Tag: Asus ROG Ally

  • New Xbox Console Could Use Gaming-Friendly Windows UI Over SteamOS

    New Xbox Console Could Use Gaming-Friendly Windows UI Over SteamOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is developing a portable PC, Project Kennan, that aims to merge gaming console interfaces with a handheld Xbox running on Windows.
    2. A new Windows 11 preview build may introduce Xbox-style menus and improve the gaming experience on handheld devices.
    3. The Asus ROG Ally struggles to compete with the user-friendly Steam Deck, which offers a hassle-free gaming setup.
    4. Minor updates to Windows gaming features, like a minimized Game Bar and on-screen keyboard for controllers, are steps toward enhancing handheld gaming.
    5. Speculation exists about a new Xbox console launching in 2027, also running on Windows, with user-friendliness essential for success.

    Plans are moving forward for a portable PC from Asus that Microsoft is backing. Through what’s called Project Kennan, Microsoft is looking to combine the interface from its gaming consoles with a handheld Xbox that runs on Windows. But, as it stands, using the operating system can be tricky with just a d-pad and buttons. A new preview build of Windows 11 could show how Microsoft plans to tackle this issue.

    A Glimpse into Development

    According to a post on BlueSky, Windows Central has found an intriguing mention of “Gaming_GamingPosture_ChooseHomeApp.” This wording was spotted in a language pack linked to a Windows 11 development build. Users might be able to start their device in full-screen or pick from interface options that likely feature new Xbox-style menus. Depending on how well it’s done, this software could enhance the gaming experience on an Xbox handheld.

    Competing with the Steam Deck

    Up until now, devices like the Asus ROG Ally haven’t quite matched the ease of use found in the Steam Deck. With SteamOS, Valve’s device allows players to install and start games without much hassle. Unlike a desktop where finding games can be a chore, the Steam Deck is designed with controllers in mind. Even if other devices boast more powerful specs, many gamers lean toward the Steam Deck due to its user-friendly approach.

    Progress in Windows Gaming Features

    Microsoft has made minor tweaks to Windows and its gaming capabilities. The Game Bar can now minimize, making it easier to use on smaller screens. Plus, controllers can now enter search terms using an on-screen keyboard. However, these adjustments are only baby steps toward turning Windows handhelds into real gaming machines. The upcoming Windows 11 preview build will be the first chance to see how these changes perform on a handheld device.

    There’s speculation that Project Kennan could hint at another Xbox console being launched in 2027. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is working on a successor to the Xbox Series X. But, similar to the Asus handheld, this console would also run on Windows. How user-friendly it is with a controller will be crucial for its success.

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    New Xbox Console Could Use Gaming-Friendly Windows UI Over SteamOS
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  • YouTuber Installs SteamOS on Asus ROG Ally Successfully

    YouTuber Installs SteamOS on Asus ROG Ally Successfully

    Key Takeaways

    1. A proper SteamOS version for other handheld devices is still in development, and Bazzite lacks many features of the true SteamOS.
    2. YouTuber The Phawx successfully ran SteamOS 3.8 on the Asus ROG Ally, showcasing potential for the platform.
    3. SteamOS is functioning well on the ROG Ally, but issues like a stuck TDP slider and unrecognized controller back paddles remain.
    4. The Steam Deck outperforms the ROG Ally despite having older hardware, thanks to Valve’s software optimizations.
    5. Future performance may improve with the release of Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen Z2 Extreme, depending on OEM adjustments.

    It might take some time before a proper SteamOS version is released for other handheld devices. While Bazzite is a solid option, it doesn’t come close to offering all the features of the real SteamOS. On the brighter side, YouTuber and handheld specialist The Phawx has successfully gotten SteamOS 3.8 to run on an Asus ROG Ally.

    SteamOS Performance

    Most functions of SteamOS seem to be operating smoothly. The system recognizes the ROG Ally’s 120 Hz display and even includes a toggle for VRR. Nonetheless, the TDP slider is stuck at 15 Watts, and the controller isn’t being recognized correctly, which leaves the back paddles not working. Since this is still an early version of SteamOS, there’s a lot of work needed before it can be used on other devices.

