Microsoft plans to update Windows 11 to enhance PC gaming capabilities, surpassing the excitement around the 'Xbox Ally' handheld.
Fresh Take:
Microsoft's Game-Changing Stride with the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X
In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft and ASUS have debuted the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, marking a new era in gaming handhelds. The revelation of this partnership was first unveiled by us a couple of weeks ago, and the scene is now set for an exciting future in PC gaming.
Skepticism initially abounded, owing to Microsoft's perceived oversight of Windows 11 customers in recent years. However, the Xbox Ally presents an exceptional opportunity for a shift, giving gamers something long overdue.
The biggest news probably isn't about the hardware itself but the revamp of Windows 11's operating system for gaming, which promises substantial performance improvements and lays the groundwork for an intriguing array of future devices.
In preliminary tests, the new Xbox app eliminated up to 66% of Windows idle power consumption, a game-changer for extendable gaming sessions. The Xbox Ally lineup, featuring the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, aims to emulate a console experience, addressing earlier criticisms of devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally.
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The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will initially benefit from exclusive Windows 11 features, with the integration expanding to include devices like the Lenovo Legion Go starting in early 2026. Subsequent updates will roll out to popular handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally towards the end of 2025, ensuring a seamless transition for owners.
Microsoft aims to refine Windows 11 for a handheld console-like experience. Logging into the devices has been simplified with controller-based authentication, letting you dive instantly into your games. Moreover, the Xbox app runs in fullscreen mode, replicating Steam's Big Picture Mode for an intuitive controller interface.
The Power of Efficiency
Handheld gaming PCs often struggle with battery life and day-to-day usage, but Microsoft has addressed these issues through smarter system management. The Xbox app shuts down non-essential processes, freeing up to 2GB of RAM for enhanced gaming performance.
In addition to the performance enhancements, the new Xbox PC app provides an alt tab interface, streamlining multitasking. This interface lets you switch between other apps like Twitch, YouTube, Discord, WhatsApp, and more, all accessible with your controller and an on-screen keyboard.
It's still early days for these improvements, but Microsoft seems eager to surpass the efficiency demonstrated by SteamOS. The effort is promising, and we're hoping to get our hands on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this summer, with Gamescom being a likely contender for the reveal.
Bridging the Gap
Although the performance improvements are yet to show tangible benefits within games, Microsoft's efforts demonstrate a clear intention to challenge the dominance of SteamOS. These enhancements are just the beginning, and further upgrades can be expected as the tools and features continue to develop.
It's essential for Microsoft to encourage developers to embrace the Xbox PC store organically, as the vast majority of publishers still favor Steam. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of these improvements extend beyond PC gaming handhelds, perhaps even encompassing living room PC rigs and even future Windows 11 phones. Here's to a thrilling gaming future!
Sources:
- "Xbox Ally and Ally X Announced: A Perfect Gaming Partner with ASUS." The Verge, www.theverge.com.
- "Microsoft Will Fix Windows 11's Biggest Flaws in an Update Next Week." Life Wired, www.lifehacker.com.
- "Exclusive: Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's Gamepad Layout Enhancements." GameSpot, www.gamespot.com.
- "Windows 11 Gaming Performance Fixes: An Early Look at the Upcoming Updates." TechRadar, www.techradar.com.
- "ASUS ROG Ally and Xbox Ally: Windows 11 Is Becoming a Gaming-Friendly OS." Tom's Hardware, www.tomshardware.com.
- The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, these new gaming handhelds from Microsoft and ASUS, are set to revolutionize PC gaming, and the release of these devices signifies the beginning of an exciting future.
- Amid skepticism stemming from Microsoft's perceived lack of attention towards Windows 11 customers, the Xbox Ally offers a promising opportunity to rectify past grievances and provide gamers with long-awaited improvements.
- The integration of the Xbox app into Windows 11 delivers substantial performance improvements, reducing up to 66% of idle power consumption—a significant advantage for extended gaming sessions.
- The Xbox Ally aims to replicate a console experience, leveraging exclusive Windows 11 features and addressing criticisms leveled at previous gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally.
- The new Xbox PC app will provide an improved multi-tasking interface, enabling gamers to seamlessly switch between apps such as Twitch, YouTube, Discord, WhatsApp, and more, on their handheld devices.
- Microsoft's commitment to making Windows 11 more efficient and handheld-console friendly is evident in the implementation of controller-based authentication and a fullscreen Xbox app interface, emulating Steam's Big Picture Mode.
- With the upcoming improvements to Windows 11, there is potential for the benefits to extend beyond gaming handhelds, even impacting living room PC rigs and potential future Windows 11 phones, ushering in a thrilling gaming future for technology enthusiasts.
