The fresh, Xbox-centric user interface that Microsoft has introduced for their ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices could be just what Windows needs to compete effectively against the Steam Deck.
Since the debut of Steam Deck, the market for portable PCs has been thriving, with offerings such as ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go S joining in. However, all these devices face a significant challenge: navigating Windows 11 smoothly on a handheld device using only a joystick can be quite tricky.
Since applications such as Steam, Epic Game Store, and Xbox are only accessible via the standard Windows desktop, using devices operating on this OS can be quite tedious. However, the new ROG Xbox Ally simplifies this by offering an alternative way to access these apps.
Xbox takes on SteamOS with new software
Together, Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, bringing a long-overdue, innovative software experience to life.
Rather than launching Windows 11 on this handheld device, it goes straight into a full-screen Xbox application. This is reminiscent of how SteamOS opens directly into Steam. In contrast to SteamOS, though, this new experience will let you access games from multiple stores, creating for the first time a unified app that gathers your entire PC game library in one place.
Microsoft informed The Verge that an assortment of functions, such as the wallpaper, taskbar, and various processes optimized for productivity on Windows, do not immediately run when you start up the Xbox Ally X.
Although you can still use the traditional desktop when needed, gamers seeking quick and seamless gameplay will significantly benefit from improved performance and enhanced user experience by adopting the full-screen Xbox setup.
The new Xbox-focused operating system isn’t the only way Microsoft is coming for Valve, either, as they’re also working on a program that helps players easily identify which games have been optimized for handhelds. This is similar to SteamOS’ Deck Verified system which lets Steam Deck owners know whether or not a game will run well on their device.
At its initial release, the new feature will exclusively be accessible on the ROG Xbox Allies. However, plans are underway to extend availability to other non-ROG Xbox Allies from Asus shortly after the launch. Other Windows devices might get this update in 2026 or later, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for an earlier rollout.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always yearned for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience on handheld devices, especially considering their rapid growth in popularity. It’s truly heartening to witness this long-awaited transformation unfolding right before our eyes.
Although the newly designed user interface might not propel Windows or the ROG Xbox Ally above the Steam Deck in terms of general popularity, it’s reassuring that the upcoming Xbox handhelds will at last offer a user-friendly experience on par with Valve’s device.
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2025-06-09 23:18