Latest news with #ROGAlly
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Xbox Needs to Get Weirder or Die Trying
Xbox is in a weird place right now, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. In fact, people with more important opinions on the subject than myself seem to agree: if Microsoft doesn't get its shit together on hardware, the box as we know it is cooked. Laura Fryer, the former director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group for the original Xbox project back in May 2000 and former executive producer for Microsoft Games Studios up until the Xbox 360 days, put it bluntly in a recent video. 'Obviously, as one of the founding members of the Xbox team, I'm not pleased with where things are today. I don't love watching all of the value that I helped create slowly get eroded away,' Fryer said in a video on YouTube. 'I'm sad because, from my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire—or literally can't—ship hardware anymore. So, this partnership is about a slow exit from the hardware business completely. Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead.' The partnership that Fryer is referring to is, of course, the Xbox and Asus team-up that will see the release of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld that was announced at Computex earlier this month. The criticism from within the games industry and fans is that Microsoft didn't design the handheld device, instead outsourcing the work to Asus, which modified its existing ROG Ally X handheld PCs, and then slapped Xbox software onto it. Was it laziness on Microsoft and Xbox's part? Or is it afraid to commit to Xbox hardware? Ouch. As rough as those words may be, it's hard not to agree. Out of the gate, Xbox's current generation of consoles, the Series S and X, were all but trounced by Sony and the PS5, the latter of which snatched a commanding 70 percent of the market share in the first five years of both consoles' lives. There are a lot of reasons for that, and arguably the biggest is that PlayStation had the exclusive titles that made people actually want to buy a console. But pinning it on game exclusives doesn't paint the full picture. Part of the problem is that Xbox, for all its past Gamer with a capital 'G' glory, got boring. So yes, Xbox is in a weird place right now, but people still want consoles, which means it's time for them to get even weirder—yes, I'm talking hardware, too. First, let's start with the boring box that Xbox houses all of that X in. It sucks. It's a snooze that makes year-over-year smartphone design feel innovative. Sure, it's sterile and can mesh with your new-build city-dwelling decor, but it's also—on the downside—half-assed. If you're selling people hardware that plays games, they ought to know that it's a console and not a VCR you forgot to sell in 1997. Say what you will about the PS5 (it's ugly; that's the only correct opinion), but Sony took a swing with it. It made sure that everyone who bought one felt like they were buying a console, and like it or not, you eat with your eyes. If you want to give people a reason to buy your console, maybe try giving them a reason. Nintendo did that with the Switch in 2017, and as far as I can tell, that's going (checks watch) really f*cking well. Speaking of the Switch, Xbox should probably find a way to differentiate its hardware functionality-wise. As dominant as the PS5 has been in the console business, it's still fundamentally the same machine as the Xbox. That's a shame, considering Xbox had ample opportunities to bring hardware in exciting new directions over the years. Not to be the Kinect guy, but damn did Microsoft bungle XR big time—and then again, it bungled XR with the HoloLens. In the multiverse, there's a timeline where Xbox used its experiments with XR via the Kinect and HoloLens to snatch value from the trembling hands of Sony and Meta's Quest headsets. That is not this timeline, as we all know, but if it really wants to give Xbox a future worth financing, maybe there's still room to take those more daring expeditions into gaming and refresh them for today's age. The last thing Xbox needs to do to get weird is a little more nebulous—it needs a new identity. Sure, Game Pass has been a ray of light in an otherwise dim outlook for Xbox, but turning the consoles into subscription machines doesn't exactly scream, 'We see you gamers, and we hear you.' Xbox can still continue to sell Game Pass subscriptions, don't get me wrong—I love Game Pass, and being able to stream games on devices like the Quest 3 feels like a revelation to me. But the emphasis on Xbox being the thing that gets you to the thing makes hardware feel like an afterthought. Gaming on a console that you've spent $500 on should feel native; it should feel complete; it should feel like an Xbox, not a PC. That goes back to game exclusives, partly. Sony has had no issues getting weird with its exclusives—Death Stranding, for example, is one of the weirdest games you can play, and now Death Stranding 2 is a PS5 exclusive, which is apparently devastating some gamers. Sucks for them, but it's kind of a huge win for PlayStation. It's also more proof that Xbox doesn't need to be the Netflix of gaming; it needs weird, magnetic titles that make its console feel experiential. As you may have gathered, this would all be kind of a huge shift for Xbox, and it's debatable whether Microsoft even has the will to make any of it work. I know the last few years have been lackluster for Xbox, but people still want consoles, and the recent success of the Switch 2 all but proves that. Nintendo, for its part, didn't earn that success the easy way. It took a gamble with the Switch by redefining its hardware, pivoting inward towards games, and ended up releasing the defining console of our generation. That's all to say, the ball is in your court, Microsoft. Are you going to go out with a bland, forgettable box? Or get weird and, at the very least, go down swinging?
