Tag: ROG Xbox Ally

  • Microsoft Refutes Rumors of Phil Spencer’s Retirement After Xbox Launch

    Microsoft Refutes Rumors of Phil Spencer’s Retirement After Xbox Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Phil Spencer is confirmed to remain at Xbox for the foreseeable future, despite rumors of his potential departure.
    2. Microsoft plans to lay off around 9,000 employees, with a significant number from the gaming division, causing backlash from Xbox fans.
    3. Insider leaks suggest that Phil Spencer may retire after the next-generation Xbox console is released, with Sarah Bond poised to take over as CEO.
    4. There is ongoing debate among insiders about the validity of rumors regarding Spencer’s exit, with varying opinions on the matter.
    5. Microsoft is collaborating with AMD for future console development, with speculations of a new Xbox console being released in 2027.

    Update (July 2nd, 2025): According to The Verge, Kari Perez, who leads Xbox Communications, has stated that Phil Spencer is not leaving the company. Perez mentioned “anytime soon,” implying that this might not indicate Spencer’s long-term intentions.

    Microsoft Job Cuts

    Microsoft has revealed plans to lay off about 9,000 workers, which amounts to 4% of its total workforce. After noticing that a significant number of the layoffs were in gaming, Xbox fans expressed their anger towards Phil Spencer. A letter he sent to employees, which emphasized the company’s ongoing success, only fueled the discontent. If a recent rumor is correct, Spencer could be stepping back from Xbox Gaming after a new Xbox console is launched.

    Insights from the Gaming Community

    TheGhostOfHope is known for providing mostly accurate leaks related to Call of Duty. The developers of the popular shooter have also been affected by the recent layoffs at Microsoft. On his social media, he claimed that Phil Spencer would retire from Microsoft Gaming after the next-generation Xbox console is released. Following this, Sarah Bond, who is currently the President of Xbox, would take over as CEO.

    Debates on the Future

    Now, some insiders are discussing whether this report is truthful. Jez Corden from Windows Central quickly responded, asserting that there are no plans for Spencer’s exit. However, Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming shared an article with more context. While Henderson can’t verify TheGhostOfHope’s leak, he mentioned that he has heard similar rumors during the Summer Game Fest.

    Even if Spencer is contemplating leaving Microsoft Gaming, it’s still uncertain when the new Xbox console will be ready for launch. The company recently made a deal with AMD for future console development. Speculations suggest a release date in 2027, but the new system might be either a successor to the Series X or a high-end Windows PC.

    Upcoming Releases

    In the near future, Microsoft and Asus are set to unveil the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series this Holiday season.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go 2 Release Date Revealed in New Leak

    Lenovo Legion Go 2 Release Date Revealed in New Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is expected to launch in September, based on information from a Lenovo LATM representative.
    2. It will compete with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which are also powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC.
    3. The Legion Go 2 may support SteamOS, which has shown advantages over traditional Windows-based handhelds.
    4. Other upcoming handhelds include the MSI Claw 8, with all three devices featuring the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, but none have confirmed pricing yet.
    5. AMD has expanded the Ryzen Z2 lineup with new models, but the standard Ryzen Z2 is not expected in upcoming handhelds from popular brands.

    The Lenovo Legion Go 2 was revealed earlier this year as one of the first handheld devices powered by AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC. However, the version showcased was just a prototype, and no details about its price or release date were available. Recently, a user on Reddit (via Videocardz) uncovered some of this missing information.

    Expected Release Date

    In response to a customer inquiry, a Lenovo LATM (Latin America) representative mentioned that the Legion Go 2 is expected to be available in September. Typically, these handhelds launch globally at the same time, so it’s reasonable to think that this could be the worldwide launch date. That said, this information should be taken lightly, as support personnel often misinterpret these details. Still, a September release for the Legion Go 2 seems quite logical.

    Competition Ahead

    The launch will coincide with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, positioning it as a strong contender among Ryzen Z2-branded consoles. While the Legion Go 2 may not come with SteamOS pre-installed, it’s likely to offer support for it right from the start. So far, SteamOS has shown to be superior to traditional Windows-based handhelds, and it’ll be fascinating to see if it can maintain its edge against the ROG Xbox Ally’s new streamlined OS version.

