Xbox Handheld Archives

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.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

X1 Box App Brings Classic Xbox Games To Android, But There’s A Caveat

X1 Box is an Xbox emulator available on Android for .99 through the Google Play Store. It is a fork of the open-source Xemu emulator, with its source code publicly available on GitHub. The decision to monetize X1 Box without compensating the original developers has raised ethical concerns. The Xemu team is developing their own dedicated Android version. Performance evaluations indicate that X1 Box has inconsistent performance, often capped at 30 frames per second, which affects gameplay.

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

October 6, 2025

Microsoft abandoned in-house Xbox handheld because of AMD costs, says rumor

Microsoft has reportedly halted the development of its own in-house Xbox handheld due to AMD's requirement for a substantial order of 10 million CPUs. This information was shared by hardware leaker KeplerL2, who indicated that Microsoft decided against pursuing an in-house handheld because it could not meet AMD's expectations. Currently, Microsoft is collaborating with Asus for an Xbox-branded handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally, set to release on October 16, featuring AMD processors. Jez Corden from Windows Central has expressed skepticism about the rumors regarding Microsoft's internal handheld plans.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Xbox Ally X pre-orders prove popular as retailers sell out in no time

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is available for pre-order, with significant demand leading to limited stock at various retailers. Pre-orders started on September 25, with the ROG Xbox Ally priced at 9.99 and the ROG Xbox Ally X at 9.99. The official release is set for October 16. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are offering pre-orders, but stock shortages are reported, particularly in the UK where the Xbox Ally X is out of stock. Some retailers have implemented measures like sign-in requirements and CAPTCHA due to high consumer interest. The design features Xbox branding and a controller-style grip, making it appealing to gamers.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows 11 is breaking from its bedrock and moving away

The Wintel Empire, once dominant in personal computing, has lost its competitive edge by 2025, with Intel struggling in desktop, server, and mobile markets as users shift to alternatives like Arm and AMD. The introduction of Windows on Arm64 marks a significant but reactionary change, as Intel faces challenges in adapting. Windows 11's launch has led to many modern PCs being deemed obsolete, causing user discontent and rushed migrations. In contrast, Apple has successfully supported older machines during its architecture transition. Microsoft has released a streamlined version of Windows 11 for Xbox handheld devices, raising concerns about its future for non-gaming applications. Intel's uncertain future may lead to collaborations that could enhance competition and innovation. Microsoft’s development approach appears reactive, raising questions about the long-term viability of its ecosystem. Despite these changes, many users may not perceive significant differences in their daily experiences with Windows.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

You can now stream Xbox-only games to your PC if you’re an Insider with Game Pass Ultimate

The Xbox app is shifting to a streaming-centric model, allowing Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select console games they own in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) operates. This 'stream your own game' service enables gamers to play titles without owning an Xbox console by accessing their personal game library through the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app. This development reduces platform exclusivity in gaming and may lead to a more unified gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

PlayStation PC Games Are Now On Xbox, Sort Of

Microsoft has introduced a feature in its Xbox PC app that allows users to access a gaming library from various PC storefronts, including Epic and Steam, enabling players to view popular PlayStation games available on PC, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales. While these games can be viewed in the Xbox app, they will not include Xbox achievements or enhanced functionalities. Microsoft is pursuing a strategy to transform Xbox into a platform similar to Steam, focusing on collaboration rather than direct competition. Xbox president Sarah Bond has indicated a vision for a more interconnected gaming ecosystem with the next generation of Xbox consoles. Microsoft has canceled plans for a dedicated Xbox handheld device and is instead supporting third-party devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and collaborating with Meta on the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Steam Summer Sale 2025 start time: Here’s when huge PC games go on sale as first discounts arrive

The Steam Summer Sale is set to begin at 6 PM BST. Discounts during the sale can reach up to 95%. Gamers can use the Steam app on mobile devices to add games to their collection or curate wishlists before the sale starts. Popular titles currently discounted include EA FC 25, Horizon Forbidden West, and various Far Cry games. Historical trends indicate that major releases like Assassin's Creed Shadows, Monster Hunter Wilds, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Kingdom Come Deliverance II will also be discounted during the sale.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft tests Xbox app with Battle.net integration — updated app brings third-party game library aggregation

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox app for PC among Xbox Insiders, which will aggregate installed games from various third-party storefronts into a single interface. This feature will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year. The initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to transition Xbox from a console-centric brand to a service-oriented platform, aligning with the Game Pass initiative for both Xbox and PC users. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. While a widespread launch of the aggregated library feature has not been announced, initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds is expected during the holiday season, with broader support potentially arriving by the end of this year or in 2026.