ROG Ally Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work

The Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received a five-star review for its design. It initially ran on SteamOS, a custom Linux version, which introduced many gamers to Linux. The device faced competition from the Nintendo Switch, but as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began releasing their own PC handhelds with Windows 11. Windows 11 offers better game compatibility and access to various platforms, leading some Steam Deck users to seek ways to install it on their devices. Although not originally designed for Windows, early adopters found methods to install it, prompting Valve to release an official Windows driver package. With Windows 11, users gained access to features like anti-cheat support and compatibility with multiple game launchers, though challenges remained. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, emerged to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing guides and troubleshooting assistance. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become a notable option for Windows gaming handhelds, aided by community efforts.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Microsoft DirectX Gears Up For ML Era On Windows, Advanced Shader Delivery Solves Game Stutter & Load Times, DXR 2.0 Teased

At GDC 2026, Microsoft announced the introduction of ML-Powered DirectX and Advanced Shader Delivery. The ML-enhanced DirectX includes Cooperative Vectors within Shader Model 6.9, facilitating neural rendering techniques such as Neural Texture Compression and Neural Radiance Caching. DirectX Linear Algebra is introduced to support matrix-based ML workflows, and the DirectX Compute Graph Compiler enables full model graphs to run with native GPU performance. Advanced Shader Delivery allows game developers to provide precompiled shaders to reduce load times and stuttering. New APIs, App Identity API and Stats API, have been introduced to support this feature. NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm have expressed their support for these advancements. Additionally, Microsoft is developing DXR 2.0, which will support Shader Model 6.10 and is expected to roll out in late summer 2026.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Xbox Mode officially comes to Windows PCs starting next month

Microsoft will begin rolling out 'Xbox Mode' on Windows 11 next month, starting in select markets. This feature aims to create a user-friendly interface that allows seamless transitions between productivity and gaming. It provides a full-screen experience optimized for controllers while maintaining the openness of the Windows platform. The initial version of Xbox Mode was introduced with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds and received mixed feedback. Additionally, Microsoft is reviving its games preservation program.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft adding Xbox mode to Windows 11

Organizations using consumer-grade PCs or allowing employees to bring their own devices now face concerns due to the introduction of a virtual Xbox within Windows 11, announced by Microsoft. This initiative aims to create a seamless gaming experience across devices, allowing developers to reach a larger audience while reducing development costs. Microsoft has begun merging Xbox and PC experiences with devices like ASUS’s ROG Ally, a handheld PC that can switch between Windows and gaming operations. In April, Xbox mode will roll out to select markets on all Windows 11 PC form factors, offering a controller-optimized interface. However, it may not be included in the Windows Professional edition, which is preferred by businesses. Features may still enter organizations through bring-your-own-device policies or consumer-grade equipment. The announcements are part of "Project Helix," a new gaming platform designed to enhance Xbox console and PC game play, featuring a custom System on Chip from AMD, with alpha versions expected to be shipped to developers by 2027. This timeline may impact revenue opportunities for AMD, as it suggests no new console will be available for the holiday season of 2026.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s full screen ‘Xbox Mode’ will roll out to Windows 11 PCs in April

Microsoft has introduced the full-screen Xbox experience, initially showcased on the ROG Ally Xbox handheld, as a strategic effort to rival Steam's Big Picture Mode. This Xbox interface, now called "Xbox Mode," will expand to all Windows 11 devices, including laptops and desktops, in April. Initially available in select markets, Xbox Mode is designed to enhance user interaction with Windows 11 devices, allowing players to browse their game library, launch games seamlessly, utilize the Game Bar, and switch between applications effortlessly. At the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Microsoft announced plans to distribute Project Helix systems to developers next year, which will run both PC and console games and leverage AMD’s next-generation technology. Additionally, Microsoft introduced the Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) system for developers, aimed at reducing shader stuttering, and upgraded DirectStorage technology to support Zstandard compression for improved game loading times. Developers will also gain insights into integrating next-generation Machine Learning within Microsoft's DirectX gaming API.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem runs at up to 100 FPS on an Android flagship via PC emulation

The Red Magic 11 Pro smartphone showed smooth performance in indoor areas of Resident Evil Requiem, reaching 60-70 FPS and even up to 100 FPS in enclosed spaces. However, outdoor sections with more action and detail dropped to 40-45 FPS. The device's 16 GB of RAM was crucial for running modern PC titles through emulation. The Red Magic 11 Pro is not a replacement for handheld PCs but highlights advancements in ARM-based devices and potential for future gaming platforms.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Sorry, first-party Playstation games aren’t coming to PC anymore

Sony is shifting its gaming strategy to focus on a more exclusive model for its first-party PS5 titles, moving away from its recent trend of releasing major games on PC. This change follows a series of successful PC releases starting with Horizon Zero Dawn in 2020, including titles like The Last of Us Part I and God of War Ragnarök. Upcoming games such as Ghost of Yotei and Saros will be PS5 exclusives, while some online games like Marvel Tokon and Marathon will still be multi-platform. Death Stranding 2 is expected to release on PC in 2026. The shift may be influenced by poor sales of PS5 games on PC and concerns that releasing games on PC could harm the PlayStation brand and console sales. Sony's strategy resembles Nintendo's approach to maintaining exclusivity for its flagship franchises.

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.