The Xbox Ally is a new handheld device that blends Xbox and Windows in an exciting way. When I first turned it on, I saw the usual Windows login screen. But then, I quickly entered my PIN using the controller, which is a nice touch. After that, Windows 11 vanished, and the Xbox interface appeared.
I spent a lot of time with this device to get a feel for how Microsoft is merging Windows and Xbox. The Xbox Ally features a full-screen interface that conceals the Windows OS beneath it. This is a welcome improvement for handheld gaming, but it feels like just the beginning of Microsoft’s larger gaming strategy.
The Xbox Ally’s main screen resembles the current Xbox app on Windows 11, which functions like a competitor to Steam. Activating the Game Bar with the Xbox button keeps the complicated parts of Windows away, letting gamers focus on their experience.
What’s interesting is that Microsoft does not load unnecessary elements like the desktop wallpaper or taskbar, freeing up about 2GB of RAM. However, accessing Windows is straightforward. You can return to the Windows desktop with a simple command.
But there’s a catch. If you switch to the Windows desktop, you’ll need to reboot to regain that RAM efficiency. You can keep switching between modes, but that might affect performance.
Despite its strengths, I still have concerns. While the streamlined Xbox UI is a big step forward, reminders of Windows can still pop up, like notifications that disrupt the gaming atmosphere. Microsoft is aware of this issue and is working on improvements.
There’s also a feature hinting that different apps besides the Xbox app could be set as the default. This could open doors for platforms like Steam.
User impressions have been mixed so far. On social media, some gamers appreciate the improved focus on a console-like experience, while others are wary of Windows complexities.
As it stands, the Xbox Ally represents Microsoft’s future plans for gaming. They aim to create a more seamless integration of Windows and Xbox experiences, appealing to gamers across consoles and PCs.
For more insights on Microsoft’s plans, you can refer to The Verge or their updates on competing products.
In summary, the Xbox Ally is an exciting step towards blending the Xbox and Windows experiences but remains a work in progress.
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