The expensive ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming console from Microsoft has finally launched, and the tech community wasted no time "dissecting" this device. While a recent teardown showed the device is designed with repairability in mind, a new analysis of the machine's core operating system paints a less favorable picture. Specifically, YouTuber Cyber Dopamine replaced the pre-installed Windows version on the Ally X with Bazzite-a Linux distribution built specifically for handheld devices that uses Steam's Big Picture mode as the boot interface. The initial impressions are extremely promising, raising the question of whether Windows is truly the best operating system for this handheld gaming device.
Incredible Performance Difference: Linux Outperforms Windows on Ally X
Initial tests show an incredible performance gap between the two operating systems on the ROG Xbox Ally X. Specifically, in the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the Ally X running Bazzite maintained a stable frame rate (FPS) of 62 FPS, while only reaching 47 FPS when running on Windows. Similarly, in Hogwarts Legacy at 17W power mode, the Linux system continued to run the game at 62 FPS, compared to just 50 FPS when using Microsoft's operating system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ambCqcFuexk
At a higher power mode (35W), the difference between the two systems narrows slightly: Windows achieves 60 FPS and Linux achieves 65 FPS. Notably, at a low power mode (13W), the difference is only a single frame (Windows 38 FPS / Linux 37 FPS), with Windows holding a slight advantage.
Another crucial factor to mention in the performance discussion is stability. With Windows, Cyber Dopamine noted that frame rates fluctuated erratically-for example, dropping from 58 FPS to 52 FPS and then plummeting to 39 FPS before rising again. In contrast, running games with Bazzite provided a much smoother experience without such sudden peaks and valleys.
Price and Configuration of ROG Xbox Ally: Two Versions for Gamers
Microsoft launched this Asus-manufactured handheld gaming console on October 16 with two different variants. The standard version, ROG Xbox Ally, includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of storage, priced at $599.99.
Meanwhile, the Ally X version upgrades the memory to 24 GB and the storage to 1 TB, but comes with a significantly higher price tag: $999.99.
The ROG Ally and Ally X have created a new wave in the mobile PC gaming market. After reviewing these tests, many people might consider returning to PC gaming after a long hiatus, but the high initial investment cost of this device could be a significant barrier.
