Abandoned Xbox Series X: Handheld Gaming PCs Now Rule My Gaming Preferences, Rejecting Old Ways
The gaming landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with handheld gaming PCs like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Ally taking centre stage. This shift is driven by an increasing demand for portable, high-performance gaming experiences, technological advancements, and improved software optimization that make PC gaming more accessible on handheld form factors.
According to recent market projections, around 2.3 million PC gaming handhelds are expected to sell globally in 2025—a 32% increase over 2024—with numbers reaching 4.7 million units by 2029 [1][2][3].
Hardware progress is a key factor in this trend. Devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally X and Xbox Ally offer PC-level gaming performance in a compact, portable form that rivals traditional consoles and laptops. This appeal extends to gamers who value flexibility and mobility without sacrificing graphical fidelity or game libraries [1][2].
Microsoft is also enhancing Windows 11 with a refreshed gaming mode, optimizing the user experience specifically for handheld devices. The upcoming Xbox app integration and a more streamlined handheld-friendly Windows 11 reduce friction during onboarding, making the platform more accessible to a broader audience beyond hardcore PC gamers [1][3].
The market and ecosystem expansion is another significant factor. Valve’s Steam Deck has dominated the market, but new entrants like Xbox-branded handhelds and OEM gaming handhelds (Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw) intensify competition and innovation, driving consumer interest and adoption [1][2].
Consumers are also increasingly valuing the convenience of playing their favourite PC games on the go, broadening the market beyond stationary PC gamers to wider casual and core gaming audiences [4].
However, there are challenges. Current Windows 11 versions are poorly optimized for handhelds, and there are limited generational leaps in hardware performance compared to existing models. Despite these hurdles, the advancements and market growth suggest that handheld gaming PCs represent a major emerging segment of the gaming industry, poised to reshape how and where people play PC games [2][3].
For instance, the ASUS ROG Ally X, priced at $899.99 at Best Buy, offers improvements over the original model, such as improved battery life, RAM, and SSD. The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, Microsoft and ASUS's upcoming handhelds, are set to launch this holiday season.
The convenience and freedom offered by gaming handhelds have led some to question the relevance of consoles. With the ease of accessing Xbox and PlayStation titles on PC, Xbox Game Pass, and the wealth of PC gaming services, there are fewer reasons to use a console [5].
The ASUS ROG Ally X, with its 7-inch display and AMD Z1 Extreme processor, similar to the original model, has physical changes that improve the playing experience. The person, who has played dozens of games this year, primarily on the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go PC gaming handhelds, believes handheld gaming is the future [6].
Microsoft seems to be aware of this shift, as evidenced by the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which suggests a shift away from a console-only focus towards handheld gaming solutions like the ROG Xbox Ally [7]. The ASUS ROG Ally, now priced at $499.99 at Best Buy, remains a good option for those looking for a high-performance handheld gaming experience.
References:
[1] https://www.pcgamesn.com/asus-rog-ally/asus-rog-ally-x-specs-price-release-date [2] https://www.pcgamer.com/asus-rog-ally-x-specs-release-date-price-and-everything-we-know-so-far/ [3] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/asus-rog-ally-x-specs-price-release-date-and-everything-we-know-so-far/1100-6502619/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2023/03/01/the-future-of-gaming-is-handheld-pc-gaming-and-its-already-here/?sh=7d451a0641f2 [5] https://www.pcgamer.com/asus-rog-ally-x-review/ [6] https://www.pcgamer.com/asus-rog-ally-x-review/ [7] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-teams-up-with-asus-to-create-an-xbox-handheld-pc/1100-6502618/
- The ASUS ROG Ally X and Xbox Ally, both offering PC-level gaming performance, are set to challenge traditional consoles and laptops.
- Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for handheld devices, aiming to minimize friction during onboarding and expand the platform's accessibility.
- With the upcoming Windows 11 update, gamers can expect a refreshed gaming mode tailored specifically for handheld devices.
- The Xbox Series X and many PC games are becoming more accessible on handheld form factors, appealing to gamers seeking flexibility and mobility.
- The convenience of playing PC games on handheld devices has led some to question the relevance of traditional consoles in the gaming landscape.
- Improvements in hardware performance, such as improved battery life and RAM, make the ASUS ROG Ally X a compelling choice for high-performance handheld gaming.
