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Hands-on: ROG Xbox Ally
Updated On: 31 August, 2025 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Jaison Lewis
It’s finally here: the unholy gaming love child of Microsoft and Asus, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the device at Gamescom, and here is everything you need to know

Representation pic
Microsoft has faced a problem for a while now, despite the popularity of PC handhelds and Windows 11 being bundled with almost every one of them. Users have disliked using the interface for gaming. Windows 11 is not optimised for use on small screens. It is a jarring experience when compared to the Steam Deck, which, despite being an older device with outdated hardware, still manages to attract users and maintain a cult-like following. The new ROG Xbox Ally addresses this issue. Also, solves the problem for all previous Windows gaming handhelds with the introduction of the new Handheld mode.
The Handheld mode
Windows 11 has undergone significant changes to become the ideal operating system for handheld gaming. It already had several advantages, including the fact that almost all PC games are compatible with Windows. Regardless of which store you purchased your PC game from, you would always be able to run it on Windows. However, Windows is a resource hog, and it’s not easy to open, close, and switch programs on Windows, especially with a small touchscreen.
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