As a seasoned tech enthusiast who has navigated the digital landscape for more than two decades, I must admit, my hands-on encounter with the ROG Ally X was nothing short of exhilarating. However, the experience left me yearning for more than just the hardware’s splendid design and impressive performance.
I had to part ways with the remarkable ROG Ally X after completing my review, and I must admit that it has made an indelible impression on me. As a proud owner of a Steam Deck since its initial release, I was eager to explore a Windows-based counterpart, and now, finally, I have had the chance to do so.
As a long-time gamer with years of experience under my belt, I have to admit that the device in question truly stands out. Its design, ergonomics, hardware, and display are all impressive improvements over my reliable Steam Deck. However, despite its many virtues, I’m not convinced it’s worth the investment for me, personally. There’s one glaring issue that even ASUS, with their commendable efforts thus far, can’t seem to address on their own. This problem is a deal-breaker for my current lifestyle and gaming preferences.
The problem is Windows 11. It eliminates a number of shortfalls found on the Steam Deck, but it’s just nowhere near as enjoyable to use on this type of small PC right now.
A handheld needs to feel more like a console, less like a PC
As a tech-loving gamer diving into the Steam Deck experience, I must admit there are some challenges. The fact that it runs on SteamOS 3, a Linux-based system, is fantastic, but it does bring about certain problems – like compatibility with anti-cheat software and the absence of Xbox Game Pass. Believe me, these are inconveniences I wish weren’t present. However, let’s not forget that a large chunk of the Steam library is playable on this device, which is where most PC gamers reside anyway.
Compared to the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, the Steam Deck excels in terms of user interface (UI) and overall user experience because its design prioritizes a console-like feel over PC functionality first. On the other hand, Windows machines seem to prioritize PC functions over console-like experiences. The intuitive SteamOS UI can be easily navigated using the built-in controller, touchpads, or touchscreen display. Unfortunately, the ROG Ally X lacks a touchpad, which might have improved its usability.
But I’ve been complaining about Windows on smaller and touch devices ever since Microsoft killed the Windows 8 UI. We went from a modern, intuitive, touch-friendly interface, to basically jabbing at a desktop. It’s rubbish.
In simpler terms, I want to express that ASUS has done an excellent job addressing the issue with Armoury Crate SE. The side panel that pops out resembles what I’m familiar with on Steam Deck, and the app does a fantastic job of gathering your games and launchers into one convenient location. However, you’ll frequently find yourself using a Windows 11 app or the desktop interface instead, and it just doesn’t offer a satisfying experience.
In essence, the Steam Deck functions like a traditional gaming console rather than a computer, even though it is technically a PC. Most users likely won’t access its desktop mode. If only a Windows 11 handheld device had similar limitations for casual use.
Too much Windows without a dedicated UI to match the small screen
As a long-time PC gamer with countless hours spent optimizing my gaming setup, I find myself often needing to manage my game library. Armoury Crate, being one of the go-to applications for gamers using ASUS hardware, is no exception. However, during my recent interactions with it, I’ve encountered an issue that left me scratching my head.
1. This isn’t a pleasant user experience at all. It feels clunky, and more importantly, it shifts you from an app designed for mobile devices to one that seems ill-suited. This problem doesn’t lie with ASUS; instead, it’s due to the way Windows functions on such devices. I really dislike it.
As someone who has spent countless hours setting up various devices over the years, I can confidently say that the setup process for certain gadgets feels like it takes an eternity. Case in point, the Steam Deck. Compared to other devices I’ve used, the setup process is a real time-suck, and resetting it is even more of a hassle.
That’s my biggest frustration. I can guarantee that companies making these handhelds would make our lives so much better if they were allowed to fundamentally alter how Windows 11 looks and behaves. Since getting familiar with Linux about four years ago, my number one dislike of Windows 11 is that I can’t make it look and behave exactly how I want it to. I’m in a minority on that front, but on a handheld, it’s absolutely essential.
On handheld devices, it would be ideal if you never have to access the desktop or any inbox apps in their desktop versions. Since we’re already required to use settings and Windows Update, let’s design a user interface that is optimized for small, touch screens. My large fingers find it challenging to tap the tiny ‘X’ button to close an app.
Remember when Tim Cook, Apple CEO, commented on Microsoft combining a tablet and the desktop on Windows and likened it to combining a toaster and a refrigerator? In that instance, I don’t think he could have been more wrong, but the state of play with gaming handhelds right now feels very much like that.
A lot of work to do before any ‘Xbox handheld’
As a dedicated Xbox fan, I’ve heard whispers about a potential handheld device for quite some time now, but I must admit, my enthusiasm isn’t sky-high at the moment. In conversations with fellow enthusiasts, there seems to be a desire for it to be a miniaturized console, operating on the same Xbox OS. While I remain skeptical about its feasibility, if such a device were to exist, it would undoubtedly be the ideal approach.
If Microsoft intends to release a handheld device, I sincerely hope they prioritize a custom user interface for Windows on these devices. Despite potential hardware limitations, less Game Pass support, and compatibility issues, the Steam Deck is still my recommended choice for anyone investing their own money in a handheld gaming system. Essentially, it’s a better fit to live with.
Too bad that the ROG Ally X is fantastic, as running SteamOS 3 would have made me rush to buy one immediately. Its performance is outstanding, its display is stunning, and it’s simply delightful to use. However, my experience with Windows on it was more filled with frustration than I expected for a device priced at $799 during my two-week trial period.
It’s not solely ASUS’ responsibility to rectify the issue; instead, Microsoft needs to take action by enhancing the software experience across the board, as Valve is currently dominating in this area and posing a threat to ASUS.
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2024-08-05 18:39