In March, we shared our aspirations for a potential Xbox-branded, Windows-powered handheld gaming device. Today, with Microsoft’s unveiling of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally hardware line, it appears that many of those wishes are being realized, marking a significant step for Microsoft into the realm of portable gaming.
Features and Functionality
The Xbox Ally devices, powered by Windows 11, promise gamers access to a vast library of titles, including those from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other prominent PC storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. Rather than navigating the conventional Windows interface, users will benefit from an “aggregated gaming library” that streamlines access to their favorite games.
Microsoft emphasizes that this integrated library will facilitate seamless access to Windows games across various launchers, enhancing the user experience. This approach may serve as a subtle counterpoint to SteamOS-powered devices like the Steam Deck, which can encounter compatibility issues with certain titles. Furthermore, the Xbox Ally will support popular applications such as Discord and Twitch, along with downloadable game mods, all integrated within its Windows framework.
While the Xbox Ally operates on Windows 11, it features a unique interface dubbed the “Xbox Experience for Handheld.” This full-screen environment conceals the complexities of the Windows desktop, allowing for a more focused gaming experience. Microsoft assures that this interface will minimize background activities and postpone non-essential tasks, resulting in improved performance and higher frame rates for games.
Additionally, a rhombus-shaped Xbox button positioned near the left stick provides quick access to the Xbox Game Bar overlay, enabling users to swiftly navigate settings, monitor performance metrics, and switch between titles. Microsoft is also developing a “Deck Verified”-style program aimed at identifying Windows titles optimized for handheld gaming, further enhancing the appeal of the Xbox Ally devices.