Xbox’s New ROG Ally Portable May Be the Beginning of the End For Xbox

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Over time, this confession has grown more awkward: I’ve been an ardent Xbox devotee since day one. I own every console model they’ve produced and consistently pick Microsoft over Sony when a new system hits the market. For PC games, I prefer using Xbox controllers. In fact, I even enjoy playing emulators on my Xbox Series X via Dev Mode!

Initially, I anticipated feeling thrilled about the unveiling of an exclusive Xbox handheld gaming device. However, the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X didn’t ignite excitement; rather, it instilled apprehension regarding Microsoft’s gaming console future. In a competitive landscape where Xbox has been gradually losing its foothold to PlayStation and Nintendo, this underwhelming portable device could potentially seal the fate of Microsoft’s gaming consoles.

Another Awful Xbox Name

Game enthusiasts have spent numerous years playfully mocking Microsoft due to its poorly chosen console names. The third Xbox was humorously named “Xbox One,” which raises questions. Similarly, the most powerful version of the current generation, titled “Xbox Series X,” seems confusing and perplexing. In comparison, Sony’s naming strategy (transitioning from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5) appears more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for consumers, particularly parents purchasing gifts for their children.

With the unveiling of the ROG Xbox Ally, we’ve added another perplexing gadget to our collection, much like its counterpart, the latest home console. There are two titles that seem quite similar: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. The base name isn’t particularly catchy, and it feels crammed with three rather confusing names. It’s challenging for this new Microsoft offering to make a mark against competitors when even its flagship product can’t distinguish itself from its own family!

Hard to Hold, Hard To Look At

For years, die-hard fans have eagerly anticipated a portable version of the Xbox. Yet, Microsoft appears to be entering the scene somewhat behind schedule. It’s challenging not to draw parallels between the ROG Xbox Ally, the rumored Switch 2, or the Steam Deck. Even before delving into the specifications, there’s an issue: the new portable Xbox seems uncomfortable to hold and difficult on the eyes.

It’s clear that the latest portable device shares several design elements with the ROG Ally, but I’ve found it uncomfortable to use for extended periods beyond 30 minutes. Although the new model incorporates some Xbox-inspired features, it doesn’t seem to tackle the ergonomic issues that users like me have encountered. Personally, I find the device to be quite large and not aesthetically pleasing, especially when compared to the sleek design of the Switch 2. This is purely a matter of opinion, but the new system appears rather unattractive to me.

Overpriced Compared To the Competition

At present, the cost of the ROG Xbox Ally hasn’t been publicly disclosed yet. However, there seems to be a potential leak from a Spanish Asus site suggesting that the base model might retail for $750, while the advanced ROG Xbox Ally X could be priced around $1,050. This implies that the most high-end version of this new device could potentially cost twice as much as an Xbox Series X.

Initially, I’m astounded by how ridiculously expensive that seems. Instead of spending money on a portable Xbox, you could purchase not just one but two highly anticipated devices: Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck. The latter stands out because this new system promises to let you play Windows games, as well as Xbox games. However, isn’t that advantageous when you can already enjoy Windows games, plus most excellent Xbox titles such as Halo Infinite, on a Steam Deck for less than half the price?

The New OS Is a Major Gamble

Should you engage with ROG Ally enthusiasts, they’ll consistently praise its unique advantage: the innovative Operating System. This operating system is said to be optimized mainly for gaming, promising the user-friendly aspects of Windows 11 without the bothersome idiosyncrasies and flaws typically associated with the desktop version.

In simpler terms, it seems questionable to promote the ROG Xbox Ally mainly based on its operating system, considering the Steam Deck already provides a streamlined experience with greater support and at a lower cost. This move could be seen as a risky strategy, depending on convincing consumers that this time, Windows will not perform poorly as it has in the past.

Who, exactly, is that supposed to convince? 

The New Portable Is the Beginning of the End For Xbox

The ROG Xbox Ally, while sharing the same name, has other underlying issues. To be precise, it’s essentially unrelated to the original Xbox. As a long-term enthusiast of this classic console, my primary worry is that this new offering might mark the start of the decline for the traditional Xbox. This development sets up a competition between Microsoft, Nintendo, Valve, and Sony. In this scenario, no matter who emerges victorious, it could mean a setback for Xbox.

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary success of the ROG Xbox Ally this holiday season. It seems like it’s flying off shelves faster than pancakes on a Sunday morning! However, this surge in sales might come at the cost of the Xbox Series S and X, which have struggled to keep pace with Switch and PlayStation 5 in terms of sales.

In essence, if this trend continues, Xbox could find itself primarily identified as a portable gaming powerhouse. While they’d undeniably carve out a space in unique niches, their portable devices would likely never manage to dethrone the anticipated Switch 2 in terms of popularity.

If the ROG Xbox Ally malfunctions, it might suggest to Microsoft officials that there’s no longer a strong demand from the public for Xbox equipment. Consequently, this could result in a situation many have been fearing: Microsoft deciding to abandon the console market altogether, relying solely on Game Pass and intellectual property licensing as their primary revenue sources. Regardless of personal feelings towards Microsoft, the demise of Xbox would mean one less significant competitor, which is unfortunate news for any gamer who appreciates high-quality games and systems.

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2025-07-23 23:16