics quality. Players can expect an average frame rate of 84fps with 60fps for 1% lows. The game is not compatible with the Steam Deck due to BattleEye anti-cheat technology but runs smoothly on other Windows-based handheld devices. While an SSD is not required, it is recommended for better load times. Performance monitoring can be done via a built-in FPS counter or overlays from Nvidia and AMD.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Windows security breaks ROG Xbox Ally handheld game consoles

Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control feature has flagged essential software components of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld as untrustworthy following a recent update to Windows 11. This issue affects the Armoury Crate CE software, which manages the hardware functionality of the device, leading to difficulties in launching games outside of the Xbox app and adjusting performance settings. The problem may stem from inadequate configuration of certificates by Asus or the need for an update to Microsoft's trusted application database. Many Windows 11 PCs do not have Smart App Control activated, and users can disable it through SETTINGS > APP AND BROWSER CONTROLS > SMART APP CONTROL SETTINGS. If users choose to disable it, they may later need to reset or reinstall Windows to reactivate Smart App Control. ROG Xbox Ally owners are currently faced with the choice of waiting for a fix or disabling the security feature.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

The new Monster Hunter Wilds update is way better than I was expecting, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel

Capcom has released a performance update for Monster Hunter Wilds, addressing framerate drops and stuttering issues. The update reduces CPU and GPU load, decreases shader warming processes, and improves texture streaming. Players have reported noticeable improvements in framerate stability, with averages reaching between 55 and 70 frames per second during gameplay. Community feedback has been largely positive, with users experiencing smoother gameplay and fewer performance issues. The update includes new graphics settings and a high-resolution texture pack that requires a redownload of approximately 31GB but results in a total size reduction of about 45GB. Additionally, performance issues related to the 'DLC cat' have been addressed. The update, version 1.040.03.01, is now live on Steam.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Death Stranding Director’s Cut Launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now available on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, marking its first appearance on Microsoft's subscription service. This version, developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games, is accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium subscribers. The Director’s Cut includes new features such as a new story location called the Ruined Factory, new delivery tools like cargo catapults and support ramps, an expanded combat system with new melee moves and the Maser Gun, a firing range for weapon testing, and a racetrack mode for time-based challenges. The game has been optimized for performance on handheld devices. It is also available for purchase through the Xbox Games Store.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Windows 11 apps like Notepad aren’t loading — what is error code 0x803f8001 and how do I fix it?

Windows 11 users are encountering the error code 0x803f8001 when launching applications, alongside the file system error (-2143322111). Affected applications include Armoury Crate, Notepad, Snipping Tool, Alienware Command Center, and Nitrosense. The error is often linked to issues with the Microsoft Store's ability to validate app licenses, potentially due to a corrupted Store cache or account sync problems. Users have reported similar issues on social media and forums, indicating a broader impact, including problems with Xbox Ally and ROG Ally Armoury Crate apps. Some users have attempted to reset the Microsoft Store app with mixed results, while one workaround involved uninstalling and reinstalling Armoury Crate from ASUS' website. Microsoft and ASUS are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Megabonk review

Megabonk is a 3D auto-attacker game set to be released on September 18, 2025, priced at £8.50. It is developed and published by vedinand and will be available on platforms like the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck. The game features a skateboarding skeleton named Calcium who battles monsters while performing kickflips. Players explore procedurally generated maps filled with treasures and enemies, with a ten-minute time limit to locate and defeat a boss. The gameplay includes auto-attacking, collecting experience gems, and enhancing skills. Megabonk has a lo-fi aesthetic that allows for many enemies on screen without performance issues and offers achievements and unlocks for players. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, with challenges that provide speedrunning opportunities.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Is Hytale Steam Deck compatible?

Hytale is not officially compatible with the Steam Deck, but it can still be played on the device using its native Linux installer. Players can install Hytale by switching the Steam Deck to desktop mode, downloading the Linux installer from the Hytale website, and following a series of steps to add the game to their Steam library. Additionally, Hytale can be installed on other gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Xbox Ally X, or Lenovo Legion Go using its Windows installer.

Winsage

December 26, 2025

New Runtime Standby ABI Proposed For Linux Akin To Microsoft Windows’ “Modern Standby”

A new runtime standby ABI has been proposed in the Linux kernel community through a post-Christmas patch series led by Antheas Kapenekakis. This initiative aims to implement a feature similar to Microsoft's "Modern Standby," allowing devices to maintain network connectivity while appearing to be in a sleep state. The patches provide a more robust solution than previous efforts, enabling user-space control over ACPI LPS0 display notifications. The series introduces a mechanism for firing Modern Standby firmware notifications without suspending the kernel, allowing the device to appear asleep while still performing basic computations. The first part of the series modifies the existing DSMs to be called at the beginning of the suspend sequence and exposes a transition function through /sys/power/standby for user-space interaction. The RFC patch series, including documentation on the proposed interface, is available for review.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

It’s your last chance to grab the cheapest Steam Deck model as Valve stops production

The 256GB LCD model of the Steam Deck is set to be discontinued, with production officially ceased by Valve. Once sold out, the next available option, the OLED model, will see a price increase from £349 to £479. Some regions are already showing the LCD model as "Out of stock." The discontinuation may be due to rising RAM and storage costs.