    Comparison with Steam Deck

    When it comes to performance, the Steam Deck’s unique Van Gogh APU actually beats the ROG Ally’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme, even though it’s an older generation and has less powerful hardware. This can likely be credited to Valve’s software optimizations tailored for the Steam Deck.

    Future Prospects

    Things are expected to change once the Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen Z2 Extreme are released. However, the specific adjustments made by OEMs will play a key role in determining which option offers the best value for your money.

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  • New Xbox Handheld Details Leaked Ahead of 2025 Release

    New Xbox Handheld Details Leaked Ahead of 2025 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Despite the Steam Deck’s popularity, competitors like Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have not surpassed its sales, with Valve selling fewer than five million units in three years.

    2. Microsoft is set to release its first Xbox-branded handheld, called Project Kennan, in collaboration with Asus, expected later this year.

    3. Project Kennan is anticipated to be priced between $499 and $599 and will feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU, which reportedly offers a weaker gaming experience than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

    4. The device will primarily function as a Windows PC, meaning that most Xbox games will not be playable on it, which may disappoint potential users.

    5. Overall, Project Kennan appears to be just another Windows gaming handheld with performance comparable to existing devices, raising doubts about its market impact given Microsoft’s history with product launches.

    An increasing number of companies are trying to take advantage of the Steam Deck’s popularity, even though Valve has sold less than five million units in three years. The Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go (currently $549.99 – refurbished on Amazon) are among the most notable competitors, but their sales still haven’t outdone those of the Steam Deck.

    Microsoft’s New Venture

    Now, Microsoft is anticipated to release its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming device later this year. Reports from various sources indicate that Microsoft is collaborating with Asus on the development of this device, which Windows Central has confirmed is called Project Kennan, not Project Keenan as previously thought.

    Pricing and Performance Insights

    According to a fresh report, Xbox Project Kennan is expected to be priced between $499 and $599, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU. When we looked at the Legion Go S, we found out that the Ryzen Z2 Go does not offer a robust gaming experience. In fact, it performs significantly worse than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, despite being two years younger.

    Windows Central also mentions that there will be an additional SKU for Xbox Project Kennan. However, there’s uncertainty whether this pricier option will come with a stronger chipset or just extra memory. Importantly, the website highlights that the device will be “a proof of concept of sorts,” carrying a crucial caveat:

    For those expecting Kennan to play Xbox games, it’s disappointing to note that it is fundamentally a Windows PC. This means that most of your Xbox games will not be available on the device.

    The Bottom Line

    In essence, Xbox Project Kennan is just another Windows gaming handheld, similar to the Legion Go, ROG Ally, and others that have come before it. Alarmingly, it seems that its performance benchmarks are only on par with current-generation handhelds or even less impressive, lacking the power of a Strix Halo APU. Given Microsoft’s history of launching products late and its many failed ventures, it’s hard to see how Xbox Project Kennan will make a significant impact when it debuts later this year.

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  • Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld

    Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally are marketed as gaming handhelds but are essentially Windows PCs.
    2. Wistron’s Dual Fusion reimagines the gaming handheld by transforming it into a laptop-like device.
    3. The Dual Fusion features a unique design with a trackpad that is actually a screen connected to a removable casing.
    4. The device is currently in the conceptual stage and is not intended for sale.
    5. The Dual Fusion has received an iF Design Award, highlighting its innovative design.

    Devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally (curr. $406.99 – refurbished on Amazon) have been trying hard to present themselves as gaming handhelds over the past few years, even though they operate as Windows PCs at their core. Wistron has turned this idea upside down with the Dual Fusion, creating a device that essentially transforms a gaming handheld into a laptop.

    Unique Design Features

    At first glance, the Dual Fusion appears to be a small laptop with a large trackpad. However, this trackpad is actually a screen connected to a removable casing, similar to Acer’s Project DualPlay concept that was displayed at IFA 2024 last September. While the Project DualPlay envisions this detachable part as a game controller, the Dual Fusion cleverly utilizes hinges to conceal the gaming handheld’s buttons when they’re not in action.

