Microsoft An Xbox Handheld is coming!*

[Crazy Jamie]

*Not really. It's just a ROG Ally with the Xbox logo on it.

I think the biggest benefit to this might be that we see a more powerful Steam Deck 2, or whatever the next iteration is. But if I wasn't buying a ROG Ally right now, and I wasn't, I don't really see why I'd buy this. I also don't have Gamepass and don't really intend to get it either, partly because I'm happier buying games as I go on Steam, and partly because I prefer the Steam achievements system and platform for tracking the games I've played.

 

[dimmerwit]

I can see the benefits for some people. The main one being that a lot of popular titles still rely on Windows Kernel anti cheat software that doesn't run on Steam Deck, but I also think having a version of Windows 11 with good handheld features and less unnecessary background tasks is also a good thing to at least provide competition.

I like Steam, and it's definitely the best platform, but through Game Pass, sales, Epic free games and buying cheaper keys from third-party sites I ultimately juggle several stores and whilst the Deck doesn't make this impossible by any means it is ultimately not as seamless with stuff from other stores.

The real issue is just that even if they discount a bit from the unbranded devices these will be expensive, and the lack of OLED is less excusable at that price point then it is for the Switch 2.

 

[Ben]

I'm still salty over having my launch Xbox 360 red-ring, as well as 1-2 more times after having Microsoft repair them. It killed my trust for Xbox and I haven't touched anything with that logo since.