Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?

@Kezelpaso to anybody who wants a non staff opinion we have pretty detailed breakdown on it over on the forums. Could you link that here?

No. The price is just too absurd to justify, for me. I understand all the specs, etc., just don't see $1k worth. You could get a switch2 and steam deck(used), for that price.

Nah. With my limited gaming time, the Switch 2 is the only gaming handheld I need. Everything else is pretty much PC or PS5 at this point. Not saying it’s not a cool piece of tech, just not my thing (and way too pricey lol).

No, and reviews only confirmed my expectations, Windows 11 just sucks for handhelds even with the Xbox overlay, you can’t skip all the updates, ads for MS services, drivers, launcher updates, game updates and a million other popups that just aren’t there with any console, and if you really want a PC handheld there’s a ton of better priced options with little to no difference in performance.

Also, I think it’s a very poor first attempt to “merge” Xbox with Windows, and still don’t know if or how they’re gonna pull off merging Xbox consoles’ library with PC and having Steam available too, I just don’t trust Microsoft to actually deliver on that.

I got a Switch 2, and the Steam version of Legion Go S.
I'll never get another Windows handheld again.
And from seeing peoples interactions with the thing, and getting annoying popups and other windows issues, doesn't help.

Not worth the price for a minor upgrade over my Steam deck or OG rog ally.

I want one, but I’ve got a Switch 2, Steam Deck and Series X. Cant really justify the entry fee into this party. Truly am tempted though.

I only play games at home, so buying this would be flushing (a lot of) money down the toilet.

After reading the hyperbolic review on this site, I watched Linus Tech Tips' review, amongst many others.

https://youtu.be/_XhDRAq4YO8

Long story short, not an Xbox in any sense despite the branding, and way overpriced.

I have a Series X, PS5, and Switch 2. I can’t justify a $1,000 purchase that doesn’t do what those do. I’m sure it’s a great device, but it sounds like the software can be more of a headache that I care for. Also, my PC library isn’t nearly what my console library is. I’m not knocking on the Ally, but this wasn’t meant for me. That’s okay, I can see a world where it is for me. Just not for $1,000.

I finally bought one, and well, it's great on the one hand and disappointing on the other.

The hardware is wonderful, powerful, comfortable, and quiet, and the battery life is quite acceptable. It even makes me think that the price is justified for the technology it has.

But for me, the disappointing part is Xbox PC. It simply doesn't have enough games, neither the Xbox console games nor the ones that come to Steam. As a result, you have to install different stores, use other profiles, other achievement systems... As an Xbox ecosystem experience, this machine is hugely disappointing. They still have a lot of work to do here.

@SodaPop6548 Same way I feel. There are a few Play Anywhere titles that would transfer over from Xbox to Pc (Ally) versions and would run better than they do on Steam Deck, but it’s only a few. The rest would be remote / stream your own, which remote works just fine on SD, and stream your own, well I’m not paying $30 a month just for that. Especially when I can remote just fine.

Truly hoping for a native Xbox handheld experience, or if they can somehow finagle that to happen on Xbox Ally, I’ll def jump on it.

@Gabrie Thanks for the confirmation as all that is what I was thinking it would be.

Steam Deck just works better on the less hassle front for me. Plus I have 2TB of data installed on it…. To do that over again on an Ally over a 25mb line would be a nightmare

I'd have been more interested in a true Xbox device but even then with the future of Xbox feeling uncertain i'm not prepared to invest big in Xbox until things are clearer.

I hope we get more proper hybrid consoles in the future - i don't need any more fidelity upgrades, portability is a bigger boon.

My Steamdeck serves my needs perfectly so I won’t be replacing it unless Valve release a Steamdeck 2

I’m a pure TV gamer only.
If I was a handheld gamer then definitely yes.

Ive read a good few reviews and ultimately its agreed its a great bit of hardware (though not worth the upgrade if you already own the ally x) but its just a massive faff (multiple reports of 3 to 5 hours worth of updates before even starting a game) and nowhere near worth the price tag.

The main thing that they all agree on is it is not an xbox in any way, shape or form.

If this was a straight up xbox handheld I'd have snapped their hand off day one. Reading that there are windows updates, armoury crate updates, game updates and so on is just a big no for me.

The xboxera review put it best. Theres only so much lipstick you can put on a pig, and no matter how much they tell you otherwise, the full screen experience is just a wrapper for windows and all the pains that come with it.

Reading others thoughts above if Xbox are going home console hybrid like this device.
They seem to have an awful lot to put right and get right.

Perhaps this handheld is Sonys version of PS5 Pro with PSSR, let’s get it out and test and improve for the next generation.

That you can’t play Xbox games natively is a massive deal breaker. Never buying

I was tempted to get the cheaper Xbox Ally ($600 for Steam Deck performance wasn’t ideal) but have decided to instead get the original ROG Ally. It’s more powerful than the base Xbox Ally, with the latest Windows Update runs the same “Xbox Full Screen Experience”, and through Best Buy here in the US I can get a refurbished model for $380!

Plus, I’m the type of person who likes to mod stuff so the official spare parts available on ifixit and kits (especially for battery) are super tempting.

I think between the solid sales and the great feedback, MS will return to the drawing board for their own handheld. That said, I'd like one of these but the cost just isn't ideal for me.

