handheld gaming Archives | Windows Experience Blog

Tips on getting started with your new ROG Xbox Ally

Athima Chansanchai, Writer — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:17:47 +0000

It’s the holiday season, and perhaps you’re planning to give (or receive!) a ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X. To help get you playing as quickly as possible, Xbox Wire has updated its guide to the best ways to get started with your brand-new han

The post Tips on getting started with your new ROG Xbox Ally appeared first on Windows Experience Blog.

Xbox full screen gaming experience now available for Windows 11 handhelds and in preview for PCs

Athima Chansanchai, Writer — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:29:33 +0000

If you have a Windows 11 gaming handheld, you can try out the Xbox full screen experience, now available for a smoother, more seamless way to play. Designed to minimize friction and get players into their games faster, this update helps deliver a console-like experience on handheld devices. That experience is also now available in preview for more Windows 11 PC form factors, such as laptops, desktops and tablets, tailored for the PC experience. Find out more on Xbox Wire.

Tips and games for ROG Xbox Ally handhelds

Athima Chansanchai, Writer — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:34:46 +0000

Those of you who pre-ordered the new Windows-powered ROG Xbox Ally could be holding it in your hands when it's available Oct.16. What will you do with it when you get it? Luckily, Xbox Wire has two posts that will help make the most out of your new handheld gaming device. Jeff Rubenstein delivers tips such as setting up the fingerprint reader, mastering menus and browsing the games library. You can also find out how to: add titles from leading PC storefronts, play without Wi-Fi and personalize your setup. Xbox Wire also has a helpful post about games you can play right away on your ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X. They’ve put together a list of some of their favorite games that are handheld optimized or mostly compatible, such as DOOM: The Dark Ages and Forza Horizon 5. Finally, there's a post on a new line-up of Designed for Xbox accessories to make it easier than ever to expand your library, safeguard your device and customize your setup. Editor's note -- Oct. 17, 2025 -- Added additional links and information published on Oct. 16.

Windows and Xbox team up with ASUS to create ROG Xbox Ally handhelds

Athima Chansanchai, Writer — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:50:25 +0000

At the annual Xbox Games Showcase June 8, Xbox and ASUS unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, Windows 11 handhelds crafted in collaboration with ASUS. These devices feature an immersive Xbox full screen experience, an aggregated gaming library and more. “Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to games you can’t get elsewhere, so you can enjoy the full freedom and versatility of PC gaming — download games from your favorite storefront, run apps like Discord, watch your favorite streamers on Twitch, and play with your favorite mods — all straight from the Xbox experience,” writes Roanne Sones, CVP Gaming Devices and Ecosystem at Xbox. Both launch in time for the holidays in select markets, with additional markets to follow. Find out more on Xbox Wire.

AMD introduces new Ryzen Z1 Series processors, debuting on first ROG Windows handheld gaming device

Athima Chansanchai, Writer — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:26 +0000

Gamers who want to play on-the-go will find a new option with the debut of ROG Ally, ROG’s first gaming handheld powered by the recently introduced AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processors and Windows 11. The Ryzen Z1 family of high-performance processors includes the Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme. They feature up to eight cores and 16 threads, with the proven efficiency of Zen 4 architecture and smart power management technology to ensure more battery life. With built-in AMD RDNA 3 architecture graphics, gamers will have enough power to play modern games at high frame rates. AMD also has a suite of software features that can increase performance with higher frame rates and faster responsiveness, while saving power for longer battery life. This purpose-built Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) – which means microprocessors that have the CPU and GPU on the same die – is USB4 and PCIe 4.0 compatible, enabling support for high-speed external devices, including storage and displays, as well as the ROG XG Mobile external GPU. It also offers Wi-Fi 6E for smooth, wireless connectivity. Ryzen Z1 Series processors also deliver full compatibility with Windows 11 applications, as well as platform features like DirectX 12 Ultimate and access to your favorite gaming libraries, such as Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store and the AMD Link ecosystem. It also provides the full breadth of Windows 11 security, from chip-to-cloud. The processors power the Windows handheld gaming device, ROG gaming flagship ROG ALLY, making it possible for gamers to easily play graphically intense AAA and indie titles, and pick up where they left off on another device. They’ll also be able to see content clearly even when they’re outdoors, thanks to a bright and high refresh rate touchscreen display that has a max brightness of 500 nits to easily keep track of the action. Taking it anywhere is also easier when the gaming console is so portable – a little less than two pounds with ergonomically-designed handholds. The Ally runs Windows 11, so a player can retrieve all their libraries and game streaming services on a single device. Navigating the Windows desktop to change settings or install the next game is a seamless experience, whether it’s through the Ally’s joysticks and buttons or touchscreen display. ROG is also offering a bundled 90-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, delivering instant access to hundreds of games from Xbox Game Studios, indie studios and blockbusters. ROG’s Zero Gravity thermal system, which uses a dual-fan system with ultra-thin heatsink fins and high-friction heat pipes, ensures the Ally stays cool in any orientation. Equipped with a 120Hz Full HD (1080p) panel with Adaptive Sync support, gamers will enjoy motion clarity in fast-paced games, with no tearing or stuttering in the event of an FPS drop. The official launch event will be held May 11. The keynote will start at 10 a.m. ET, followed by a panel discussion with execs from ROG, Xbox and AMD who will talk about the Ally’s design story and its impact on the gaming landscape. Find out more about that event and Ally at ROG.