Xbox’s new handheld is a surprisingly comfortable way to play Gears
Xbox has revealed its new handheld line, the ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X, made in partnership with Asus. And I got the chance to play it during Summer Game Fest. My colleague Tom Warren has already broken down how the handheld works with its operating system, UI, and integration with the Xbox app […]
Xbox has revealed its new handheld line, the ROG Xbox Ally and the Ally X, made in partnership with Asus. And I got the chance to play it during Summer Game Fest. My colleague Tom Warren has already broken down how the handheld works with its operating system, UI, and integration with the Xbox app and third-party game stores. Meanwhile, I'll get into the simple experience of playing the dang thing - and the biggest selling point, for me, was comfort.
Despite my best efforts, the eagle-eyed Xbox PR reps did not let me peek at the device's storefronts or play the much-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong. So for this brief hands-on overview, I'll cover the game that I did get to play - Gears of War: Reloaded.
I can sum up my experience with the Ally X (as I recall, the less powerful white Xbox Ally was not available) with a few words: I need this. The Ally X felt roughly the same weight as a Steam Deck. But with its hand grips, modeled to resemble the form factor of an Xbox controller, it felt like a literal dream.
I've struggled with my Steam Deck for a long time because it's not comfortable to hold. After extended gaming sessions, my hands stiffen into claws that take a moment …