I think the cost is a little much.

I think for a first iteration it’s a solid platform, unless you are a handheld enthusiast it makes sense to wait for a second iteration. - though I’m sure those that buy it will enjoy it.

The screen is the let down. 7”, no Oled. And the fact many can’t play much of their Xbox library isn’t ideal either.

I know it’s not an MS product. (And PX have neglected to cover it)But the release has been messy by Asus. In the UK they didn’t even ship them for release day.

@PsBoxSwitchOwner OLED is truly nice, had it on Switch 1. But quality on standard LED panels has improved greatly over the years. The Switch 2 panel looks very close to the depth that Switch OLED provided. The big boon is VRR, which doesn’t doesn’t seem to mesh well with OLED currently, or is cost prohibitive.

VRR is truly awesome and I’d choose that over OLED in a heartbeat after experiencing both, especially when it comes to handhelds where you’re not hitting 60fps in most situations.

It makes 40fps seem like 60fps, and unless frames drop massively, it’s hard to notice a frame or two dropped at all.

@Dm9982 I can forgive the $500 ally not having an oled.

But a $1000 handheld should have an oled or an 8” screen.

I have the z1 extreme it’s great and can hold out for a few years. The Xbox ally looks great but at £850 it’s just a little steep for a console.

Got my RoG Xbox Ally X today - I pre-ordered as soon as they went live as a replacement to my OG RoG Ally and its a 'massive' upgrade. It may not offer 'much' performance difference at the higher power settings, but a BIG difference at lower settings, the ergonomics, the OS (I know both are Windows, but one boots to Windows, the other boots to Xbox FSE and Optimised Windows. A lot of upgrades - some maybe seem 'small' or not worth paying for 'individually' but the sum of all the upgrades makes it worth the cost to me...

@PsBoxSwitchOwner for a $1000 there’s a lot of things it should have to be honest 🤣. That’s a flippin house payment, few car payments, etc…. Lordy it’s so eye watering.

$600 is my personal max for a game system. I weigh the cost versus the gain. And currently it does nothing more than what Steam Deck would offer me besides some visual upgrades or better frames. And that only applies to native. You’re not getting better than remote play for stuff like Fable 2&3….

It may be worth it for those without an alternative, like I know SD isn’t in certain markets where Microsoft may be present.

Just really hard to justify. I do hope it does well though, at least enough to have MS truly look into a native Xbox experience. Having my Xbox library over the years at the palm of my hand whereever I go and not need internet would be a dream come true

@Kaloudz I am interested to see what the sales numbers are. I know the headlines all say its selling out, but until we know how many were available in the first place, its meaningless.

For example, this is an xbox gaming site where many are deep in the ecosystem. At the time of writing this, only around 22 people have said they already own one or have it ordered out of 251.

Thats probably in line with expectations for an expensive, niche device.

@PsBoxSwitchOwner And that OLED screen would likely increase the price they have to sell it for, make it over $1k or, if they decided to keep to $1k, would likely lose out somewhere else as they cut costs.

Its the Cheapest Z2E based Handheld PC on the Market - the MSi is $100 more and the Lenovo Go 2 is over a third more expensive with an OLED screen and neither the MSI or Lenovo have the AI Z2E chip with the AI NPU's - they have the standard Z2E.

Its not a 'Single' Platform made by the Company that owns that Gaming Platform, that will make money from the 'Only' store it really supports. Its not 'subsidised' with a Subscription fee for all features/content to be unlocked (like Gaming online) and will play games the others won't. You can't play BF6 on a Steamdeck or Switch 2 as well as GTA Online. With a steamdeck, you can at least install Windows to play Windows games.

The point of the 'cheaper' Xbox Ally is to 'compete' with Steamdeck/Switch 2 at a 'similar' Price Point but offer better ergonomics and the FULL gaming Library a Windows PC offers - not just Steam. It also is designed more to integrate with your Xbox/Game Pass library as they are NOT on Steam. Yes you may not own many Play Anywhere games, but its better than having to rebuy everything again just to play on a Handheld.

If you have a Steam Library or want to play Nintendo games for something different to your Xbox gaming, then of course they are Great devices and no doubt Subsidised a bit too. However, Handheld PC's - even Xbox branded PC's are more expensive than a Single platform device.

RoG Xbox Ally - competes with Steamdeck, Switch 2 and first Z1E Handheld PC's
RoG Xbox Ally X - competes with other 'high-end' Handheld PC's like MSi Claw A8 and Lenovo Go 2 - and is 'cheaper' than those.

No, it's just another PC handheld that won't play my console library of games.

It's not expensive considering the specifications, but it's expensive compared to subsidised consoles. If you bought a Series X or PS5 in 2020-2021, you should feel very happy now.

Since PS5 Pro, subsidised consoles are over and we won't see them again. Nintendo consoles are cheaper, but not subsidised either, with capabilities in line with the last generation. Next-gen consoles will have this pricing we are not used to.

That said, it seems that the owners of Rog Xbox Ally X are happy with the hardware and all the issues are related to software issues, that are being addressed.

@Dm9982 They made the cheaper RoG Xbox Ally to compete with Steamdeck and Switch 2. Whilst it won't deliver the same graphical upgrade and frame rate improvements, it will beat (or at least match) the Steamdeck at similar graphical settings/resolutions at 'low' power settings for longer battery life.