    Conceptual Stage

    It’s important to note that the Dual Fusion is a concept and not a product meant for sale, similar to the previous Compal Infinite. Therefore, it’s improbable that we will ever see it launched in its existing format, if at all. Nevertheless, this proof of concept has received an iF Design Award, indicating that Wistron invested in having the Dual Fusion evaluated by iF Design.

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    Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and HandheldWistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld
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  • New Foldable Clamshell Handheld Gaming Concept Unveiled

    New Foldable Clamshell Handheld Gaming Concept Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The popularity of gaming handhelds has surged, driven by devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck.
    2. The industry has largely settled on a standard horizontal design with 7 to 8-inch displays for most handhelds, including Android models.
    3. Unique designs are still emerging, such as Samsung Display’s Flex Gaming foldable concept.
    4. A new clamshell-style design has been introduced that features hinged gamepad buttons instead of a hinged screen.
    5. The final version and release date of the innovative foldable gaming handheld by Nittrx remain uncertain.

    The rise of gaming handhelds has seen a significant increase in recent times, mainly due to popular devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck. At first, companies introduced gadgets with odd shapes. However, the industry has largely agreed on a standard horizontal design featuring displays that are around 7 to 8 inches, including for Android models.

    Unique Designs Still Emerging

    Despite this trend, some creative designs are still making waves, such as Samsung Display’s Flex Gaming foldable concept. Recently, the YouTube channel Nittrx has unveiled a fresh idea that takes a unique approach to foldable gaming handhelds. Unlike the Flex Gaming, which utilizes a foldable screen, this unnamed device incorporates two hinges to safeguard its fixed display when it’s not active.

    A Clam Shell Twist

    This new design flips the traditional clamshell concept on its head, much like the Anbernic RG35XX SP (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon), where the screen is connected to the base via a hinge. In this case, however, the gamepad buttons are the ones hinging. Interestingly, when fully opened, it resembles the Ayaneo Pocket Micro, though it lacks the right joystick. Nittrx suggests that we might witness this design in the future, but details about its final version and release date remain uncertain.

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    New Foldable Clamshell Handheld Gaming Concept Unveiled

     

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  • Monster Hunter Wilds Poor Performance on Steam Deck: Players Struggle

    Monster Hunter Wilds Poor Performance on Steam Deck: Players Struggle

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Concerns: Players experienced pixelated visuals and inconsistent frame rates on the Steam Deck, despite Capcom’s assurances of improved rendering.

    2. Compatibility Issues: Monster Hunter Wilds is not officially listed as compatible with the Steam Deck, leading to performance challenges even with setting adjustments.

    3. Framerate Challenges: Maintaining a stable framerate near 30fps is difficult, even with upscaling techniques, making gameplay frustrating for Steam Deck users.

    4. Alternative Devices: Other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw 8 AI+ show better performance for the game, but expectations should be tempered due to issues with mid-range graphics cards.

    5. Cloud Gaming Limitations: Cloud gaming options like GeForce Now are not supported for Monster Hunter Wilds, limiting mobile gaming possibilities for players.

    Players were worried about how well the Steam Deck would perform during the open beta of Monster Hunter Wilds. Capcom had assured fans that rendering would be improved, which could benefit the handheld. Sadly, once the final version was released, gamers noticed pixelated visuals and frame rates that were all over the place.

    Compatibility Issues

    On its official Steam page, Monster Hunter Wilds does not show as compatible with the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, some games without this designation manage to run just fine on the device. Resourceful players often find ways to tweak their settings to work around the limitations. Still, many are discovering that Monster Hunter Wilds does not perform well, no matter the adjustments made.

    Performance Challenges

    Many players have shared videos showcasing Capcom’s new game on the Steam Deck. Even when using upscaling or FSR, it’s a challenge to keep the framerate near 30fps. On a brighter note, upscaling doesn’t seem to add noticeable lag when players are trying to catch monsters. Reducing the detail settings can help, but the overall performance is so lacking that players on the Steam Deck are looking for other options.

