The handheld console market has continued to grow in recent years. Following Lenovo, MSI and ASUS, many other companies have joined a trend that has continued to gain followers, especially since the success of Nintendo Switch. While various rumors suggest that more contenders will soon be joining this console model, such as PlayStation itself, Microsoft has decided to get ahead and form a very interesting alliance so that its users can enjoy a handheld console with PC capabilities.

Thanks to its agreement with ASUS, Microsoft is entering this space with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, a console designed to satisfy those who want to enjoy the best games on the market without needing a television. This approach aligns with the American company's recent mantra: any device can be considered an Xbox, so they want to reach all possible formats. The handheld was one format that remained pending, and now it's a reality largely thanks to its partner, which already has several models of these machines and experience in the field. This strategic collaboration leverages ASUS's expertise in PC hardware and Microsoft's experience in gaming software optimization, resulting in a product that seeks the perfect balance between power and portability.

It's a different way of understanding gaming, but with the intention of delivering an authentic Xbox experience. In fact, the integration of the Xbox interface and direct access to the Xbox Game Pass library is the main selling point, transforming the complex PC experience into an immediate and familiar gaming session for any console user.

Balance between power and ergonomics

One of the main challenges in designing a handheld gaming PC is ergonomics, and ROG Xbox Ally has taken note of the lessons learned by its competitors. The chassis design has been refined to ensure that extended gaming sessions remain comfortable, which is essential for player comfort. Ally is a more substantial console in the hands, with well-distributed weight to minimize fatigue and textured grips that improve handling. To ensure everything embodies the brand's essence, the buttons meet Xbox standards, including symmetrical stick layout and a high-precision D-pad. This approach ensures that the transition from home console to handheld is smooth and intuitive, eliminating the learning curve often associated with handheld PC devices.

The display is another of its strengths. Equipped with a high-resolution panel and a fast refresh rate, ROG Xbox Ally promises sharp images and superior visual response. Display quality is vital to take advantage of the hardware's graphics performance, allowing modern games to look their best even in a compact format. Additionally, it features adaptive sync technology to prevent screen tearing, resulting in a smoother and more professional gaming experience.

At the heart of ASUS ROG Xbox Ally lies powerful PC hardware, designed for the most demanding titles. The Ally X version focuses on addressing criticisms: its main improvement is battery life, with a considerable increase in battery capacity for longer sessions. Additionally, Ally X incorporates more RAM and expandable storage. Its graphics performance, managed by an AMD APU, maintains an exceptional balance thanks to an advanced cooling system that ensures smooth execution of AAA games.

The Xbox ecosystem as key to the experience

The partnership with Microsoft goes far beyond a simple logo. ASUS ROG Xbox Ally integrates the Xbox experience philosophy directly into the device's software. Armoury Crate SE, ASUS's control center, is complemented by the Xbox Game Pass interface, allowing users to jump from hardware settings to game selection almost instantly. This means access not only to Xbox Game Pass, but also to platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, making it the ultimate gaming hub.

This console-like approach simplifies the use of Windows. When turning on Ally, users access a familiar and immediate experience with their optimized library. Cloud synchronization with Xbox and PC makes it a natural extension of the Microsoft ecosystem, a true statement of intent. The software includes preset performance profiles to manage power and optimize graphics, making Ally a simple, plug-and-play device.

All in all, ASUS ROG Xbox Ally represents a turning point. The company's intention is for it to be not just a handheld gaming PC, but the realization of Microsoft's concept of taking the Xbox experience anywhere. With its powerful hardware, ergonomic design and deep integration with Microsoft services, Ally is positioned as one of the most attractive and comprehensive options on the handheld console market, ready to compete head-to-head with any rival in the sector.