Microsoft is finally getting serious about handheld gaming. After years of experiments and half -cooked ideas, the company is now working closely with Asus to give one hand experience that feels much more like a console than the PC. Result? Both new devices – Rog Xbox Ally and Rog Xbox Ally X – are both designed around a new, fullscreen Xbox interface manufactured for portable gameplay. These are not just Windows PCs in a small form factor. Microsoft is withdrawing dislocation, cutting unnecessary background functions, and offering a streamlined UI that keeps the games in front and center. Originally, in a straight step to challenge the recently released switch 2 of the Microsoft Steam Deck and Nintendo, Windows wants to do gaming like cleaners and more console, rapidly on the handheld.

Both ROG Xbox collaborative models are powered by the Z2 series of AMD. The standard version runs with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage on Ryzen Z2 A, targets 720p gameplays. The more powerful ally X features the Z2 Extreme Chip with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, aimed at 900P to 1080p Gaming. The two support the 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, VRR, and now come with a dedicated Xbox button that is included in the new UI of Microsoft.

This new interface is one that actually distinguishes it from previous handheld efforts. Instead of booting in normal Windows desktop, these devices go directly to a fullscreen Xbox app. No taskbar, no wallpaper, no specific PC setup-a clean, game-focused layout. Players can browse titles in many shops, such as Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.Net, and Epic, all from the same place. And the UI is designed for controllers, making it very easy to use.

Microsoft says it is more than just the look. By skipping the Windows desktop and trimming the back background processes, the new Xbox experience protects approximately 2GB of memory, which goes back to improving the performance of straight games. There are also updates of Xbox game bar, better multitasking features with controller-friendly navigation, and new tools to manage things such as Wi-Fi and battery.

The interface will first launch the new Rog Xbox Ally and Ally X, but will also roll out for the current Rog Ally Handhelds later this year. Microsoft states that it is planning to expand the experience in more Windows Handheld in 2025, and it is also working on the “verified” label “verified for handheld” – similar to the compatibility list of steam decks – to help the gamers to know which titles are fully supported.

There is no word on pricing or availability yet, but one thing is certain: Microsoft is finally taking Windows handheld gaming very seriously. It was also said, will it be able to shed users from steam deck or switch 2? It remains to be seen.

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