    Alternatives for Better Gameplay

    The Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which run on Windows 11, are showing more power. Early feedback indicates that these systems provide slightly better performance with Monster Hunter Wilds. However, since mid-range Nvidia and AMD desktop graphics cards are having their own issues, mobile gamers should manage their expectations. A harsh review from Digital Foundry highlighted that frame rates were not matching up with the disappointing graphical quality.

    Cloud gaming could also be a way to enjoy hunting monsters while on the move. GeForce Now is an option that many would prefer for streaming, but, like other titles in the franchise, Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t supported. The cloud gaming situation on Xbox isn’t looking better either.

    At the moment, Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t the best choice for Steam Deck players. That said, the game does load up, and controls work without issues. If Capcom can manage to optimize the game further, any enhancements may eventually benefit portable PCs as well.

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    Monster Hunter Wilds Poor Performance on Steam Deck: Players Struggle
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  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Steam Deck Unplayable, ROG Ally Works

    Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Steam Deck Unplayable, ROG Ally Works

    Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has made its debut on PC, but the launch has been anything but smooth. Many players have reported issues like game crashes, frustrating frame drops, and some odd graphical hiccups. On a brighter note, the game has fairly modest system requirements, which could lead to a decent experience on various gaming handhelds. Nonetheless, an in-depth review from TechPowerUp reveals that the reality is a bit more complex than it seems.

    Handheld Performance Test

    TechPowerUp ran tests on two well-known gaming handhelds while playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: the Valve Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally, both utilizing AMD APUs. The Steam Deck operates with the AMD Van Gogh APU featuring a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, while the Asus ROG Ally comes equipped with the much stronger Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. The latter has an 8-core CPU and a 12-CU integrated GPU, delivering an impressive 8.6 TFLOPS of performance. Now, let’s dive into how these devices performed during the tests.

    Frame Rates and Settings

    At a resolution of 720p with “very low” settings, the ROG Ally, powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, achieved a playable 51.3 frames per second (FPS) at 25 watts, with a minimum of 17.8 FPS. When it dropped to 15 watts, the performance fell to 38.9 FPS, with a minimum of 13.1 FPS. In contrast, the Steam Deck struggled, managing just 26 FPS under the same conditions, with a minimum of 12.8 FPS. When set to the slightly more appealing “low” preset, the ROG Ally performed well with 46.1 FPS, while the Steam Deck was left behind at 21.1 FPS.

    Issues and Future Updates

    Notably, the game crashed on the Windows-based ROG Ally, a problem that didn’t occur on the Steam Deck. According to TechPowerUp’s findings, the Steam Deck maintained more stable frame rates, although still teetering on the edge of being unplayable, even with upscaling. The ROG Ally, on the other hand, showed much better results and is expected to improve even further with an update that introduces the new Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which comes with four extra CUs. Currently, the Steam Deck is priced at $470 on Amazon, but unfortunately, a successor isn’t anticipated anytime soon. However, Lenovo has already released SteamOS handhelds featuring Ryzen Z2-series APUs.

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  • Epic Games Store Leak: Possible Free Game for Christmas Eve

    Epic Games Store Leak: Possible Free Game for Christmas Eve

    Epic Games Store is offering a highly acclaimed adventure game for free! Starting on December 24 at 16:00 UTC, there will be a new addition to their free game lineup. While Reddit user MeguminShiro has been providing hints that are fairly simple to decipher for previous free titles, this time, the reliable leaker has decided to keep things a bit more mysterious.

    Upcoming Free Game Hints

    Nevertheless, a clue was revealed by the leaker, suggesting that the game available for free on Christmas Eve might be either Dredge or The Call of the Wild: The Angler. Both of these games fit the hint given by MeguminShiro, but some Reddit users are also speculating that it could be Dave the Diver.

    Fishing Emoji Clue

    Notably, since MeguminShiro used fishing emojis in their hint, it raises the likelihood of the free game being either Dredge or The Call of the Wild: The Angler. Additionally, Billbill_kun, another well-known leaker on X, has suggested that Dredge might be the game in question.

