The latest addition to the gaming handheld market is the Xbox Ally X, a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft that boasts impressive specs and a streamlined operating system. While it’s not perfect, this device brings significant improvements over its predecessors, making it the closest thing we’ve seen to an ideal gaming handheld.
The Xbox Ally X is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it the top-of-the-line model. The base-level Xbox Ally has a more modest setup, with a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both devices share a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and FreeSync.
During our hands-on demo, we experienced an optimal gameplay experience on the Xbox Ally X. The system delivered smooth performance while playing Gears of War: Reloaded at high settings, making it a promising sign for future games. However, the user experience is still not perfect, with some room for improvement in the design of the Xbox app and its integration with AI Copilot.
One significant stride forward is the ergonomic design, which feels like holding an actual controller. The device’s comfort and performance match those of the Steam Deck, but it may be less portable due to its bulkiness.
The biggest question now is price point, as powerful hardware and a streamlined operating system come at a cost. While Asus and Microsoft aren’t sharing pricing details yet, we can expect it to be substantial. However, the influence of the Xbox Ally X on other handhelds and the ecosystem’s growth will make it worthwhile for those who value gaming performance.
Despite its flaws, the Xbox Ally X is a significant step forward in the gaming handheld market, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Its impact will be felt by other devices in the future, making it an exciting time for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/hands-on-with-the-xbox-ally-x-the-new-gaming-handheld-from-asus-and-microsoft