Get ready for a gaming revolution! The ROG Xbox Ally X is here, and it's a portable gaming PC with an Xbox twist. But is it the unified solution we've been waiting for? Let's dive in and find out.
The Quest for Unity
In a world of competing PC gaming platforms, Microsoft has taken a bold step with the ROG Xbox Ally. This $600 (or $1,000 for the souped-up version) handheld device aims to bring harmony to the chaos. But here's where it gets controversial: it's not quite the exclusive, walled garden approach we've come to expect from Microsoft's Xbox consoles.
Instead, the ROG Xbox Ally is essentially an Asus ROG Ally with an Xbox-themed paint job. Microsoft calls it the Xbox Full-screen Experience (FSE), and it's their attempt to simplify the Windows gaming experience. While the vision is commendable, the execution leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared to the SteamOS-based competition.
Promises and Reality
Microsoft promised a new 'Xbox Experience for Handheld' that would boost performance and streamline gaming. But in practice, the performance gains are minimal, with benchmarks showing only slight improvements. It's like they promised a supercharged engine but delivered a slightly faster go-kart.
The other big selling point, an 'aggregated gaming library', sounds impressive. In theory, it should bring all your games together in one place. But in reality, it falls short. You can't see all your games in one view; instead, you're limited to Microsoft's Xbox platform and any Game Pass subscriptions. For other platforms, you're back to square one, navigating distinct interfaces that don't always play nicely with the ROG Xbox Ally's controls.
A Glimpse of Unity, but...
Once you've installed your games, the Xbox FSE does a decent job of aggregating them. You can see your Battle.net, GOG, and Steam games side by side. But the experience quickly becomes frustrating. Launching games via the FSE is a gamble; sometimes, you get an immediate response, but often, you're left wondering if your button press even registered. And when you do get a response, it might be a launcher popping up multiple times, or worse, a launcher waiting in the background, requiring you to input your credentials.
The FSE also struggles with multitasking. Switching between games can be a hassle, and you're never sure if background apps will continue running smoothly. It's like trying to juggle while blindfolded - you might catch a few, but others will surely drop.
A Powerful Machine, but...
The ROG Xbox Ally's hardware design is impressive. The hand grips are comfortable, and the overall build quality is top-notch. The 7-inch 1080p screen delivers crisp visuals, but it lacks the brightness and HDR pop of an OLED display. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip provides ample gaming horsepower, but pushing it for high-end graphics will drain the battery quickly.
The SteamOS Elephant
In a vacuum, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a promising attempt to merge console simplicity with PC openness. But in the real world, Valve's SteamOS and Steam Deck offer a more refined experience. With SteamOS, everything just works. You don't need to worry about launchers, background programs, or delayed responses. It's a seamless gaming experience.
Microsoft boasts that the Xbox FSE supports all Windows games, but for most PC gamers, this is a moot point. Steam has become the de facto launcher for decades, and even companies with their own platforms often offer Steam versions. Valve's social-network lock-in is a powerful force.
The Killer App: Xbox Game Pass
The ROG Xbox Ally's killer feature is Xbox Game Pass. With a subscription, your library instantly expands with hundreds of games. It's a great entry point for PC gaming newcomers. However, the recent price hike to $30/month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate makes it less attractive.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a well-built piece of hardware, but the Xbox FSE's poor user experience makes it hard to recommend over SteamOS devices like the Steam Deck. Microsoft has a long way to go to refine the FSE and deliver on its promise of a seamless Windows gaming experience. We hope they continue to improve, but for now, the SteamOS-based competition takes the crown.
What do you think? Is the ROG Xbox Ally X a step in the right direction, or is it missing the mark? Let's discuss in the comments!