    Ratings of the Possible Games

    No matter which of these three games ends up being the free title on the Epic Games Store on December 24, all are well-received by players. For instance, Dave the Diver has an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, backed by more than 108 thousand reviews. Meanwhile, The Call of the Wild: The Angler holds a “Mostly Positive” rating based on recent feedback, and Dredge is noted to be one of the finest indie games, also enjoying an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating.

    Currently, you can snag Dark and Darker – Legendary Status for free on the Epic Games Store. This is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion to the main game, which is typically priced at $30.

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  • Asus Boosts FPS on ROG Ally Handhelds with AFMF 2 Support

    Asus Boosts FPS on ROG Ally Handhelds with AFMF 2 Support

    AMD introduced the AFMF 2 in October, and while it was previously possible to get it running on ROG Ally handhelds, Asus has now confirmed official support. This new frame generation technology from AMD promises an impressive boost of up to 2.5x in frames per second (FPS). As mentioned before, many games see a significant enhancement in the overall gaming experience.

    Asus’s Promises

    Asus claims that enabling AFMF 2 can provide a 2x or even greater increase in FPS. During their official live stream, the company demonstrated how to implement this tech across various games, including those lacking direct support. Although the stream did not delve deeply into benchmark comparisons, YouTuber Quick Expert Reviews has provided insights on this matter.

    Performance Testing

    Quick Expert Reviews conducted tests on the Asus ROG Ally X, and a similar performance increase is anticipated for the Z1 Extreme-equipped non-X ROG Ally, currently priced at $499.99 on Best Buy. In their benchmark tests, Helldivers 2 was shown to run at approximately 40 FPS without the technology activated, but this figure soared to around 70 FPS with AFMF 2 engaged.

    The frame times were also quite decent, staying around 15 ms. Another title evaluated on the ROG Ally X was Fallout 76. Without AFMF 2, it operated at roughly 40 FPS, but once it was turned on, the FPS jumped to about 100, offering more than a 2x improvement. Cyberpunk 2077 also performed well, increasing from about 30 FPS to over 50 FPS, but it should be noted that the frame time reached around 25 ms. This means that in certain games, there might be some input lag. To find out more, be sure to check out the linked videos below.

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  • Steam Deck 2: Valve Fremont Promises Enhanced Performance

    Steam Deck 2: Valve Fremont Promises Enhanced Performance

    In recent days, there are signs that SteamOS might officially be coming to Windows gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally (curr. $422.95 on Amazon). Moreover, there have been new reports of a Steam Controller 2, along with other controllers that Valve could launch with its much-anticipated Deckard VR headset.

    Speculation on New Hardware

    New information has come to light suggesting that Brad Lynch and others think there is new SteamOS hardware on the way. In particular, a device with the codename ‘Fremont’ has been detected in a recent update to the Steam Deck kernel. Initial analyses indicate that Valve Fremont uses the AMD Lilac platform, which seems to be associated with a version of AMD’s Ryzen 5 8540U APU. Regardless, one can reasonably conclude that Valve is working on something that involves Zen 4 CPU cores and AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, especially since the Steam Deck’s custom APU employs Zen 2 and RDNA 2.

    Performance Expectations

    Even though AMD has progressed to Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5, the AMD Lilac performs at GPU OpenCL scores comparable to the AMD Radeon RX 6600S. Therefore, it should provide a significant performance enhancement for an upcoming Valve hardware launch. However, there’s no guarantee that Valve will use a standard APU design this time.

    Possibilities for Fremont

    There have been mentions of HDMI CEC support, leading many to believe that Valve Fremont could be a type of desktop machine. This brings to mind the unsuccessful Steam Machine project, and Valve Fremont might still be in the early development phases. Consequently, some, like The Phawx, have suggested that AMD Lilac could be the chipset for the long-discussed Steam Deck 2, which would support a more powerful docked mode similar to the Nintendo Switch, rather than shifting towards a console-like device. More details regarding Fremont’s specifications and how Valve plans to market it are likely still some time away from being disclosed.

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