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- Xbox fixed the issues with windows hogging memory with background tasks with this handheld by saving up to 2GB RAM.
- It also features a snappy Xbox UI that loads directly to the gaming library even when you resume it from sleep.
- The Xbox Ally X’s performance is estimated to be the highest of all the handhelds, including the ROG Ally X.
It has been the first time since Xbox extended to handhelds with the recently announced Xbox Ally. With this handheld, not only would Xbox expand to one more platform, but it could also dominate the handheld sphere altogether.
Xbox Listened
Right off the bat, you can see that this handheld isn’t like the others. Xbox introduced two variants: the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. You can tell that Xbox has paid attention to the most common issues that were previously faced by Windows handhelds and fixed them with their new handheld.
Firstly, their handheld gets rid of Windows startup and instead integrates an Xbox One. This is where you launch right into your game library, as you do on your Xbox console.
Better UI & Memory Saving Feature
Additionally, in the new gaming UI, non-essential processes, even the Windows desktop, are simply not loaded. This feature claims to save around 2GB of RAM that would otherwise be used by background tasks.
Now, the delay and optimization efforts Xbox had with this handheld make sense. This is like a breath of fresh air for Windows users because of how much memory Windows used to hog in gaming handhelds.
When you put it into sleep mode and resume back in, you’re back in the gaming library, and the process is seamless. It also doesn’t consume more battery like it did in other Windows handhelds.
These were the reasons why SteamOS handhelds were loved by the masses, and they could’ve potentially replaced Windows handhelds if Xbox hadn’t intervened with their Xbox Ally handheld.
Desktop Mode + Xbox Mode
And you could still go on use the windows desktop feature if you wanted to by using your joystick as the cursor. It also has a game bar that sits on the side of the screen and can easily be operated by the right and left button of your handheld.
How Different Is Its Design From Other Handhelds
Gaming handhelds are usually designed to enhance their portability. Xbox Ally’s design, on the other hand, is based on the Xbox controller. It does feel like you’re holding a controller, although it mostly resembles the curves of the PS5 controller. Moreover, it has the same triggers as the Xbox controller.
Function Over Slimmer Design
With its design, you can tell that Xbox didn’t prioritize portability. It also didn’t compete with handhelds’ slimness, opting for a wider design. Compared to the Nintendo Switch, it is extremely thick and bulky.
Heaviest Of Them All
Speaking of bulkiness, the Ally weighs 670g while the Ally X weighs 715g. To put into perspective, the Steam Deck weighs 640g while the standard ROG Ally X weighs 678g.
So, the Ally X is the heaviest of them all, but it is surprising that it doesn’t feel that heavy when you hold all the handhelds one by one. This is because of how smartly it has been designed.
What About Performance?
It is heavy because the Ally X boasts a Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU with 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB NVMe M2 storage, and an 80Wh battery. In contrast, the base Xbox Ally uses a Ryzen Zen Z2A, the same SoC as a 3-year-old Steam Deck.
Ally X Might Dominate All Of Them
While the base variant seems like a let-down, it would be cheaper than the Ally X, so that less performance would come with less price. However, with the specs of the Ally X, you can expect monstrous performance.
With its specs, the Ally X is estimated to reach 9700 points in the Fire Strike graphics test, whereas the ROG Ally that uses Ryzen Z1 would be a close second with 8800 points, and the base Xbox Ally would touch 5500 points, which would still be more than the Steam Deck.
We believe the price of Xbox Ally could be somewhat similar to Steam Deck’s, but the price of Xbox Ally X could be extraordinarily high compared to other handhelds. But let’s see what it turns out to be.
Future Of Handhelds Is In Xbox’s Favor?
This means that the Xbox Ally X will be making moves, and could potentially turn the handheld industry towards it. While this is the estimated performance, the real result will likely be more or less similar.
With the success of this handheld, Xbox could also be working on their separate gaming handhelds without partnering up with other brands to produce even better ones in the futures, but only time will tell whether that is for sure.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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