Microsoft Unveils Exciting New Features for Xbox Consoles and Handhelds

Key Takeaways

1. Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S can now stream games at 1440p through Xbox Cloud Gaming, available only to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
2. Microsoft has made it easier for ROG Xbox Ally users to format SD cards directly through the Xbox app during game installations.
3. ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X devices can pre-compile shaders for games, reducing lag from shader compilation.
4. ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will receive ongoing CPU and GPU driver updates due to their AMD Ryzen Z2 series processors.
5. Handhelds using the Ryzen Z1 series have lost support and will not receive future driver updates.

Microsoft has revealed some fresh features for its handheld and tabletop consoles. To begin with, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S are now capable of streaming games through Xbox Cloud Gaming at a resolution of 1440p. This service, however, is limited to subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, just like on other platforms. While the idea of streaming games on a console—which is typically made for local gameplay—might seem unusual, it could be useful when storage is limited or for playing newer titles on older consoles.

Enhanced SD Card Formatting

In addition, Microsoft has simplified the process for ROG Xbox Ally users to format compatible SD cards for their game library. This can now be accomplished directly through the Xbox app while a game is being installed. Moreover, both ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices can pre-compile shaders for games, significantly decreasing the lag caused by shader compilation. The blog post also points to a page that supposedly lists more enhancements for first-party Xbox handhelds, but none are detailed, with the last update noted in November 2025.

Future Driver Updates

Thanks to their use of AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series processors, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will continue to receive CPU and GPU driver upgrades for the foreseeable future. Sadly, the same cannot be said for handhelds that utilize the Ryzen Z1 series, which appear to have unexpectedly lost all support.

Source:
Link