Being a full Windows device, not a SteamOS or whatever Nintendo's OS is, you also have access to ALL Windows PC games inc those that require TPM Secure Boot - games like BF6, BO7, GTAO, Detiny 2, Valorant etc. Also, if you are on Xbox and/or a Game Pass Subscriber, then you may want to keep in the MS gaming Ecosystem as both Windows PC's and Xbox Consoles have a Microsoft OS and use Microsofts DirectX API's.

It may not be a 'Xbox' console, but its is an 'Xbox' PC - where Xbox is the Gaming Brand of Microsoft. The only difference is that Windows is an Open, multi-platform OS - hence you have Windows/Xbox PC, Steam, Epic, GoG, Battlenet etc etc as well - but on Console, you are locked just to 'Xbox' console.

MS were a PC developer but neglected their own PC platform to build their Console to bring their games to a more Mainstream audience with much more affordable Subsidised hardware. A decade ago, the XB1 was 'failing' so MS decided to merge Xbox into their Microsoft business instead of a small side project. That led to ALL games releasing on their PC platform, Play Anywhere & Game Pass and them spending a LOT of money on Studios and Publishers.

Now, they are really focused on making their own PC platform as competitive as possible with other 3rd Party PC platforms who rose up whilst Microsoft themselves were neglecting their OWN platform. You've never 'needed' Steam or Epic to play games on Windows PC, but MS's neglect let the door open...

Now 25yrs later, their Console is optional and not even the cheapest way to play Microsofts Xbox games - cloud is. Playing on a server with built in Xbox hardware on Xbox network/Apps (even if using iOS or Android devices), is still part of the Microsoft ecosystem.

With basically every First Party release and increasing number of 3rd Party games now releasing as Play Anywhere games, some even post release (Hogwarts Legacy), the 'cheaper' Xbox Ally is a better option for Xbox console owner - you may not need to buy ANY games with Game Pass, Play Anywhere, Streaming (inc Stream your Own games) and remote play - but of course the last two are not exclusive to this device as Steamdeck can stream Game Pass through its Browser.

But if you want to play games like Indiana Jones, Expedition 33, Fable, Ninja Gaiden 4, BO7, Keeper on a Handheld and Xbox without needing to buy multiple copies, the Xbox Ally is the only one to choose. If you want a 'different/2nd' Platform to play 'different' games, even if they do have some crossover you'd need to rebuy to play, then Switch or Steam are great options too.

Point is, they made a 'cheaper' Xbox Ally with the same ergonomics and Game Library on the same OS, but to compete with Steamdeck & Switch 2. The RoG Xbox Ally X is meant to compete with Lenovo Go 2 and MSI Claw A8 Z2E processor based gaming Handheld PC's - the 'top of the line' in Gaming Handhelds, not 'Console' tier gaming handhelds - one that is heavily subsidised and very much 'LOCKED' so they make Money on EVERYTHING you spend your money on in it...

No interest at all

@BAMozzy You’re not wrong, and that’s great for pc users. Not everyone is pc crowd. I grew up with PCs from 1985 when I first had pc access at 3, until my last pc blew up during a thunderstorm in 2012. Hadn’t been on pc ecosystem in 12+ years, and all the old games I have would now days require me to buy and external floppy or dvd drive just to run them on whatever device I’d choose.

When I got the Steam Deck for my bday last year, Steam was the best option for buying pc games - far and away the best sales bar none. Getting a deck was an no brainer for cost to effectiveness ratio as well as ease of access - I hate windows, have since the days of Windows ME… The deck gave me access to my Xbox remotely, which I’ve amassed a large digital library ever since the days of 360….. A lot of the games don’t have a pc counter part like Fable 2 and 3…. So remoting the Xbox is the only option there.

I was a GPU subscriber ever since the Series X launched, as I got a free year with it through Target’s pre-order program. I won’t argue it’s the cheapest way to game on a budget, truly it is. And it makes absolute sense if you have the time to dedicate to games before they get removed from the service and swapped with other games…. It’s also the best way to enter into a console or even pc ecosystem from nothing. Beats out PS Plus and NSO+ handily.

I get the reason it exists and its price point, both models. The lower model is the competitor to current stuff, while the higher end is a mobile upper end pc. Although currently speaking it’s a better idea to just opt for a standard Z1 Ally X and install the FSE Xbox stuff to it over getting the base Xbox Ally, and it’s even arguable against Xbox Ally X as the performance gain isn’t huge, just battery life.

Considering I’m console first and pc second, this device is clearly not marketed for me, as a simple Logitech Cloud G could more or less serve the purposes I’d require, which is remote access of my Xbox. And truly speaking I only went with the SD so I could access a few pc only titles, plus was making the decision against SD or getting a Ps5 and Portal. Considering I only wanted to play God of War, Spider-Man, Nioh and Ghost of Tushima plus have remote access to my Xbox, the SD was the clear winner. I did debate the Ally X, but it was still suffering from the overheat / Micro sd fault problem so opted against it.

It is a great design, and a step in the right direction. And your points are valid. But for those of us that are console first, there are much better options for the price than either of these devices. And a lot of it hinges on if you’re willing to stay GPU. I was not. $30 a month is too rich for my blood, plus I buy the games I want to play anyways. Of which not all land on GP. Especially not the Nintendo ones 😆.