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Xbox App Now Lets You Plays Steam & Epic Games on Your Handheld
Have you ever wished for a single app to manage all your PC games, no matter where they're from? Microsoft's latest update to the Xbox app might just be the solution gamers have been waiting for. In a bold move to simplify the often chaotic world of PC gaming, the Xbox app now supports Steam and Epic Games libraries, allowing users to launch titles from these platforms directly within the app. Whether you're gaming on a desktop, laptop, or a handheld PC like the ROG Ally, this update promises to unify your gaming experience and reduce the hassle of juggling multiple launchers. It's a small but significant step toward consolidating the fragmented PC gaming ecosystem. But what does this mean for you as a gamer? ETA Prime explores how the Xbox app's new integration could redefine how you access and organize your games. From the convenience of managing your entire library in one place to the potential limitations of this early-stage feature, we'll unpack the benefits and challenges of this update. Whether you're curious about how this works on handheld devices or wondering about the future possibilities of this integration, there's plenty to discover. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this move by Microsoft raises an exciting question: could the Xbox app become the ultimate hub for PC gaming? Xbox App Game Integration Enhanced Game Library Integration The update integrates Steam and Epic Games libraries into the Xbox app, allowing you to launch games without needing to switch between multiple applications. This feature is particularly advantageous for users with extensive game collections spread across different platforms. However, the current functionality comes with certain limitations. While you can launch games, the app does not yet support installing or uninstalling titles from Steam or Epic Games. Games from these platforms do not appear in the app's home section, which may make navigation less seamless. Despite these constraints, the integration offers a more streamlined way to access your games compared to juggling multiple launchers. By consolidating access to your libraries, the Xbox app takes a step toward simplifying the gaming experience. Optimized for Windows and Handheld Devices This update is compatible with all Windows devices, including desktops, laptops, and handheld PCs. Handheld gaming devices such as the ROG Ally are poised to benefit the most, as the integration enhances portability and simplifies navigation. By consolidating your game libraries into a single app, you can enjoy a more cohesive gaming experience, especially when gaming on the go. However, it's important to note that the feature is still in its early stages. Certain elements, such as game data scraping, remain incomplete, which could impact the overall user experience. These early limitations highlight the need for further refinement, but the update still represents a meaningful step forward for gamers seeking convenience and accessibility. Xbox App's Steam and Epic Integration Simplifies PC Gaming Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in Xbox app Steam integration. How to Access and Enable the Feature To explore this new functionality, you'll need to join the Xbox Insider Hub preview program. The process is straightforward and allows you to try out the feature while contributing feedback to shape its future development. Follow these steps to get started: Download the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Microsoft Store. Enable the 'PC gaming' preview within the app. Update your Xbox app to the latest version to access the new features. By joining the preview program, you not only gain early access to the integration but also have the opportunity to provide feedback that could influence future updates. This collaborative approach underscores Microsoft's commitment to refining the Xbox app based on user input. Customization and Future Prospects The Xbox app offers customization options that allow you to manage your libraries according to your preferences. You can enable or disable Steam and Epic Games integration through the app's settings, giving you control over how you interact with your game collection. While the current version lacks advanced features such as custom artwork for games, Microsoft's iterative update strategy suggests that these enhancements could be introduced in the future. This ongoing development approach indicates that the Xbox app has the potential to evolve into a more versatile and comprehensive tool for PC gamers. By addressing current gaps and expanding customization options, Microsoft could transform the app into a central hub for managing game libraries across multiple platforms. Current Limitations and Future Outlook While the integration is a promising step forward, it does come with notable limitations that may affect the user experience: You cannot install or uninstall games from Steam or Epic Games directly through the Xbox app. Game data scraping is incomplete, resulting in some titles lacking artwork, which diminishes the visual appeal of the interface. These shortcomings are expected to be addressed in future updates as Microsoft continues to refine the feature. For now, the integration provides a glimpse into a more unified future for managing game libraries across platforms. Looking ahead, this update marks a significant milestone in consolidating PC gaming platforms. By resolving current issues and introducing more customization options, Microsoft could position the Xbox app as an essential tool for PC gamers. While the feature is still evolving, it lays the groundwork for a more streamlined and accessible gaming experience, making it easier to manage and enjoy your games across different platforms. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Verge
6 days ago
- The Verge
Microsoft's Xbox PC launcher gets going with Steam, Epic, and other games showing up
Microsoft announced earlier this week that it would start testing its new aggregated gaming library on the Xbox app for Windows, and it's now starting to show up for testers today. This new library experience lists Steam, Ubisoft, Epic Games Store, and Riot Games titles that are all installed on a PC from various other launchers — much like GOG Galaxy. I've been trying out the experience today and found that Microsoft automatically detects installed games and lists them in your library in the Xbox app, along with a relevant thumbnail or icon, and the name of the launcher where the game was installed from. While the thumbnails could do with some work in this beta app, you'll get an option to play the game or see it in the relevant launcher. You can also hide games from these different PC stores if you don't want to see them listed in the Xbox app. This integration simply lists the games and you won't get Xbox achievements or any additional functionality in these titles. The consolidated library is part of Microsoft's effort to make the Xbox app on Windows the home of PC gaming, and to improve the handheld experience of Windows. Speaking of Microsoft's work to improve the Windows handheld experience, I've had multiple people tip me this week that the 'Xbox full-screen experience' settings have randomly appeared on their existing ROG Ally devices. While the settings have appeared, the experience isn't live yet and nothing happens if you try to enable it. Microsoft confirmed to The Verge earlier this month that existing devices like the ROG Ally will get this full-screen Xbox experience at some point soon, and it looks like the company is already starting to test that on some devices. I'm confident this is a bug showing the settings, as the new ROG Xbox Ally devices aren't due until later this year and they'll launch with this new experience first. If you're interested in testing the new consolidated library, you don't need to wait until later this year. You just need to have the Xbox test app installed, which is as simple as downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on PC, joining the PC gaming preview in the app, and then updating the Xbox app in the Microsoft Store.
