Nintendo made it. Sony has done it. Even Valve got in on it with the Steam Deck. And now, Microsoft has entered the handheld gaming arena, but not with the entire might that many fans were expecting. The recently announced Asus ROG Xbox Ally is not a handheld console but rather a slightly rebranded ROG Ally PC with a stylish design.
Okay, it has Xbox-like grips and a button arrangement, and it even boots directly into a simplified game launcher designed to be navigated with a controller. However, it is important to remember that this is a Windows-based handheld PC, rather than a native Xbox handheld console, at the end of the day. And the difference is difficult to overlook.
Aesthetics and Design
The performance can be good, but design is a different ball game. The Ally appears large, the grips are fatter, and the construction is heavier when compared to rivals. The Ally is outdated compared to the sleek, contemporary look offered by the Switch 2 and even the simple, industrial Steam Deck. Handhelds are as ergonomic and portable as they are about specs. And this one appears to forget that.
Pricing and Specs
No official price has been announced yet, but judging by the past handhelds' pricing by Asus, we can expect two models, ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, with a cost of approximately $600 to $1,000. That puts it against the $400 Steam Deck or the $450 Nintendo Switch 2, and you would already be up against a wall.
Sure, the Ally is likely to play games with a higher frame rate than the Deck and aim for up to 1080p resolution. However, it seems that the performance will still be between 720p and 1080p, at least going by what Asus's Shawn Yen said, which is hardly beyond what Steam Deck can already do. Then what are you paying so much money for? A bit higher frame rates, a nicer UI, and the look and feel.
Windows Gaming, Refined, yet Not Radical
To their credit, Microsoft and Asus are attempting to address an extremely existent issue: Windows is unwieldy on handhelds. controller support The ability to navigate the OS using a controller has long been a sore spot among portable PC/console game development. Using the Xbox Ally, you'll now boot into a unique launcher that cleans up the operating system. Microsoft is promising that this version of Windows will forego loading some background processes in order to reduce the system load and thus enhance performance.
That is promising. This may be the ultimate solution that PC gamers have been waiting for, in case they are tired of Steam Deck performance with non-Steam games. Game Pass, Steam, and Epic Games Store—all of them are available immediately. It is Windows, but nicer. However, there is an issue; it feels too late and too costly.
Aesthetics and Design
The performance can be good, but design is a different ball game. Comparing the Ally to competitors, it looks bigger, has larger grips, and is heavier. Compared to the clean, contemporary look offered by the Switch 2 and even the simple, industrial Steam Deck, the Ally is a bit outdated. Handhelds are as ergonomic and portable as they are about specs. And this one appears to forget that.
Missed Opportunity in a Hot Market
As the Nintendo Switch 2 has already arrived on the shelves and it appears to be sharper, slimmer, and faster than ever before, it is evident where the future of the handheld console game development sector is headed. Even the Steam Deck has managed to distinguish itself as a solid and cheap handheld PC.
The ROG Ally, in its turn, does not feel like a flagship product as much as a test balloon. By launching a thinner, cheaper model that was specifically tailored to cloud gaming and Game Pass, Microsoft and Asus could have potentially built the ultimate compromise between console players and portable gaming.
Rather, it seems like an upgrade to ROG Ally fans, as opposed to a groundbreaking machine that will open the door to the masses.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally will certainly have its followers. It serves a purpose as a Windows-centric power user desires a way to have a more controller-focused experience when away from their desk. However, in a market that is getting crowded with slick, inexpensive, and dedicated handhelds, it seems that Microsoft was too cautious. The Ally does nothing to redefine handheld gaming other than provide a rebrand of an existing product, and therefore, it wasted an opportunity to innovate. One can find games for handheld consoles at the Team of Keys company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the ASUS ROG Xbox Allies a legitimate portable Xbox device?
Ans: The Xbox is not a native system; rather, it serves as a Windows-powered portable gaming PC.
Q2: Can I use the ROG Xbox Ally to play Xbox Game Pass games?
Ans: Yes, the Xbox app, which is pre-installed on Windows, may be used to access Game Pass on the device.
Q3: What is the price of the ROG Xbox Ally?
Ans: Pricing is not yet finalized, but it is anticipated to fall between the price range of 600 to 1000 dollars, going by its specification.
Q4: How does it fare against Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2?
Ans: It has superior Windows integration, although it is inferior in terms of affordability, design, and mainstream acceptance.