In the end it’s much like when one trims down streaming subscriptions to save money…. Having them all at once makes no sense when you can only watch or play one thing at a time. So I axed GPU as I really wasn’t using it. I don’t have the bandwidth where I live to cloud stream reliably, so that whole section is out. Plus I’d rather be able to play my game regardless of having an internet connection. To each their own though.

Thank you for being honest that reviews aren’t all sunshine and rainbows for MS.

2 huge tech-YouTubers (LinusTechTips & Austin Evans) both came to the conlclusion that the base Ally has a slightly better frame rate and much worse battery and display than the Steam Deck while being more expensive than the OLED model Steam Deck.

They also both agreed that the Ally X had comparable to worse performance than the Legion Go & the MClaw whilst being more expensive than the Legion Go.

Finally they both agreed that the Ally had the worst UI by far and MS lied about streamlining Windows for it.

The Ally X has potential to be a highly competent middle performance option for a mid tier price, whilst the base model is using an exact clone of the Steam Deck processor from 4 years ago for double the price.

While I'm happy to see more handhelds coming out, I'm perfectly happy with my Steam Deck.

As I have said before I simply have no use for this device and never will have a need for a handheld gaming option.

of course the price is insane.
But for me the outlier is if you have a physical Xbox collection of games you are unable to play them on the Ally.

It would need a connection to the Xbox , so for instance if you wanted to play a physical game it could transfer that game direct from your Xbox series X which would say give a code from the inserted Xbox disc that shows you have the physical disc.
This could be a timed limit so once the game is installed your have say 14 days of play on that game. If after 14 days you wanted to still play that game you would have to reconnect your Ally to the Xbox and insert the disc confirming you still had the physical media to get another 14 days use.

Its a simple idea, one which would give the Ally a much needed boost.

it could work a bit like the Switch 2 's game share .
but presently its NOT a Xbox if I cant play my physical media on the device.

Got a chance to try it out today, one of my neighbors bought it. It's a very capable piece of tech. Played a few races in FH5, some Gears on the cloud and even remote played to my own PS5 at home. All worked flawlessly and the ergonomics are top notch. That being said I would say I'm "interested" in it just cause I love new gadgets and tech, but at the price point and not really being invested in Gamepass/Steam atm it's not worth the cost of entry. Very very solid piece of equipment though, if you're an enthusiast and willing to spend I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Not a big enough improvement over my Legion Go to justify itself at all for me. I don't prefer the Windows OS on handhelds either. I would replace it with Bazzite or SteamOS on day one like I did with the Legion Go.

I have the ROG Ally X. I completely like the concept behind what they are doing, but I think the execution still needs work.

The hardware is beutiful and perfect outside I would like more battery life.

The software though needs the work. If you are advertising this as an XB then it should feel as seamless as console. I don't get that feeling yet. I went to install Diablo IV, and then it said I needed battle.net first, then showed me the Battlenet install screens. Then, after some fiddling I got Diablo IV on.

MICROSOFT, IF YOU ARE GOING TO ADVERTISE SOMETHING AS AN XB MAKE IT AS EASY AS AN XB!

Short answer: No

Long answer: Heck no

I have too many games and not enough time as it is with my current setup so adding more isn’t something I’m up for at this stage.

The hardware looks good but I’m not a fan of windows OS.

No! My graphics card costs like three of these. I won't settle for anything other than 4k Ultra.

Interesting device, but I already have a Switch 2 for handheld play. I simply don’t travel around away from home often enough to justify having two dedicated handheld devices.

I'm putting money aside for a new oled TV so it's a no from me but if I wasn't id be contemplating buying one because it isn't a dedicated Xbox software device that plays every single game that I have purchased over the years.

I just don't understand the need tbh. Why pay £850 for a handheld when the new xbox/pc box will probably cost close to if not slightly more. It makes sense to save that money for the next gen box.

Before it came out, I was cautiously curious. Now it's honestly sounding pretty good.

These things are the main event for me these day. I play it handheld all the time at home. I dock it and use it like a PC a lot too to play strategy games from steam. I've stuffed it full of emulators and it can handle literally any of that stuff easy. It's just great. The only thing I really still use the series X for is multiplayer shooters and I play them rarely.

No desire to get the xbox version though as my 2024 model is nailing everything I throw at it tbh. I would reccomend it actually if it's cheaper. Still very solid.

@Titntin I saw Tamoor Hussain say it comes with MS Office installed and nearly face palmed through the back of my own skull.

I paid a total of just under £400 for a Rog ally z1e, with a dock, power bank and grip case. It does most of what this does. It's undoubtedly a cool piece of kit, but I don't see a good reason to upgrade. It's rare that I don't have enough memory to play the games I want, and using 720p with FSR and a bit of RIS tends to achieve good results on more intensive games.

For someone who has yet to get into handheld PC gaming and really wants to though, I think this looks like the best device on the market. But it's not priced to compete with a steam deck or a switch 2, so it really has to become your primary gaming device if you're not mega rich

@Titntin Teams is pre installed? Oh hell no! That really goes to show that this is definitely NOT an Xbox. Teams is one of the worst pieces of software ever created by MS.

