Latest news with #ROGAlly
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Digital Trends
The ROG Xbox Ally fixes the worst problem with Windows handhelds
A few years ago, there was a moment when I felt like the only thing that could make the Steam Deck better was if it would ditch Linux for Windows. That turned out to be one heck of a monkey's paw. As soon as competing handhelds flooded the market, all equipped with Microsoft's OS, I realized exactly why Valve didn't go in that direction. Windows is a total pain to navigate in devices like the Legion Go for countless reasons. The Steam Deck was protecting me from myself all this time. So forgive me if I was a little skeptical when Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally. While I used to dream of a portable device like this that was built around Xbox Game Pass, I was filled with some mild dread when the big day finally came. I just didn't want to struggle with another Windows handheld. Thankfully, Asus and Microsoft have seemingly read the room. Following the device's announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase, Digital Trends went hands-on with the handheld and learned much more about its internals. The good news? All of the pesky parts of Windows have been cut out in favor of a more focused gaming device. Recommended Videos The most important thing I learned is that this isn't simply a regular ROG Ally with an Xbox logo slapped on the box. Sure, its guts may have some similarities, but key parts of it have been rebuilt. That starts with the design, as the Xbox Ally trades in rounded edges for traditional controller grips to bring the device more in line with a gamepad. That puts it somewhere between a ROG Ally and a PlayStation Portal in terms of comfort. Impulse triggers further soup the package up, which is a nice touch. The only problem is that it's quite heavy. Even after no more than 10 minutes holding it up, I could definitely feel some strain forming in my wrist. There are plenty of specs to pour over here, including the pricier Xbox Ally X's Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme or its 120Hz display, but the most important thing about it is that Windows has been entirely redesigned for it. Microsoft has taken a page out of Valve's playbook and crafted its own bespoke gaming UI here. The main menu is similar to that of the Steam Deck's showing off all recently played games in a tidy little row. Any games downloaded on the device will show up in the UI, so it isn't only compatible with Game Pass titles. It's an all-in-one approach to PC gaming under an Xbox branding. The best part of that is that Microsoft has slashed how many pieces of Windows runs while that view is open. Anything that's not necessary to gaming simply won't be active, so you won't have to worry about the calendar app suddenly taking you out of games. That's an enormous improvement, as the unwieldy nature of handheld Windows often makes these devices so cumbersome to use. Even the sign in UI has been redesigned and built around controller support, with key features like Wi-Fi accessible with some simple controller clicks. Players can still launch a normal version of Windows, but it's no longer the default experience when booting the system up. It's not just about cutting out some minor annoyances; slashing these features saves 2GB. It makes the machine far more efficient, which finally makes gaming on a portable version of Windows more viable. In my demo, I'd play a small slice of Gears of War: Reloaded, which ran shockingly well considering that it's a fairly robust remaster. I didn't have enough time with the system to do a full benchmark test, but I was getting a much clearer image at a stable framerate than I would have expected. Xbox even plans to make it easy to tell how well games can run on it with its own version of Steam Deck's verification system. The plan is now just to tell people if a game can run on the handheld, but how well it runs too. Asus' goal here is to streamline the UI all around and it goes a long way. For instance, I can press the Xbox logo on the left side of the device to pull up a pop-up menu that features just about everything I'd need in an Xbox experience. Even better is that the menu also includes Asus' Armoury Crate app rather than siloing it off into a separate menu. That's a small consideration, but it's one that condenses every key menu in one place. I'll no longer have to fumble around separate menus to find whatever thing I'm looking to tweak or access. I only got a short introduction to the handheld, which wasn't nearly enough time to test its power or see how thoroughly it catalogues games from any service into the Xbox interface. Part of me still feels like there must be some sort of hidden trade off that comes with slashing Windows down. Every portable device has some kind of catch and I'm sure we'll discover the Xbox Ally's in due time. For now though, I'm optimistic that Asus has fixed the biggest problem with its devices and invented a viable alternative to SteamOS. If this works as well as it seems to, I imagine that Microsoft may salvage its handheld reputation just yet.
