Xbox Ally X Archives

Winsage

May 21, 2026

Winhanced is getting better, but I still use Xbox Mode with my Windows 11 handheld

The ROG Xbox Ally X, branded as a portable Xbox by Microsoft, has a complex update process involving Xbox Mode, Asus' Armory Crate, and Windows 11. Xbox Mode has improved recently, adding features like third-party launcher integration and enhanced stability. Winhanced, a third-party launcher for Windows 11 handhelds, offers a customizable interface and supports cloud gaming, but has reliability issues and struggles with automatic artwork sourcing. Users can save battery life by adjusting settings for Winhanced's sleep/wake feature. Despite its advantages, Winhanced is not yet a reliable alternative to Xbox Mode, which remains the preferred launcher for handheld gaming. Winhanced is developed by a small team and has shown significant improvement, but it still has limitations compared to Xbox Mode.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

The Amazon Memorial Day Sale Takes $100 Off the Popular Asus ROG Xbox Ally Handheld, an Inexpensive and Portable Solution to PC Gaming

Handheld gaming devices have remained affordable despite rising prices for gaming laptops and PCs. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC is currently available for .99 at Amazon and Best Buy, matching its lowest recorded price during Black Friday. Released in October 2025, it features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The device operates on Windows 11 but launches directly into the Xbox App, enhancing performance. The non-X model has a Ryzen Z2 A processor, offering performance comparable to the Steam Deck's APU, but does not match the capabilities of the higher-end Xbox Ally X model.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future

In April 2026, Zac Bowden reported on Windows K2, an initiative by Microsoft aimed at improving Windows for gaming, with a focus on surpassing Valve's SteamOS in performance. Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox console platform, will be built on Windows 11 but has faced criticism due to SteamOS outperforming Windows 11 in gaming tests. Users have noted that SteamOS provides a more polished user experience compared to Windows 11, which currently has limitations for gaming handhelds. Windows K2 is intended to address issues such as reducing bloat, enhancing UI responsiveness, and optimizing gaming performance. The success of Windows K2 is seen as crucial for the future of Xbox, as it aims to create a seamless integration between Windows and Xbox products.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

Console-like Xbox Mode boosts game performance on Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has rolled out a new Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, designed to provide a console-like gaming interface that enhances the gaming experience across various devices. This mode, initially introduced on the ROG Xbox Ally X and later expanded to Windows Insider users, allows for controller navigation and minimizes background processes for improved performance. Xbox Mode aggregates game libraries from multiple storefronts, enabling seamless switching between it and the standard Windows 11 desktop. Preliminary tests indicate that Xbox Mode offers performance improvements over standard Windows 11, particularly for Nvidia graphics cards. A YouTuber's analysis showed over 15 percent better performance in 1% low framerates and a 4.3 percent increase in average framerates at 1080p using an Nvidia card. At 1440p, improvements were 25 percent higher 1% lows and a 6.7 percent increase in average framerates. For AMD cards, the gains were less significant, with only a 2.5 percent increase in 1% lows at 1080p and a 1.4 percent improvement at 1440p. However, Xbox Mode has limitations, including issues with multi-monitor setups where secondary displays are blanked out, preventing access to other applications while gaming.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Microsoft tests Auto SR, its AI upscaler for Xbox and Windows gaming

Microsoft has introduced a preview of Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling technology for Xbox Insiders using the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. This feature upgrades game output from 720p to 1440p and increases frame rates by about 30% in docked mode. Auto SR operates at the OS level, requiring no developer patches, but is limited to games that support DirectX 11 and 12, excluding titles using DirectX 9, Vulkan, and OpenGL. Currently, it is available only for the ROG Xbox Ally X and Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips, and the preview is invite-only and docked mode only. Early feedback indicates some user interface artifacts and a battery drain of 8–12% on the Ally X. A broader rollout for Windows began on April 30, 2026, but no specific consumer launch date has been announced. Auto SR is not intended for the upcoming Project Helix Xbox console, which will use AMD FSR Diamond instead.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly fixing Windows 11 to take on the Steam Machine, but here’s what else it needs to do

Microsoft is launching the Windows K2 initiative to improve the performance and reliability of Windows 11, aiming to compete with alternatives like SteamOS. The initiative focuses on addressing key complaints such as overreliance on AI, poor performance, and unreliability. It emphasizes quality over speed in updates, promotes community engagement through Windows Insider meetups, and sets ambitious goals including enhancing File Explorer performance, improving file search, eliminating ads from the Start Menu, and restoring taskbar functionality. Microsoft aims to achieve performance parity with SteamOS within two years and has already demonstrated potential improvements with a specialized gaming version of Windows. Additionally, Microsoft is encouraged to simplify account setup and reduce prompts for Office 365, CoPilot, and OneDrive to enhance user experience.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Massive new Xbox Ally X update brings major changes to the Steam Deck’s handheld rival

The latest update for the Xbox Ally X introduces several enhancements, including improved docked usage, expanded game library support, and automatic upscaling through Auto Super Resolution. The handheld now automatically transitions gameplay to a connected display, disables its own screen to conserve resources, and activates Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate settings on compatible displays. Users can adjust external display settings via the Game Bar overlay without exiting games. Controller pairing has been improved, with handheld controls disabled when a controller is connected. The left thumbstick can now function as a cursor for navigating applications that do not support controller input. Auto Super Resolution allows games to run at 720p but output at 1440p on external displays. The update also enhances support for the Xbox Wireless Headset and Bluetooth LE Audio, improves haptic feedback, and allows users to add custom game links in the Xbox app for easier access to games.