    Other Handhelds on the Horizon

    There’s also the MSI Claw 8, which could be released around the same time. At this point, these three handhelds are the only ones on the market featuring a Ryzen Z2 Extreme, at least from popular brands. Notably, none of them have confirmed pricing yet, and if the ROG Xbox Ally is any indication, they are likely to be pricey.

    This may explain why AMD has recently broadened the Ryzen Z2 lineup with two new models: a high-end Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and a Ryzen Z2A, which is based on the older Zen 2 architecture that powered the Steam Deck. Interestingly, the standard Ryzen Z2 appears to be absent from any upcoming handhelds, even from lesser-known manufacturers like Ayaneo, Aokzoe, and OneXPlayer.

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  • ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display, despite some gamers wanting an OLED option.
    2. Asus faced development challenges with OLED screens due to high power consumption and production costs, prioritizing battery life for Windows-based handhelds.
    3. Whitson Gordon emphasizes the importance of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for handheld gaming to prevent screen tearing and improve visuals.
    4. The decision to use an IPS screen over an OLED was influenced by pricing concerns, as adding OLED and VRR would increase costs beyond many buyers’ willingness to pay.
    5. The polished Xbox UI on the ROG Ally may be available on other Windows handhelds in the future, with alternatives like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 potentially featuring an OLED display.

    Many rumors about a new Xbox handheld turned out to be true when Microsoft revealed the device during its latest showcase. However, some gamers were still wishing for an OLED screen option, even if it meant paying a higher price. Instead, both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X come with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display. Whitson Gordon, a Senior Manager of Content Marketing at Asus, discussed this topic on a YouTube podcast. He thinks that VRR is more vital for a handheld gaming PC compared to having an OLED screen.

    Development Challenges

    Asus experimented with prototypes that had an OLED screen while creating the Xbox handheld versions of the ROG Ally. Unfortunately, these devices consumed too much power and would have been pricier to produce. Since battery life is often a concern for Windows-based handhelds, Asus aimed to avoid making this issue worse. The company understands that the price will be a consideration for many buyers, as it will likely serve as a secondary gaming option for them. Gamers are still on the lookout for confirmed pricing details on the new ROG Xbox Ally models.

    Importance of VRR

    Whitson is a big supporter of VRR, which he insists should be available on every modern gaming console. Variable Refresh Rate ensures that the refresh rate of the display matches the frame rate of the game. If not, fast-paced action can lead to screen tearing, causing the visuals to seem choppy. An OLED display with VRR would have raised the price of the Xbox handheld beyond what many buyers would be willing to pay.

    While not all gamers are happy about the choice of an IPS screen, it’s important to recognize that OLED technology offers much deeper blacks and better viewing angles. Nevertheless, the polished Xbox UI on the upcoming ROG Ally may also appear on other Windows handheld gaming PCs in the future. By then, consumers will have more alternatives, like the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which could come equipped with an 8.8-inch OLED display.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Growth Slows Amid New Handheld Console Launch

    Xbox Game Pass Growth Slows Amid New Handheld Console Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass has reportedly surpassed 35 million subscribers, but Microsoft has not confirmed this figure.
    2. Critics suggest that the growth of Xbox Game Pass subscriptions may have plateaued since the surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    3. Microsoft aims for 100 million Game Pass subscribers by 2030, but growth has slowed, particularly for the Xbox Series X|S.
    4. Phil Spencer acknowledged that not all gamers are interested in Xbox Game Pass, as some only play a few titles each year.
    5. Microsoft is exploring new markets, focusing on PC Game Pass and mobile gaming, to attract more subscribers amid declining console sales.

    Microsoft last disclosed its Xbox Game Pass subscription figures in February 2024, revealing that the service had reached 34 million subscribers. Recently, a user named Timur222 found a LinkedIn profile of a Microsoft employee that states a different number. The Program Manager mentioned in the profile claims that Game Pass has surpassed 35 million members. While this figure sounds impressive, it may indicate that Microsoft is falling short of its own growth targets.