@BAMozzy I meant to say yesterday and forgot, but all things considered, if Steam Deck wasn’t an option / I didn’t already have that, the Xbox Ally X would be my next choice bar none. I’ve always loved Asus, my last 2 laptops and my last two rigs I built back in 2012 and before were all Asus stuff. They build solid stuff!

The price of any of the high end devices is still just outta my reach, but if I had no bills and much more disposable income I totally would get one.

Once the tech and software is ironed out, maybe in a year or so, I’ll pick one up. By then maybe they’ll have an answer for running your Xbox library “native” via official emulation. Newer games would just fall under play anywhere, but titles like Fable 2 and 3 never got pc ports, so currently the only option for them is remote your Xbox or unofficial emu. Not something I care to mess with when the titles are still currently purchasable and playable, and just locked to a console.

Hopefully they don’t lock that behind a GPU paywall. I’d have to read the fine print, but I don’t think Play Anywhere is GPU exclusive, just the cloud aspects. I think if you buy an Xbox or Pc title that is labeled as Play Anywhere, then it’s truly that without GPU attachment; but I could be wrong which would suck.

Edit - just checked, nope Play Anywhere is indeed tied to games purchased and separate from GPU entirely.

Edit 2 - Also I truly hope that MS dream of a unified Xbox and PC front gets fully realized. The day it can recognize I’ve bought a game on Series X, and grant me keys across Windows and Steam for that game, and vice versa, allowing me to pick up and play on any of those devices…. That’ll be a massive winning day for gamers, and allow us a truly free gaming ecosystem unrestricted from consoles. Always thought it was a pipe dream and no company would push for it, but here we stand on the cusp of it fully happening. Truly insane gaming times.

@Dm9982 What you need to remember is that Xbox stopped being 'just' their Console and became their entire Gaming Brand. Anytime you play on Game Pass or buy games from MS (on Xbox or PC) you are playing in their Xbox Gaming ecosystem.

That's why all your Play Anywhere or Game Pass games are locked to - the Microsoft 'Xbox' Ecosystem, not steam or Epic. They are Microsoft, therefore Xbox products. Its just that a PC also has 3rd Party Platforms competing with MS unlike their Console.

The High end Xbox Ally X is competing with other 'High End' Handheld PC's like Lenovo Go and MSI claw - its the cheapest Z2E Handheld PC. The standard is designed to compete with Steamdeck/Switch 2 but offer a lager Gaming Library and more synchronised gaming with the Xbox Console.

I can see the 'next' Xbox running Windows 11 OS and booting to an Xbox FSE type UI. Whether you can access 3rd Party Apps like Steam without at least GPE or not, I don't know but that may depend on whether you also get the 'full' Windows 11 supplied or just a Gaming optimised version.

That way, MS Only need to make a PC game, no porting to Console and all 3rd Party releases would also be Windows PC versions so effectively Play Anywhere too. They only need to 'emulate' the Series X for BC to their Console History but all new releases would be Windows PC releases and play on any Windows PC, not just Xbox branded ones. Xbox would still be their Platform as you won't be able to play on Steam or Epic's PC platform.

@Dm9982 That is the ultimate goal. Then, Windows will be the best platform for games, because of its native compatibility with PC games and because of the Xbox backwards compatibility "translation" added for Xbox users, something I suspect it's already being worked on. I also think that this is the best handheld gaming available, but it's not the same optimising something big and versatile like Windows as bare bones OS or limited software layers, so it was predictable that the first months would be rough for the first device that truly has a gaming version of Windows, and that will also benefit any other computer and gaming handheld running Windows. This is not about a single device, but the first step of something gigantic.

@Banjo- Yeah and I can’t wait to see how this turns out. Truly amazing

@Dm9982 For the record, backwards compatibility is what made me a fan of Xbox, so I understand you.

@Banjo- Aside from PC, Xbox is the leader there. Was the prime reason I got the series X. I could access my OG Xbox titles, 360 titles, XB1 titles and all the new stuff. No other platform had that unless you subscribed to something and even those were linited

@Dm9982 And with free upgrades. Besides PC, Xbox is the best value and most consumer-friendly, indeed.

think my 85 inch tv gives me more pleasure

I'm only interested in a 1st party Xbox handheld CONSOLE. I don't want a PC, I game on console because it's ease of use, plug and play nature. Xbox having a custom OS is part of the beauty of owning a console, I don't want a "full Windows" device. I personally own a Series X, a Series S, and a PS5. These consoles all serve my family and I in gaming, allowing us to easily meet up to play with friends and family. PC is great for people who want to play on PC but that's simply not me.

I am hoping we get the handheld Xbox Series S successor because that would literally be the best console ever for me personally lol happy gaming ✌️

@Banjo- couldn't agree more, Xbox truly is the most consumer friendly out of all the console ecosystems. Nowhere else can you buy a game and get a free copy to play on another platform (Xbox Play Anywhere)

@Master_Cthulhu70 Yep! I'm looking forward to what's next and how Xbox will be better integrated with Windows devices. I think that Microsoft will manufacture their own handheld/hybrid on top of the confirmed next-gen console. Rog Xbox Ally X is awesome hardware. It's the best handheld PC. I'm watching reviews and I'm impressed, but until it or its successor run Xbox games, it's not an Xbox, but an Xbox PC. It has PC Game Pass, Cloud, all PC games and all the Xbox games part of Play Anywhere, but not the others.