Stuff.tv
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
A new Xbox has launched – but it doesn't look like a console
We've finally just got an Xbox handheld console, thanks to the updated ROG Ally. But now, there's a brand new Xbox you can buy – and it isn't even a console. Microsoft and Meta have birthed a bizarre but somehow compelling offspring: the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. It's a VR headset that looks like it could belong under your telly. Microsoft has taken Meta's Quest 3S headset and dressed it up in Xbox's Carbon Black and Velocity Green. It's the first limited edition Quest headset ever, and I've got to admit, it's got some serious shelf appeal. The bundle is quite the care package. You get the custom 128GB headset, matching Touch Plus controllers (for the full Xbox experience), an Elite Strap for comfort, a limited-edition Wireless Controller, and three months each of Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That's a lot of gear before you've even pressed start. The partnership between the brands isn't exactly new – they first rolled out Xbox Cloud Gaming on Quest back in 2023 – but this is the most physical expression of that alliance yet. It's the gaming giant's way of saying, 'Who needs a telly when you can game on a floating screen hovering in your living room?' And thanks to cloud gaming, you've got access to a hefty library of titles like Avowed, Oblivion Remastered, and the gloriously swampy South of Midnight, all without a console in sight. It's also a win for continuity. If you start a game in VR, you can continue it on your console or PC, without missing a beat. Progress, achievements, and that unsaved moment of panic mid-boss fight? All travel with you. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is available now for $400/£400 from Meta, Best Buy, Argos, and EE. Supplies are limited – and knowing Xbox fans, this thing might vanish faster than your storage space.
Digital Trends
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Xbox finally gets its own VR headset, sort of
Microsoft and Meta have collaborated on a special edition VR headset, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. The limited edition bundle, which includes a black and green headset alongside matching accessories, is on sale now for $400. While the collaboration is a first for Meta, it's part of an emerging trend for the Xbox brand. Earlier this month, Microsoft partnered with Asus to create a new version of its ROG Ally designed around Xbox Game Pass. The Meta Quest 3S follows that same trend, with a custom visual treatment and more direct integration into the Game Pass ecosystem and its cloud streaming feature. Recommended Videos The bundle contains a standard 128GB Meta Quest 3S. The differences between this version and the regular model are largely cosmetic. The Xbox Edition features a Carbon Black and Velocity Green design rather than the traditional white look of Meta's headsets. The included Touch Plus controllers have gotten a similar facelift, with green accents on buttons and around the joysticks. The package also comes with an Xbox Wireless Controller with those same color touches. It all comes with two notable extras. For one, it includes an Elite Strap, which retails for $70 on its own. That makes the Quest 3S Xbox Edition more comfortable and customizable out the box. It also includes three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Ahead of its release, Digital Trends has been putting the headset through its paces to see how it stacks up with a normal Meta Quest 3S. There aren't any differences in terms of power, but the setup process does make it much easier to connect the included Xbox controller right away and sign into my Game Pass account. Within minutes, I had gotten everything connected and was continuing my playthrough of The Alters via cloud streaming. That last part is the obvious caveat here, as the headset does not play Xbox games natively. I've been spending a lot of my time playing Rematch that way, using the headset's theater mode to create a big picture experience. Is there any reason to upgrade if you already have a Meta Quest 3S? No, but it's a solid bundle for anyone who has yet to take the plunge into VR. The included Elite Strap is an instant upgrade, the color scheme is much cooler than the standard Quest in my humble opinion, and adding in a controller is a nice touch. Sure, it isn't really a proper Xbox version of the PlayStation VR2, but it's about as close as I expect Microsoft to get for now. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is on sale now for $400.