    Reasons to Wait for Official Updates

    There are many reasons why gamers might want to hold off until Microsoft gives a formal update. It remains unclear when Kevin K. last updated the information on his LinkedIn page. Moreover, the 35 million+ figure is not precise, and the real number could be even higher. Nevertheless, critics suggest this adds to the argument that the growth of Xbox Game Pass subscriptions may have plateaued. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the service saw a surge in subscribers, prompting Microsoft to share progress reports more eagerly.

    Future Growth Goals

    Earlier reports indicated that Microsoft aimed for 100 million Game Pass subscribers by 2030. However, by early 2024, it became evident that the company might find it difficult to achieve this goal. Growth has noticeably slowed down, particularly for the Xbox Series X|S. Even Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently admitted that the service may not attract every gamer. Some users only engage with a few titles each year and don’t have the time to explore new Xbox Game Pass games every month.

    Exploring New Markets

    Due to falling console sales, Microsoft is targeting new audiences for Game Pass on other platforms. The outlook for PC Game Pass appears more promising than for console-specific services. Additionally, at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8th, the company revealed the ROG Xbox Ally series. These new handheld consoles operate on Windows, with Microsoft focusing on enhancing the OS for gaming purposes. To gain new Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Microsoft will need to tap into the untapped potential of the mobile gaming market.

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  • Microsoft Announces ROG Xbox Ally Software for Windows Handhelds 2026

    Microsoft Announces ROG Xbox Ally Software for Windows Handhelds 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X feature a special version of Windows called “Xbox Experience for Handheld,” designed to optimize gaming performance and power efficiency.
    2. Microsoft will roll out the Xbox full screen experience to older Windows handheld devices, starting with the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X.
    3. There is no set timeline for the rollout, but Asus devices will receive the update before other brands like Lenovo and MSI.
    4. Future updates will provide similar full-screen Xbox experiences to other Windows handhelds starting next year.
    5. The Xbox full experience allows users to enjoy the benefits of both Windows and SteamOS without needing to abandon either system.

    The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are the first devices to feature a special version of Windows designed for handhelds. This is called the “Xbox Experience for Handheld” or the “Xbox full screen experience.” Microsoft claims that this is not just a simple launcher for your PC games but a thorough optimization that enhances gaming performance and boosts power efficiency. Excitingly, the Xbox full screen experience will also be available for older Windows handheld devices.

    Updates for Older Handhelds

    As reported by The Verge, Microsoft has announced that the Xbox full screen experience will be rolled out to previously released Windows handhelds. Roanne Sones, who is the corporate VP of gaming devices and ecosystem at Xbox, stated, “While the Xbox full-screen experience will first come to the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, our next focus will be updating the in-market ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X.”

    Future Rollout Plans

    There is no definite timeline for when this new software will launch on the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, but it looks like Asus’s devices will get it ahead of others like the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and even the more recent Legion Go S (which is priced at $649.99 on Amazon). Sones has also mentioned that “Similar full-screen Xbox experiences will be rolling out to other Windows handhelds, starting next year.”

    Benefits for Users

    The introduction of the Xbox full experience will be a significant advantage for users of Asus and Lenovo’s handhelds, which just got official support for SteamOS. Now, users don’t need to completely abandon Windows, allowing them to enjoy the best features that both systems offer.

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  • AMD Unveils Two New Handheld Gaming Chips for Enhanced Performance

    AMD Unveils Two New Handheld Gaming Chips for Enhanced Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has launched two new chips for handheld gaming: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2A.
    2. The Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme features eight Zen 5 cores, a 16-core RDNA 3.5 GPU, and a 50 TOPS NPU for enhanced gaming performance.
    3. The Ryzen Z2A is a budget option with four Zen 2 cores, an 8-core RDNA 2 GPU, and lower power consumption for better battery life.
    4. The Ryzen Z2A is currently used in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and may be adopted by other budget handheld consoles.
    5. AMD now offers five chips for handheld devices, increasing competition against Intel’s Lunar Lake.

