- Laura Fryer, a former member of the Xbox team, has criticized the company’s recent handheld.
- She states that it serves no purpose, as it utilises existing hardware and runs Windows 11.
- The handheld will not play console Xbox titles either, making it unappealing for most people, according to the former executive.
Microsoft officially announced the Xbox handheld earlier this month, and reactions to the new hardware have been mixed so far.
While fans appreciate the company’s attempt to branch out, others believe the handheld needs to offer more than just a tweaked ROG Ally experience. In fact, one of the founding Xbox members believes that nobody has a reason to buy this handheld.
Why it matters: Xbox’s decision to enter the handheld market appears natural after the success of the Nintendo Switch, but the company’s first step is more half-hearted than most expected.
Laura Fryer, a veteran of the original Xbox team, recently discussed Microsoft’s plans for the future. She noted that the team had previously focused on hardware innovation, alongside software support, as a key component of the business, and the ROG Xbox Ally shows a shift away from this trend.
As Laura Fryer points out, the handheld runs Windows and only supports Xbox Play Anywhere titles on PC. Therefore, console-only titles, such as Ninja Gaiden Black or Sonic Unleashed, will not be playable on the handheld.
This makes the hardware more akin to a Windows PC with a few specific Xbox features. The former Xbox team member argues that gamers may as well build a proper PC instead or invest in a Linux-based handheld, such as the Steam Deck.
Laura Fryer also noted that the ROG Ally itself is quite expensive, so choosing the Xbox ROG Ally over other options would not save gamers much money. For context, rumors suggest this handheld will start at €599.
She concluded the video by stating that the Xbox hardware division is essentially dead at this point.
There’s literally no reason to buy this handheld. As one of the founding members of the Xbox team, I’m not pleased. I think Xbox hardware is dead.
Interestingly, this is not the first time an executive has criticized the Xbox handheld. Previously, the Blizzard boss argued that Microsoft should focus on games instead of making unnecessary hardware.
What do you think about Laura Fryer’s assessment of the ROG Xbox Ally? Share your opinions on the handheld in the comments below, and visit the Tech4Gamers Forums for more interesting news.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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