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
The main issue with Windows handhelds is Windows, but the Xbox ROG Ally tries to fix that
TL;DR Microsoft has announced the Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X handhelds, coming this holiday season. These Windows handhelds boot directly into a controller-friendly UI and feature an Xbox button to summon the Game Bar overlay. Microsoft has also turned off various Windows elements in the name of gaming performance. We've heard for a while now that Microsoft and ASUS were working together on an Xbox-branded ROG Ally handheld. Now, the companies have indeed announced the Xbox ROG Ally and ROG Ally X devices. These machines aren't actually handheld Xbox consoles, as they're still running Windows 11. However, Microsoft says it's made plenty of changes to the software experience. This is good news, as the UI and software experience have long been the biggest issues with Windows-based handhelds. Major software changes For starters, Microsoft says the Xbox ROG Ally handhelds will boot directly into the 'Xbox full screen experience' for a more intuitive and efficient handheld environment. 'With new modifications that minimize background activity and defer non-essential tasks, more system resources are dedicated specifically to gameplay,' Microsoft added. A Microsoft executive told The Verge that it managed to claw back 2GB of RAM by turning off the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and a 'bunch' of other Windows processes. However, users can still jump into the traditional Windows environment if they'd like to do so. These handhelds also offer an Xbox button to summon the Game Bar overlay, which includes ASUS Armory Crate integration. Finally, Microsoft notes that it's also optimized the lock screen and task switcher for controller input (better late than never, I guess). Otherwise, you can still access other stores on the device, including Steam. Xbox ROG Ally: What about hardware? The two Xbox ROG Ally models share several features, namely a 7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD screen (1080p, Gorilla Glass Victus), microSD expansion, M.2 2280 SSDs that can be swapped out, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6E, and 65W charging. The standard Xbox ROG Ally has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, a 60Wh battery (up from 40Wh in the original Ally), 16GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and two USB-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 2.1). However, the Xbox ROG Ally X model ups the ante with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip (an upgrade from the vanilla ASUS ROG Ally X), an 80Wh battery, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of internal storage, and a USB-C port (USB 4.0 with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility). Interestingly, ASUS claims that playing in Silent Mode on the Xbox ROG Ally X will 'feel like' playing in Performance Mode on the previous Ally X while still offering more battery life. Unfortunately, the company isn't dishing out specific battery life figures just yet. Microsoft and ASUS haven't revealed pricing just yet, either, while only confirming that the handhelds will be available this holiday season. Expect to find the Xbox ROG Ally line in a variety of markets, including Australia, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, the UK, and the US. However, Microsoft adds that the handhelds will eventually be available in other markets where ROG Ally models are already sold. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
CNET
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Played With the Xbox ROG Ally, the Upcoming Xbox Handheld
Microsoft revealed its long-rumored Xbox handheld console running Windows 11 during the Xbox Games Showcase -- two models called the Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X -- and I spent a short time playing around with one soon after. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take any pictures or videos of the demo, since the hardware we got to test wasn't final. That became evident when our designated guide had HDMI connection issues with the unit. I was able to play around with the Xbox full- screen experience, the various settings menus and played the beginning minutes of Gears of War Reloaded, which comes out this summer. Watch this: Everything Announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in 16 Minutes 16:18 The device is quite comfortable to hold, with slightly textured grips. The face buttons, triggers, and analog sticks all felt familiar, very similar to what I'm used to on an Xbox controller. What's really exciting is that you can download your games, remote play from your Xbox, or stream from the cloud, making this more useful than PlayStation's Portal, which can only stream and play remotely. That's one of the major benefits of being inside Xbox's ecosystem: You can play a game on any of its devices, regardless of where you bought it, whether that be Xbox consoles, PC, cloud or this new handheld. This more open-platform approach makes the Xbox Ally closer in spirit to a Steam Deck compared to a Nintendo Switch, which can only run Nintendo games. When it ships -- expected in time for the winter holidays -- you'll be able to navigate via a full-screen Xbox app, which combines your Xbox game library with installed games from several other marketplaces into a single Xbox experience. The company specifically mentioned Xbox, Game Pass, (owned by Microsoft), and "other leading PC storefronts," which I'm hoping includes Steam. Much like on an Xbox, each game has icons depicting which platform they're from. In my demo, the only example of a different storefront was Hearthstone, which had a icon. Microsoft/Screenshot by CNET The Xbox Ally consoles use the Game Bar, and if you've used the Xbox app on PC then you'll find it familiar. In fact, pressing the new Xbox button opens an almost identical version of the guide when playing Xbox games on PC. However, there's also a new Command Center tab on the far left to adjust settings for power consumption and performance, similar to what we've seen on Steam Deck. In Game Bar you can quickly jump to the home screen, your library, launch games, open apps, chat with friends, adjust settings and more. And this Game Bar works alongside Asus's Armoury Crate overlay. This is a little worrisome, as Armoury Crate has usually felt more like unnecessary bloatware, but when we get to test the device later this year we'll see if Asus has stripped it down to the relevant functions rather than just added more on top. Since it's a Windows 11 device, you'll also be able to launch and use apps like Discord and Twitch and access game mods. The Xbox Ally boots directly into the "Xbox full screen experience" similar to how a Steam Deck launches into Big Picture mode. The full-screen experience is optimized specifically for handheld gaming, and Xbox told me the device minimizes background activity and allocates more system resources to gameplay like Game Mode does on Windows. This means more memory and potentially higher framerates for your games. Xbox The ROG Ally and Ally X have been out for a bit now, but the Xbox models have some unique features. In addition to the Xbox button, the Xbox ROG Ally also has larger, contoured grips. The previous ROG Ally is more rectangular; the Xbox Ally is closer to the design of the PlayStation Portal, with dedicated, slightly separated hand grips that mimic the look and feel of a standard game controller. They also have upgraded components over the Asus versions. The handheld comes in two options, a white Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X which comes in black. The lower-end Ally is powered by a AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, weighs 23.6 oz/670g, and has a 60Wh battery. The Ally X has a AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, weighs a bit more at 25.2 oz/715g, and has a 80Wh battery. Both models are equipped with a 7-inch,120Hz 1080p screen, the same as on the original Asus versions of the devices. They also have RGB lights surrounding the analog sticks, something I hope I'll be able to turn off when I spend some real time playing on the device. The Ally X did feel on the heavier side, but then again the recently released Switch 2 and my Steam Deck OLED are also pretty heavy so I think that's just what handhelds weigh these days. Xbox hasn't yet revealed the pricing or release date, aside from "this holiday."