    AMD has revealed two fresh chips designed for handheld gaming consoles. As hinted by a previous leak, these are the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2A. The first one is basically a Ryzen Z2 Extreme but with a NPU added on top, whereas the second one is an entry-level option that features somewhat older specifications.

    Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme Details

    The Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme boasts eight AMD Zen 5 cores, paired with a 16-core RDNA 3.5 GPU, and has a TDP range of 15-35 Watts. It supports LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and includes a 50 TOPS NPU. This NPU is likely designed to enhance the Gaming Copilot feature that can be found in Xbox-branded handhelds, such as the ROG Xbox Ally X.

    Ryzen Z2A Specifications

    On the other hand, the Ryzen Z2A is equipped with four AMD Zen 2 cores, an 8-core RDNA 2 GPU, LPDDR5-6400 RAM, and has a TDP range of 6-20 Watts. There was a previous leak that suggested this chip belongs to AMD’s Van Gogh family of APUs, one of which (Aerith) is used in the Steam Deck. In terms of performance, it might not even match the base Ryzen Z1, but its lower TDP could lead to improved battery longevity.

    Availability and Market Impact

    Currently, the only handheld device utilizing the Ryzen Z2A is Asus’ newly introduced ROG Xbox Ally, but soon it will likely be available in other budget-friendly consoles. To sum it up, OEMs now have a choice of five AMD chips for their handheld devices, which makes Intel’s Lunar Lake seem even less appealing by comparison.

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    AMD Unveils Two New Handheld Gaming Chips for Enhanced Performance

     

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  • Microsoft Unveils Two New Xbox Handheld Consoles

    Microsoft Unveils Two New Xbox Handheld Consoles

    Key Takeaways

    1. The first-ever Xbox-branded handheld consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025.
    2. The ROG Xbox Ally X features AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, with a 7-inch FHD display and 120 Hz refresh rate.
    3. The ROG Xbox Ally is a less powerful version, using a Ryzen Z2A chip, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, with a similar display but fewer USB options.
    4. Both consoles will run a customized version of Windows and include a dedicated Xbox button; specific pricing details are not yet available.
    5. The consoles are expected to launch during ‘Holiday 2025,’ with more information likely to be revealed at future Xbox events.

    After many months of rumors, leaks, and conflicting reports from various sources, the first-ever Xbox-branded handheld console has officially been revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. As predicted by an earlier leak, there are two consoles in the lineup: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. As their names indicate, the Xbox Ally X is the more powerful of the two, while the standard Xbox Ally aims to deliver a similar experience at a more budget-friendly price.

    Specifications of the ROG Xbox Ally X

    The ROG Xbox Ally X will feature AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC, along with 24 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and 1 TB of storage. This marks the first handheld device to utilize AMD’s next-gen handheld chip, which was showcased at CES 2025. The console boasts a 7-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Like many handhelds introduced this generation, it includes two USB-C ports, one supporting USB 4.0 and the other USB 3.2. Lastly, it is powered by an 80 Wh battery.

    Features of the ROG Xbox Ally

    The ROG Xbox Ally, as mentioned earlier, is a less powerful version of the ROG Xbox Ally X. It swaps the Ryzen Z2 Extreme for a Ryzen Z2A, an unannounced chip that belongs to AMD’s Van Gogh family of APUs. Memory is reduced to 16 GB LPDDR5X-6400 and storage is scaled down to 512 GB. Fortunately, it shares the same display as the Xbox Ally X. However, it comes equipped with two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, losing the USB 4.0 option. Battery capacity is also reduced, now using a 60 Wh cell.

    Upcoming Launch and Expectations

    From what Xbox has showcased, both consoles will run a customized version of Windows and feature a dedicated Xbox button similar to their larger counterparts. Unfortunately, the pricing details for both consoles have not yet been disclosed. They are set to launch during ‘Holiday 2025’, suggesting that there is still some time before their release. Ideally, we can expect to see another look at their specifications during a future Xbox event.

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