As I said in my other comments about the next Xbox and this Rog Xbox Ally X, I expect the next Windows devices to support Xbox games and that includes running backwards compatibility Xbox and Xbox 360 games. It's easy compared to what they achieved on Xbox One. It's what every future Xbox console and device could be, including the confirmed next-gen console. Everything playable and everything on the same Windows.

@Master_Cthulhu70 I think their Next Xbox (or even if they decide to make a Handheld) console will be a Windows 11 OS device - whether that's a Gaming optimised version - similar to these Asus Xbox PC's.

The difference is that they may not supply or allow you to boot the other Processes and access the Full Windows Desktop, but all 'Windows PC' games will run natively on it. That way MS only have to make 'PC' games - not port to and tweak a Console version too saving time/money.

They'll likely have some emulation and/or some specific Hardware tweaks built in to their own Hardware that will enable it to run similar to a Series X and therefore, every game (inc BC games) will run natively on their Hardware specifically. If some Hardware is 'required', then it will be 'exclusive' to MS branded Products, not EVERY Windows 11 product.

With BC, I also think it will be just your Digital Library that will be BC so if you want to play your old Physical Libraries, you'll need to keep your 'Series X' hardware (the ONLY current MS platform with a Physical media Player as PC, Cloud and Series S are all digital anyway).

If its Windows 11, MS have come full circle from their original days of making games for their Windows Platform - Flight Simulator is OLDER than Xbox. Not only that, ALL 3rd Party Games would also be 'Play Anywhere' and be BC with ANY Windows PC in the future - not some 'specialised' version designed to run on 1 specific Hardware SKU. If you buy 'better' hardware, you get better Performance/Graphic settings without needing some Dev to port and change a few settings to sell it as a 'remaster'.

MS will no doubt want Windows to be at the 'heart' of their Hardware - whether its for dedicated Gaming, for business, or for whatever you use a computer for. Xbox is their Gaming Brand - like Playstation is for Sony and Sony have had multiple Platforms in the Past too - their 'Playstation' Handhelds didn't give you the Consoole version and every 'Gaming' device - Portal, VR, Headsets etc are Playstation 'branded' too. I'm sure Sony also make Audio headsets that aren't 'Playstation' branded.

Xbox is MS's Gaming brand and I expect the fact Windows and Xbox team are working together, doing all this work on verifying games for Handhelds etc is indicative of where their OWN devices will likely go.

The only difference is whether they will 'lock' Consoles to MS's 'Xbox PC' ecosystem, still charge for 'Online' via GPE but in doing so, unlocks apps like Steam or Epic. In otherwords, on their 'Console', accesing Online gaming, Steam etc is behind a Subscription so they can sell a 'subsidised' Windows based Gaming focused 'PC' in a console form factor that's predominently geared towards their own Platform - as Xbox FSE is on these Handhelds...

No I'm not the target audience. I look at Xbox games even the State of Decay 3 and others still coming or those that are niche but great in their own way (that PS owners ignore and focus on Halo, Gears and Forza and ignore the rest), I kind of understand Play Anywhere (compared to say PS Crossbuy compatible games) but I don't know the games compatible so I'd have to check and more. So I get what is available for sure of Gamepass, PC Steam/Epic and more besides an interface like Steam big picture.

Sure it could be an app, but I mean the Xbox app is a thing already. So was SmartGlass for 360/One, so was many others over time kept or phased out.

It's a Xbox controller/console features of quick resume and Impulse triggers, mixed with a ROG Ally. It's fine if you want a brand skin and a few features from an Xbox while having a PC environment.

To me the Ally was a test, why go for a handheld when you can a brand deal.

Portal is a remote play device with less features then the Vita of target resolution or second screen (assuming) but otherwise it's not supposed to be a handheld it's a casting device, same as PS4 remote play app, same with PC, same with phones, it's an option if people want it, I don't like how simple the Portal is but it's for introducing newcomers (like anything, wait for it to suit their lifestyle, next generation of people that notice, even if remote play for Sony has been around since PSP, heck even Sega's Outrun 2 did cross save between PS2/PSP before PS3/PSP Sony marketed or had features for PSP and PS3 connectivity between games alongside 3D TVs, Move, and more some devs went about using or ignoring, but Sega also did GBA/GameCube stuff too so I mean some companies try those sorts of things their way) then over doing remote play features compared to Vita so I get that.

Who played Playlink PS4 party games with the phone as the controller? No hardcore did that? Can't due to phone firmware and delisted apps unless Android archives. Yeah not surprised. But PS5 has some like that Tactics game that is. But Playlink games aren't back compat on PS5 either. Like anyone cares.

But you also can use just like Xbox any other source of screen or device the remote play app for PS or Xbox works on. So really Portal is cheaper and a casting device, Ally is more hardware and yet both vary in their features but the apps are still there.

Besides the Xbox app environment for the ROG Ally X.

It's a fine device but other then the Xbox features in it, it's a PC handheld/Pocket PC I don't care for them. Looking at them sure, but not admiring at all, I have no interest in one at all.

I dont have a handheld (or gaming) PC in general, so that functionality combined with a robust Xbox digital library going back almost 2 decades interests me, but then I see I dont have access to most of it? The actual **** is that? Plus its 1300 CDN price tag for the 1TB version evaporates that interest pretty quickly.

