While strolling through my living area today, my gaze fell upon my Xbox Series X, and there, coated in a thick layer of gathered dust, was my controller.
Over time, the cuboid console in my living room has become such a familiar part of the space that it felt as though I hardly noticed it anymore.
At that point, it struck me that it had been quite some time – perhaps even since February when I last played Avowed – since I last interacted with my Xbox console.
It’s important to note that I’ve enjoyed playing numerous games throughout the year, primarily using my ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go portable PC gaming devices.
Discovering this fact genuinely took me aback, yet it clearly underscores the strategic wisdom behind Microsoft and ASUS joining forces to unveil the Xbox Alliance and Xbox Alliance X, slated for release during this upcoming holiday season.
For me, handheld gaming is the future.
There are fewer and fewer reasons for me to use a console over a handheld
I’m going to be honest.
As a dedicated gamer throughout my journey, I’ve found that both high-end gaming PCs and consoles have played pivotal roles in shaping my gaming adventures. Yet, as technology progresses, I find myself drawn more towards the flexibility and unparalleled performance of the modern gaming PC, making traditional consoles seem less captivating to me.
One significant development is that console brands like Xbox and PlayStation are increasingly making their games available on PC, making it convenient to use just one platform. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass offers a vast library of games that can be played not only on PC but also on handheld devices. Furthermore, there’s already a plethora of popular gaming services for PC such as Steam, Battle.net, and others, which further enhances the convenience.
Then there’s the freedom that gaming handhelds give me.
Regardless if I’m seated at the kitchen table, relaxing on my couch, or cozying up in bed, my device – Ally – is usually within reach. Instead, it moves with me as opposed to me having to seek it out.
In simpler terms, I find the variety of games and services available on handheld devices, along with the independence they offer me, extremely difficult to give up. Therefore, it will likely take a lot to make me switch back to using console systems in the future.
Additionally, I often utilize a portable gaming PC for my travels, engaging in games during long flights or while lodging at hotels far from home. This activity isn’t as convenient with a traditional console.
In simpler terms, I find the abundance of games and services on handheld devices, combined with their convenience, difficult to give up. However, Microsoft appears to understand individuals like me who prefer such portable gaming options, suggesting a possible shift in their focus towards meeting our needs.
The ‘This is an Xbox’ campaign seems to convey that Xbox games can be enjoyed without needing a console itself. This suggests Microsoft is recognizing the need to shift from a console-centric approach, and they’ve found an ideal solution in the ROG Xbox Ally.
For the past three years, I’ve been reporting on portable PCs, and from my observations, the Steam Deck stands out as the undisputed favorite among them. The ASUS ROG Ally, powered by Windows 11, appears to be a close second.
Given Microsoft’s vested interest in promoting Windows 11 gaming devices, it is logical that they would partner with the manufacturer of the currently most successful Windows 11 portable device. This partnership becomes even more significant following Microsoft’s decision to discontinue their own first-party Xbox handheld.
Many individuals express a strong distaste for utilizing Windows 11 on portable devices, often favoring SteamOS instead. However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft is actively enhancing Windows 11 for gaming on portable computers. If executed effectively, these improvements could potentially address the concerns users have.
Currently, what worries me about portable gaming PCs is their tendency to come with higher prices. For example, the projected cost of the Xbox Ally hovers around $800 to $1,000, which is significantly more than the $729.99 for the top-tier 2TB Xbox Series X model.
But there’s still hope.
For some time now, during sales periods, the ASUS ROG Ally has frequently experienced substantial price drops, often dropping by $200 or more. It’s plausible that a similar pattern may occur with the upcoming Xbox Ally series, potentially making them more accessible financially.
Over time, it’s likely that the cost of portable gaming PCs will decrease. Given their novelty, it’s just a matter of reaching a stage where there are more affordable yet reliable options available in the market.
I’ll be very surprised if this doesn’t happen in the next few years.
Over time, I’ve shifted my gaming preferences from traditional console and desktop setups to portable PC gaming devices, and I can confidently say that I see myself sticking with this change. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if this trend of mobile gaming becomes the norm for many non-mobile gamers in the near future.
If you’d like to know, I’m currently fond of two handheld devices – Ally and Ally X. More details about them are provided below for your perusal.
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2025-08-14 19:03