Microsoft has recently revealed the Xbox Allies PC gaming portable device, and as expected, there’s a lot of confusion circulating, some stemming from good intentions while others are less sincere.
A few weeks back, I had the exclusive scoop about the Xbox Ally, and since then, it was fully showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. This nifty handheld device, crafted in collaboration with ASUS, capitalizes on the robust power of Windows 11 for unparalleled adaptability. But what sets the Xbox Ally apart is its enhanced Xbox PC app experience, designed to streamline Windows usage on devices like this one.
Titled “Clearing Up Misconceptions About ‘Xbox’: A Comprehensive Guide”, this article aims to address common queries about the Xbox while debunking popular myths that have circulated on social media platforms such as Instagram, X, TikTok, Reddit, and others.
It’s an Xbox, but it’s a full Windows 11 gaming PC, squeezed into a handheld chassis
Consider the Xbox Series S as resembling a high-performance gaming computer or laptop rather than a traditional Xbox console. Although Microsoft’s Xbox team is responsible for the software experience, the term “Xbox” essentially stops there in this context.
Fundamentally, this is the initial Xbox hardware designed for PC use, positioning Xbox’s PC gaming environment as a primary focus. In other words, whether you’re using a PC or subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, it encompasses Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Xbox PC store. However, you have the option to turn off these features if desired.
You have the freedom to operate the Xbox Ally just like any standard gaming computer. In essence, you can bypass the Xbox-specific features and utilize it similarly to devices such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, or any other portable gaming PCs, regardless of their form factor.
This device boasts a versatile USB-C connection, enabling you to link it with a USB-C hub for keyboard, mouse, multiple screen setups, among other peripherals. It’s perfect for transforming into a comprehensive workstation should the need arise. With software like Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing or Microsoft Office Suite for document creation, you can handle tasks such as editing videos, writing papers, managing emails, and more.
On your computer, you have the option to set up Telegram and WhatsApp for messaging purposes, or opt for TikTok and Instagram through their web applications in case of social media needs. For browsing the internet, consider using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Essentially, it’s all about personal preference on your PC.
Will I be forced to use Xbox PC stores, or can I use Steam on the Xbox Ally?
Contrary to claims in certain gaming forums, there is no limitation that ties you exclusively to the Xbox PC app on the Xbox Alloy.
In the image provided by Microsoft, it’s evident that you’ll soon be capable of running a complete Battle.net interface on your Xbox console, similar to an Ally. Additionally, you will have the ability to start various applications such as Steam, HoYoverse launcher, Riot Client, or virtually any software compatible with Windows 11, directly from your Xbox system.
Here’s a simpler way to put it: On platforms like NexusMods or CurseForge, you have the freedom to download add-ons and modify your game’s system files as needed. If you fancy it, you can also use GOG to play old MS-DOS games from the 80s using DOSBOX. Additionally, you can run various emulators and load up ROMs of different types and sizes for a variety of gaming experiences, with no restrictions at all.
Do you want to buy an Xbox Ally?June 10, 2025
Currently, it’s unclear about certain aspects of customizing the Xbox experience, such as whether you can remap the Xbox controller’s Xbox button to open Steam Big Picture mode. For instance, could this functionality be achievable?
As I observe, it seems quite likely that the answer is yes, given the ability to remap the system keys on the ROG Ally through the ASUS Armory Crate software. However, I will learn more with certainty as time progresses.
At this location, the Xbox ambiance primarily centers on Microsoft’s efforts to tailor Windows 11 for seamless PC gaming on portable devices. To illustrate, when using the Xbox PC application in its entire screen mode, it will decrease power consumption during idleness by approximately one-third.
Clearing out unnecessary Windows 11 tasks will free up approximately 2GB of memory for you. This will make it simpler for you to handle multiple tasks at once, especially when using a controller, as you’ll be able to smoothly transition between full-screen applications, much like what’s shown in the picture provided above.
It is uncertain whether these benefits will be accessible to individuals not utilizing the Xbox PC application at this time. However, we’ll make sure to update you as more information becomes available.
Will I be able to run my Xbox console games on the Xbox Ally?
The main disadvantage for existing Xbox users is that they’ll have a more restricted ability to transfer older Xbox console content onto this gadget.
Microsoft is developing a feature that allows users to directly launch Xbox console games from the Xbox Alloy remotely. This means you can view your recently played Xbox console games on the Xbox Alloy, and with a single click, your Xbox will start up and initiate remote play or cloud gaming if it’s accessible and preferred.
However, as for native experiences, the game needs to support Xbox Play Anywhere.
At the moment, more than a thousand games offer compatibility with Xbox Play Anywhere. However, it’s worth noting that many of these games, in my opinion, may not be top-tier or exceptionally high-quality.
In the future, Microsoft intends to apply the “Xbox Play Anywhere” (XPA) policy to all its Xbox games. This means that you will receive licenses for both an Xbox console and a PC version of each game, along with cloud saves that can be accessed across devices. However, not every third-party developer may fully support this feature.
This year, every title unveiled during the Xbox Showcase is set for Xbox Play Anywhere, implying that developer participation in Xbox is growing. It seems to me that more developers are recognizing Xbox as a promising pathway, and are keen to hop aboard this rapidly moving train without delay.
These games – Final Fantasy 16, Death Stranding, Expedition 33, among others – have found their home on Xbox platforms. Here’s hoping we’ll see even more arrivals in the future!
If you’d like to play older Xbox console games on your Xbox Alloy, you can only do so via remote streaming. The Xbox Alloy does have Wi-Fi 6E compatibility which is beneficial if your home network supports it, but when you’re flying, you might need to explore further into your collection to find games that are compatible with XPA (Xbox Play Anywhere).
For more questions, drop them in the comments!
These kinds of gadgets are quite new on the market, and Windows 11 is only recently developing to cater to the expanding community’s requirements.
One potential drawback of PC gaming is its intricacy, but the Xbox Companion and the Xbox PC application strive to ensure a seamless gaming experience for newcomers to the PC gaming world transitioning from an Xbox console.
Without a doubt, there might be some issues to address when the launch takes place later this year. Rest assured, we’ll do our best to assist you with any challenges that may arise.
If you have any more questions about the Xbox Ally, feel free to drop them in the comments here.
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2025-06-10 17:09