Hell, 630 CDN for the Switch 2 is too bloody expensive IMO and this is more than double.

Reviews are falling exactly where I expected.

1. Amazing handheld PC.
2. Bad Xbox.

And expensive.

Should it get a deep discount then I'll leap at it but I can't afford throwing that kind of money at anything.

No because all the reviews did was confirm what we all knew.

This is a great PC handheld and it's not an Xbox console, so doesn't play the vast majority of my library.

Had the cheaper variant effectively been a handheld Series S, I'd have bought one. As they are, the more expensive one is the only viable product and a bit pricey for the use I'd get out of it

The price is too high right now. I will consider to buy XBOX ROG during sales period with a price drop.

Personally, if I were to buy a handheld, I would never play AAA titles on the small screen, but I would play games in the Nintendo philosophy: cartoony 2d/3d action platformers, anime games, a small JRPG, or even an EA FC football - but with the best experience remaining on the big screen. That is, games like Ninja Turtles, Smurf games, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Coromon, Nexomon, Palworld, Digimon, Naruto, Lego games, Metal Slug, Cat Quest, Sonic, etc. Microsoft could implement a very nice tactic of continuously releasing such day one games on Game Pass, which would fit the "profile" of the XBOX ROG ALLY, and would constitute a nice purchase package for someone. If we knew that games like Digimon, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Terminator 2D NO Fate, etc. would be released every month, it would be a nice reason for someone to get the XBOX ROG ALLY X.

I bought it and setup with most of my PC storefronts (forgot about Amazon Prime Gaming). While I have a couple Steam Decks, they don't handle other stores well and are not capable with every game, Steam or otherwise.

The price was no issue, though clearly any discount is always welcome. (Pay ME to take it!) I was able to shave off $60 between Best Buy rewards, CC discount, and Edge browser cashback.

ASUS’ mobile/laptop parts are notoriously unreliable. A buddy of mine runs a repair shop and gets ASUS laptops and ROG Allies in almost daily. I’m not in the market because I don’t like handhelds and hate PC/Windows, but if I were I’d wait several months to make sure that mosfets and/or VRMs aren’t randomly blowing. Not to mention the melting SD card issue from the original Ally…

@Banjo- I agree with that sentiment wholeheartedly! It will have more cohesion with Windows than EVER before HOWEVER it won't run full windows simple because that would destroy the point of an Xbox console.

the Next Xbox Won’t Run Full Windows and That’s a Good Thing!

There’s been some speculation lately about whether the next Xbox might run full Windows 11. As someone who’s been gaming on Xbox for years and owns a Series S, Series X, and a PS5, I can tell you right now, that would be a huge mistake. Consoles are built around plug and play simplicity. You turn it on, launch a game, and you’re in. No drivers, no background processes, no clutter. Full Windows would wreck that experience. It’s not just about the UI either, it’s about preserving the frictionless, optimized flow that makes console gaming what it is today.

Beyond usability, full Windows would introduce fragmentation. Right now, Xbox consoles offer a fixed hardware target, and that’s a developer’s dream. They can learn every nuance of the system (including OS) and optimize their games to run better over time. That’s why the Series X, even with Zen 2 and RDNA 2, still delivers visuals and performance that rival high end PCs running Zen 4 and RDNA 3. Developers squeeze every ounce of power out of the hardware because they know exactly what they’re working with. Windows would BREAK that pipeline and dilute the magic.

From a business standpoint, it makes even less sense. Microsoft profits from Xbox in three major ways: hardware sales, software sold through the Xbox Store, and Game Pass subscriptions. If they put FULL Windows on Xbox, they’d open the door to third party storefronts like Steam, Epic, and GOG. That would EAT into their own profits! (Putting third party stores on Xbox would be like opening a restaurant and letting other chefs sell their food from your kitchen!! you built the space, attracted the customers, but now you're handing over your customers and the profits).

Why would any company give up exclusive control of their storefront just to chase PC parity? Xbox is a closed ecosystem by design, and that’s what makes it sustainable.

Now, will the next Xbox have more cohesion with Windows than ever before? Absolutely. We’re already seeing it with Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and the Xbox app on PC. But cohesion doesn’t mean convergence. Xbox and PC will stay separate platforms, each with their own strengths, unified through services and SHARED libraries. That’s the brilliance of Xbox Play Anywhere! you get two optimized experiences, not one watered down compromise. And let’s be real, it’s called Xbox Play Anywhere for a reason. Xbox comes first. It's not PC play anywhere, it's XBOX Play Anywhere!

Finally, let’s not forget the importance of Xbox first party hardware. Microsoft has confirmed more handhelds are in development, and the Series S proved that entry level consoles have massive appeal! A hybrid handheld successor to the Series S makes PERFECT sense, but it still needs to be a CONSOLE. Not a PC. Not a Windows box. A CONSOLE. Because that’s what Xbox is, and that’s what millions of us signed up for. Happy gaming ✌️

@BAMozzy Full Windows on the Next Xbox Would Be a Disaster

Let me be blunt: running full Windows 11 on the next Xbox would be the dumbest move Microsoft could possibly make. It would destroy everything that makes Xbox a console. It would introduce AWFUL fragmentation, cut into Microsoft’s profits, and alienate millions of players who chose Xbox because it’s not a PC.

