Xbox Ally X Boosts Indie Game Support

Last week, Microsoft confirmed industry speculation by announcing an Xbox handheld. While the ROG Xbox Ally X may not be the dedicated "Xbox portable" some envisioned, it has the potential to mainstream handheld PC gaming like no device since the Steam Deck's 2022 debut.

If Microsoft and Asus can perfect key elements like the OS and pricing, the Xbox Ally might preview Microsoft's future console strategy. However, handheld gaming PCs inherently involve compromises. Microsoft claims all showcased summer games will be "playable" on the Ally X, but reality may prove more nuanced.

The Z2 Extreme SoC will undoubtedly run AAA titles, but the true appeal may lie in Game Pass's steadily growing catalog of indie games – perhaps intentionally so.

Performance Considerations

Announced at CES 2025, the AMD Z2 Extreme remains unavailable in retail devices. The Xbox Ally X features an enhanced "Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme" variant with a 50 TOPS NPU, promising improved performance over the Z1 Extreme – though real-world gaming performance remains unproven.

Even with upgraded hardware, temper expectations for graphically intensive AAA titles. Current flagship handhelds like the Z1 Extreme-powered Lenovo Legion Go S still struggle with demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at native resolution.

While technically capable of running upcoming Xbox exclusives, the Ally X will likely require reduced settings and frame rates. Cyberpunk's ability to challenge even desktop GPUs foreshadows increasing system demands.

This shouldn't deter potential buyers. After hundreds of hours across multiple handhelds, I've found their true strength lies not in AAA gaming, but in immersive indie experiences like Hades 2.

The Indie Advantage

The Nintendo Switch initially sold me on flagship titles like Breath of the Wild, but ultimately became my preferred platform for indie gaming mobile. The Steam Deck revolutionized this space, transforming handheld PCs from niche devices into mainstream alternatives.

Modern Windows-based handhelds eliminate platform lock-in, allowing seamless access across Steam, Game Pass, and Epic Games Store libraries – complete with cloud saves.

This has created a natural gaming hierarchy: visually stunning AAA titles on desktop hardware, while handhelds provide the perfect platform for indie gems like Rift of the Necrodancer. Previously, these were games I'd sample briefly before returning to more demanding titles.

Our recent IGN team survey revealed most handheld users prioritize indie games and JRPGs – genres less dependent on high framerates.

Windows-based handhelds excel at expanding indie gaming opportunities, though launcher compatibility issues persist. The promise of an optimized Windows 11 version for handhelds could eliminate current friction points.

The ROG Xbox Ally X could combine the best of both worlds: SteamOS's streamlined efficiency with Windows' broader compatibility. Asus's "#PlayAllYourGames" slogan captures this ambition – now the challenge becomes delivering it without typical Windows-on-handheld frustrations.