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Xbox portable console officially revealed but the price won't be cheap
Microsoft is finally set to release an Xbox branded handheld console but it's actually being made by Asus and is very similar to the existing ROG Ally. There wasn't much at the Xbox Games Showcase that hadn't already been leaked out weeks before (well, maybe the fact that Double Fine's new game features a walking, sentient lighthouse) and so it was not the surprise it should've been that one of the main reveals was the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices. As previously rumoured, these are not consoles being made by Microsoft but basically rebranded versions of ASUS's existing ROG Ally line. The big difference is an Xbox button used to access chat, apps, and other setting relating to Game Pass and cloud gaming. They also have contoured grips, designed to be similar to the official Xbox controllers, but they're not Xbox consoles and instead run Windows 11 – so they're essentially just portable PCs. Even including Steam Deck, which is the most successful of the PC portable gaming devices, the whole market only amounts to a few million units, so it's not really clear what Microsoft expects to gain from this move. It's likely they're just trying to dip their toe in the water, as this is not the next gen portable device that they previous alluded to. Although recent rumours suggest that they've put that idea on the backburner, in order to focus more on Windows 11 gaming – which this essentially is. The two devices are due to launch this Christmas in 'select markets', of which the UK is one. That suggests that, like the Steam Deck, it won't be easy to get hold of an Xbox Ally, especially this year. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. There's no price information for either device yet, but the ROG Ally is £522 in the UK and the ROG Ally X is upwards of £800. Perhaps Microsoft will absorb some of that cost for the Xbox Ally, but since it's not technically their hardware that's not very likely. With those prices it's not hard to see why these PC devices haven't been bigger hits, compared to the 150+ million sales of the Nintendo Switch, but Microsoft is promising a full bloodied Xbox experience, with support for all Xbox Play Anywhere titles, as well as Steam, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and The main difference between the two models is storage and power, with the standard Xbox Ally utilising an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. By comparison, the Xbox Ally X has an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of high-speed RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Both are implied to have multiple different configurations though, potentially increasing the price further. More Trending Both devices have a 7 inch touchscreen, with the Xbox Ally aiming for a 720p 'gaming experience' and the Xbox Ally X targeting 900p to 1080p. Despite the costs involved, Microsoft (or perhaps it's ASUS's idea) does seem to be going after the family market, as they've already announced a partnership with Roblox, that will see the platform run natively on the devices. Microsoft will also be operating a partner programme that will encourage developers to optimise their games for their handhelds and advertise the fact if they do. There's detailed technical specifications on Xbox Wire but what's interesting here is not the hardware – which is very similar to the existing ROG Ally devices – but how much Microsoft is going to push the new portables, and whether they see them as a niche product or an important new direction for the whole Xbox brand. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Call Of Duty Black Ops 7 reveals story details but not Nintendo Switch 2 version MORE: Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – June 2025 round-up MORE: Best of Summer Game Fest 2025 trailers – Mortal Shell 2, Game Of Thrones and more
Geeky Gadgets
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Games Console with Ryzen Z1 Extreme
What if you could carry the power of a high-end gaming PC in the palm of your hand? The Lenovo Legion Go S, featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, promises to redefine handheld gaming with a bold blend of innovative performance and thoughtful design. Boasting an 8-core processor, a vibrant 8-inch display, and customizable TDP settings, this device is a clear contender in the fiercely competitive portable gaming market. But with its impressive specs comes an important question: can it truly balance raw power with the portability and endurance gamers demand? For enthusiasts who crave immersive experiences without compromise, the Legion Go S might just be the answer—or the start of a new debate. In the video below ETA Prime takes use through what sets the Legion Go S apart, from its high-performance hardware to its ergonomic design and gamer-focused features. You'll discover how it stacks up against rivals like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED, and whether its strengths outweigh its limitations, such as battery life and weight. Whether you're a AAA title aficionado or an indie game devotee, the Legion Go S offers a mix of versatility and power that could reshape how you game on the go. As we dive into its capabilities, consider this: is it the ultimate handheld gaming device, or does it leave room for improvement? Lenovo Legion Go S Overview Hardware Specifications: Power Meets Precision At the heart of the Legion Go S lies the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock reaching 5.1 GHz. This high-performance processor is paired with a 12-compute-unit RDNA 3-based integrated GPU, capable of operating at