Do I believe Xbox engineers are working closely with the Windows OS team? Absolutely. And I do think we’ll see more cohesion than ever? ABSOLUTELY! PCs playing Xbox games natively or through emulation, and Xbox consoles possibly supporting select PC titles the same way. That’s smart integration. But cohesion is not convergence. And I can’t stress this enough: Microsoft needs the Xbox console ecosystem to exist.

The Xbox ecosystem is driven by console first design. It’s where Microsoft profits from hardware sales, software sold through the Xbox Store, and Game Pass subscriptions. If they turned Xbox into a Windows 11 box, they’d open the door to third party storefronts like Steam, Epic, and GOG which essentially handing over their profits to competitors. That’s not just risky, it’s completely backwards. Putting third party stores on Xbox would be like opening a restaurant and letting other chefs sell food from your kitchen. You built the space, attracted the customers, and now you’re giving away the profits.

And let’s not forget the numbers. Over 35 million Game Pass subscribers. More than 40 million Series X|S consoles sold. Well over 100 million monthly active users across console, cloud, and PC. Microsoft has built an excellent ecosystem and that ecosystem would be shattered if they abandoned the console identity.

The whole point of a console is plug and play ease of use. You turn it on, launch a game, and you’re in. No drivers, no background processes, no clutter. That’s what makes consoles special. I genuinely can’t imagine Microsoft being short sighted enough to destroy that.

Xbox is a CONSOLE. It’s a platform. It's an ecosystem. It’s a promise. And it needs to stay that way.

@Master_Cthulhu70 You make a lot of valid points that I agree with. There is a lot of speculation about the next Xbox. It's confirmed that it's backwards compatible and the largest generational leap. The third-party stores are rumours and perhaps they only exist because of the Rog Xbox Ally X being a handheld PC with third-party stores.

The next Xbox should run the gaming version of Windows and games builds should be the same for console and PC, so no ports needed and all games available, because all games are made for Windows. Win-win. The OS of the console should be the Xbox Full Screen Experience that will be more optimised by then, and that Rog Xbox Ally X just started.

Consoles are more optimised for gaming and like you said, Series X still compares favourably to high-end PCs because of that. So basically, I think that the next Xbox should be exactly that: a console that only runs the full screen experience optimised for that console, hardware and software optimised for gaming, and developers making the most of the console because they know exactly what they are dealing with. That version of Windows for gaming should still be an Xbox user interface like that of Series X|S.

@Banjo- That's what I think - the next Console will be a Windows 11 OS with some customisation/modification to lock it to Microsoft Only - after all they build and can modify their own OS to only boot to Xbox FSE with all 'Desktop and non-gaming' aspects Stripped out completely - not supplied so no way to switch to full screen mode or access other Windows based platforms services.

Being a 'fixed' Platform, Devs can just optimise their PC versions with say a 60fps and 120fps mode - or let you set your own 'custom' settingsbut essentially its the exact same game they sell on any other PC platform - its software recognise your hardware specs and adjusts its settings accordingly

That way their Studios only make PC games with their minimum standard for 'optimising to' is their weakest PC product - so handheld ready with its 'settings' and able to scale up to Console or high end PC gaming but must be at least decent on a handheld with settings to adjust text scale for example on small screens and targeting say 4k/60 on a Fixed spec Console style PC and release it on their Store only (unless porting to P3rd Party Consoles like PS or Switch).

Point is, MS want Windows at the heart of gamers experience whether on PC, Console or Cloud and Windows to be the home of Gaming with Xbox as their Gaming brand on all devices. whether that happens with their next console, which I do think won't be a 'traditional' single platform device, although I do think they might put 'multi-platform' access behind a game pass sub tier.

The only issue is how to bring that Console Library forward effectively and 'cheaply', don't want to be wasting valuable chip just for space for BC compatibility if you can 'emulate with purely software to make the game work and think its running on the Hardware its code expects it to work with.

@BAMozzy Microsoft's engineers managed to run Xbox 360 (Power PC) games better on Xbox One (x86), so I expect them to make those, Xbox One and Series games play on the next console just using software. Running the gaming version of Windows with just the gaming features like DirectX will make possible to run the same build of games next generation, with no console ports required. They are capable of doing it and I honestly believe it's the best possible outcome for them financially and for gamers from a console fan's perspective.

@Weebleman Very true. I'm still not going to get one myself, but I am toying with the idea of moving to Steam Deck. The games are cheaper, and it seems the return laws are a lot more lenient than on console too. I'll still get Xbox next gen, but, I'll probably play it less (by a little) if I get SD - which I hear sell very well too.

@Kaloudz Ive just got my kid a steam deck for christmas. He mainly uses a gaming laptop and has been eyeballing one for some time to use while we are travelling, holidays, etc...

They are reasonably priced and will do what he wants from it so it felt like the right time to plunge. I cant offer you any other feedback until the 25th December though 😂

Hope you are keeping well buddy.

@Weebleman Oh I'm looking at getting one in the middle of next year depending on what we hear about consoles in the summer so I'll have plenty of time to pester you 😅 I've got a lot to learn too (Oled Vs whatever the heck the other one means, stats, accessibility etc..) I'm well thanks brother. How's about you?