Microsoft takes another swing at handhelds with new fullscreen Xbox experience, takes on Steam Deck and Switch 2
Microsoft is finally getting serious about handheld gaming. After years of experiments and half-baked ideas, the company is now working closely with Asus to deliver a handheld experience that feels a lot more like a console than a PC. The result? Two new devices — the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X — both designed around a new, fullscreen Xbox interface built for portable gameplay. These aren't just Windows PCs in a smaller form factor. Microsoft is stripping back the clutter, cutting unnecessary background tasks, and offering a streamlined UI that puts games front and centre. Basically, Microsoft wants to make gaming on Windows handhelds faster, cleaner, and more console-like, in a direct move to challenge the Steam Deck and Nintendo's recently released Switch 2.advertisementBoth ROG Xbox Ally models are powered by AMD's Z2 series chips. The standard version runs on the Ryzen Z2 A with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, targeting 720p gameplay. The more powerful Ally X features the Z2 Extreme chip, with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, aimed at 900p to 1080p gaming. Both have 7-inch 1080p 120Hz displays, support VRR, and now come with a dedicated Xbox button that ties into Microsoft's new UI.That new interface is what really sets this apart from previous handheld attempts. Instead of booting into the usual Windows desktop, these devices go straight into a fullscreen Xbox app. No taskbar, no wallpaper, no typical PC setup — just a clean, game-focused layout. Players can browse titles across multiple stores, like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and Epic, all from one place. And the UI is built for controllers, making it much easier to use on the go.advertisement
Microsoft says this is about more than just looks. By skipping the Windows desktop and trimming back background processes, the new Xbox experience saves around 2GB of memory, which goes straight back into improving game performance. There are also updates to the Xbox Game Bar, better multitasking features with controller-friendly navigation, and new tools to manage things like Wi-Fi and battery.The interface will first launch on the new ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X but will also roll out to existing ROG Ally handhelds later this year. Microsoft says it plans to expand the experience to more Windows handhelds in 2025, and it's even working on a 'verified for handheld' label — similar to Steam Deck's compatibility list — to help gamers know which titles are fully supported.There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but one thing is certain: Microsoft is finally taking Windows handheld gaming pretty seriously. With that said, will it be able to sway users from the Steam Deck or Switch 2? That remains to be seen.Stay tuned to India Today Tech on all the latest about the ROG Xbox Ally models.
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