up to 2700 MHz. Together, these components ensure smooth performance for even the most demanding gaming titles. Supporting this powerhouse is 32 GB of high-speed RAM running at 7,500 MT/s, alongside a 1 TB M.2 SSD, which can be expanded to the 2280 form factor for additional storage. The device's 8-inch IPS display is another highlight, offering a 120 Hz variable refresh rate, 100% sRGB color accuracy, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. These features ensure vibrant visuals and fluid gameplay, making it ideal for both AAA games and indie titles. Connectivity is equally robust, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 providing fast and stable wireless communication. However, the 55.5Wh battery, while supporting 65W fast charging, may struggle to sustain extended gaming sessions, particularly at higher performance settings. Design and Build: Comfort with a Few Compromises The Legion Go S is available in two color options: white and nebula blue. Its design emphasizes comfort and functionality, featuring hall-based analog sticks and triggers for precise input. Programmable macro buttons and dual front-facing stereo speakers further enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, RGB lighting adds a customizable aesthetic, appealing to gamers who value personalization. Despite its ergonomic focus, the device has some limitations. The compact trackpad, while functional, is hindered by its small size, which can reduce usability for certain tasks. Weighing 730 grams, the Legion Go S is heavier than competitors like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED. However, its well-balanced weight distribution and comfortable grip make it suitable for extended gaming sessions, mitigating the impact of its heavier build. Legion GO with Ryzen Z1 Extreme Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to portable handheld consoles that you may find helpful. Performance and Gaming: Real-World Results The Legion Go S delivers impressive performance, comparable to other devices powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, such as the ROG Ally. Its customizable TDP settings, ranging from 7W to 40W, allow users to optimize performance and battery life based on their preferences. Benchmark results highlight its capabilities, with scores of 2353 (single-core) and 12,029 (multi-core) in Geekbench 6, and 3,481 in 3DMark Time Spy. In practical gaming scenarios, the device excels. For example, 'Cyberpunk 2077' achieves over 70 FPS at 1200p resolution with FSR enabled and a 25W TDP, while 'Forza Horizon 5' runs at 90+ FPS on medium settings under similar conditions. For less demanding indie games, the device offers extended battery life when operating at lower TDP settings, making it versatile for a wide range of gaming experiences. Battery Life: A Performance Trade-Off Battery life is a critical consideration for handheld gaming devices, and the Legion Go S performs adequately but falls short of excellence in this area. At a 7W TDP, it can last approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes during light gaming. However, for more demanding AAA titles at a 25W TDP, battery life drops to around 1 hour and 30 minutes. While the 55.5Wh battery supports fast charging, a larger capacity would significantly enhance its usability for longer gaming sessions, particularly for users who prioritize high-performance gaming. Software and Features: Tailored for Gamers The Legion Go S runs on Windows 11, providing a familiar and versatile operating system for both gaming and productivity. For users who prefer a Linux-based environment, the device also supports Steam OS, offering flexibility in software choices. A standout feature is the Legion Space software, which allows users to adjust performance settings, resolution, and controller configurations. The quick menu further enhances usability by allowing on-the-fly customization, making sure optimal performance for any gaming scenario. Competitors and Market Position In the competitive handheld gaming market, the Legion Go S faces strong rivals such as the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED. It offers distinct advantages, including a larger screen and more RAM, which contribute to its appeal as a high-performance device. However, its heavier build and limited battery life may deter some users. Despite these drawbacks, the Legion Go S remains a compelling choice for gamers seeking a premium handheld experience, particularly those who prioritize power and customization. Areas for Improvement While the Legion Go S excels in many areas, there are clear opportunities for refinement. The small trackpad limits its usability for tasks requiring precise input, and the battery capacity restricts gaming time at higher performance levels. A slightly thicker design to accommodate a larger battery could address these issues without compromising the device's overall appeal. Additionally, further optimization of software features could enhance the user experience, making the device even more competitive in its market segment. A Balanced Contender in the Handheld Gaming Market The Lenovo Legion Go S, powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, offers a powerful and versatile gaming experience. Its high-performance hardware, ergonomic design, and customizable features make it a strong contender in the handheld gaming market. While battery life and trackpad usability remain areas for improvement, the device's strengths in performance and flexibility ensure it stands out as a premium option for gamers. For those who value power, customization, and a high-quality gaming experience, the Legion Go S is a device worth considering. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
