Microsoft Enters Handheld Gaming PC Market with ASUS ROG Ally
▼ Summary
– Microsoft’s Asus ROG Xbox Ally fulfills most of the desired features for a portable Xbox gaming device, offering access to Windows games.
– The device provides an “aggregated gaming library” to access games from multiple PC storefronts without using the stock Windows interface.
– It supports games from various launchers, including Xbox, Game Pass, and Steam, addressing compatibility issues seen on SteamOS devices like the Steam Deck.
– The Xbox Ally boots into the “Xbox Experience for Handheld,” a gaming-focused interface that minimizes background tasks to improve performance.
– Microsoft is developing a verification program to identify Windows games optimized for handheld play, similar to Steam’s “Deck Verified.”
Microsoft has officially stepped into the handheld gaming PC arena through a strategic partnership with ASUS, unveiling the ROG Ally line powered by Xbox technology. This collaboration delivers a Windows 11-based portable gaming solution that addresses many of the features enthusiasts have been requesting from a Microsoft-branded handheld device.
The ROG Ally devices promise seamless access to an extensive library of PC games, including titles from Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other major platforms. Unlike traditional Windows handhelds that require navigating multiple launchers, Microsoft introduces an “aggregated gaming library”, a unified interface designed to simplify game discovery and launching. This streamlined approach eliminates the need to manually switch between different storefronts, offering a more console-like experience.
One of the standout features is the Xbox Experience for Handheld, a custom interface that replaces the standard Windows desktop at startup. Built specifically for gaming, this full-screen environment prioritizes performance by minimizing background processes, potentially boosting frame rates. A dedicated Xbox button near the left analog stick activates the Game Bar overlay, providing quick access to settings, performance metrics, and game switching, mirroring functionality found on Xbox consoles.
Microsoft’s solution also takes aim at the limitations of SteamOS-based devices like the Steam Deck, emphasizing broader compatibility with Windows-exclusive titles and third-party apps such as Discord, Twitch, and modding tools. The company is developing a certification program similar to Steam’s “Deck Verified” to identify games optimized for handheld play, ensuring smoother performance on the ROG Ally.
By leveraging Windows 11’s versatility while refining the user experience, Microsoft and ASUS aim to carve out a significant niche in the growing handheld PC market. The ROG Ally represents not just another gaming device, but a potential shift in how portable gaming integrates with the broader Xbox and Windows ecosystems.
(Source: Ars Technica)
