Later this year will see the debut of a Steam Deck rival from Xbox, set to challenge Valve's portable gaming device.
The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as ASUS and Microsoft unveil the ROG Xbox Ally, a revolutionary handheld device that promises to deliver the "freedom of Windows" and the "power of Xbox" in the palm of your hand. Scheduled for release later this year, the Xbox Ally is set to revolutionise portable gaming, potentially taking the place of popular devices like the Steam Deck.
The Xbox Ally is designed to play a vast array of PC games, offering access to various storefronts such as Battle.net, GOG, the Epic Games Store, and more. This means that any PC game compatible with Windows can potentially be played offline if purchased or downloaded, making the Xbox Ally a versatile gaming companion.
The device supports features like Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to access the PC version of games they own on Xbox consoles, and PC Game Pass, granting access to a library of PC games for download. This means that any PC game that is part of these services or purchased through the Xbox PC app can be played offline on the Xbox Ally if it is compatible with the device's specifications.
The ROG Xbox Ally and its X variant boast impressive hardware specifications. The standard model comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, while the ROG Xbox Ally X offers a more robust 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, allowing for more extensive game libraries to be stored locally for offline play.
The design of the ROG Xbox Ally resembles a cross between an Xbox controller and a Nintendo Switch, offering a familiar yet innovative aesthetic. The device features controls based on an Xbox controller, with slight modifications for portability. Additional buttons are located on either side of the screen, but their purpose is not yet clear.
One intriguing feature shown in the trailer is the ability to stream titles directly from the cloud and download select games for offline play. Discord is also confirmed to be running on the device, further enhancing the social gaming experience.
The company behind the Xbox Ally aims to create a unified gaming experience that isn't limited to a specific storefront or platform. This approach is in line with Microsoft's ongoing "This is an Xbox" campaign, which emphasises the versatility and accessibility of the Xbox platform.
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available to play at launch when the Xbox Ally releases. The exact release date is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be during the holiday season of 2025. The Xbox Ally is described as an "Xbox you can hold in your hand," making it an exciting prospect for gamers on the go.
In conclusion, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X are upcoming handheld devices that promise to offer a versatile and powerful gaming experience. With their impressive hardware specifications, wide range of accessible PC games, and innovative design, these devices are set to make a significant impact in the portable gaming market. Stay tuned for more updates on the release of these exciting new devices.
The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, set to release later this year, are promising a versatile gaming experience with their access to gadgets like Battle.net, GOG, the Epic Games Store, and more. These devices, designed like a cross between an Xbox controller and a Nintendo Switch, also support technology like Xbox Play Anywhere and PC Game Pass.
