Latest news with #ROGXboxAlly
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
Xbox aggregated game library coming to PC with hints of Steam support
A new Xbox feature announced for the upcoming Asus handheld devices will go live on PC this week for Xbox insiders. When Microsoft formally unveiled its new Xbox handheld devices – the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X – one of the new features it promised was an aggregated library that will provide 'quick access to games from Xbox, Game Pass, and other leading PC storefronts.' In other words, if you own games at storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store, you'll no longer need to open them up seperately to access those games. Instead, they'll be accessed from a single launcher, along with your Xbox games. At the time, Microsoft only mentioned that this aggregated library would be part of the Xbox handhelds once they launch later this year (rumours say that'll be in October), but the feature is now slated to come to the Xbox PC app as well. The feature will launch to the public later this year (no doubt alongside the Xbox handhelds), but members of the Xbox Insider program will be able to test it out on PC starting this week… as long as they have a Windows 11 PC. A blog post by product manager Manisha Oza explains that the feature will be compatible with purchased Xbox games, the Game Pass subscription service, Activision Blizzard's launcher, and 'other leading PC storefronts.' Although it doesn't name any of these other storefronts, they're presumably referring to Steam and the Epic Games Store, and possibly GOG as well. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Even if one or some of these are absent at first, they'll likely be added later since the blog post adds: 'We'll continue rolling out support for additional PC storefronts over time.' The aggregated library is designed for the sake of convenience, especially since compatible games should be added to it automatically. According to the blog post, 'As long as you have game titles installed from supported PC stores, you should see them listed in both My Library as well as the Most Recent section.' It's clearly an effort by Microsoft to convince PC players into using the Xbox app, and staying there. After all, if all your games can be played through the app, then there's no need to use the other storefronts. If successful, this would drive up engagement numbers and become a statistic Microsoft can boast about during its earnings reports with investors. We've seen some confusion if this means Xbox owners can access their entire Xbox library through this feature, but it ultimately only applies to games that are PC compatible. This does apply to most modern Xbox games (which see simultaneous launches on console and PC), but not any older games accessed through Xbox's backwards compatibility feature that only ever launched on console. There was a recent rumour by Xbox insider eXtas1s claiming that Microsoft was planning to address this and partner with the team behind Xbox 360 emulator Xenia to bring retro Xbox games to PC, as well as Game Pass and the cloud gaming feature. More Trending However, another insider, Windows Central's Jez Corden, said 'This particular scenario isn't a thing at the moment,' and the Xenia team has also refuted the rumour in a statement shared to Discord (via PureXbox). 'The Xenia (and Xenia Canary, by extension) team is by no means associated with, nor working alongside Microsoft in any capacity,' it reads. 'Microsoft uses their own emulation to provide backwards compatibility on Xbox One/Series consoles and as such has no reason to collaborate with Xenia, even if they decided to bring these titles to PC.' That said, backwards compatibility is intended to be a thing with the next generation of Xbox consoles. Combined with promises of a platform 'not tied to a single store or device,' it does look like Microsoft's goal is to make it so Xbox owners can access their entire library of new games, PC games, and retro games in one spot. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Xbox next gen handheld cancelled in favour of PC gaming claim sources MORE: Xbox ROG Ally vs. Legion Go and Steam Deck: how do they compare? MORE: Xbox VR headset leaks and its release date is a bit of a shock
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Xbox VR headset leaks and its release date is a bit of a shock
Microsoft looks set to launch another Xbox-branded device this year, as the company makes its first step into virtual reality. If the future of Xbox seems in flux, between cancelled handhelds and promises of multiple devices for the next generation, the company's stance on virtual reality is one area where it has remained relatively consistent over the years. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has expressed his reluctance to create VR hardware several times in the past. In 2019, he dismissed the technology and said 'nobody's asking for VR' on Xbox, three years after the PlayStation VR had launched. Spencer later reiterated this stance in 2021, emphasising how Xbox wants keep its focus on software. Since then, Microsoft has opened its arms somewhat through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has been compatible with Meta Quest headsets since 2023. Just like the company's step into the handheld space though with the ROG Xbox Ally, it seems Xbox might be testing the waters for its own VR headset with a new partnership. Last week, a report on GameSandwich claimed Meta was planning to shadow drop an Xbox branded Meta Quest 3S headset on Tuesday, June 24, priced at $399 (roughly £299 if directly converted). According to the report's sources, the Xbox version will include a black and green headset with matching accessories, including an elite strap, an Xbox wireless controller, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In other words, it would be the same Meta Quest 3S headset at its core, only with some additional Xbox branding. On the same day, a picture of the headset cropped up online, showing the box for the 'Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition'. The original source of the image has since deleted the post, but it has been shared widely by other accounts on X. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Microsoft hasn't announced the headset, so it's worth taking this with a pinch of salt, but it certainly seems like it exists. If the aforementioned rumour is true, we'll simply have to wait till tomorrow, June 24 to see if it does materialise. More Trending Earlier this month, Xbox announced a partnership with AMD to create chips for a 'portfolio of devices' for its 'next generation Xbox consoles'. 'At Xbox our vision is for you to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want,' Xbox president Sarah Bond said. 'That's why we're investing in our next generation hardware line-up, across console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories.' Much like its collaboration with Asus on the ROG Xbox Ally, it seems any partnership with Meta is outside of Xbox's next generation plans – and might instead be another way to leverage Xbox Game Pass, and the overall brand, into other markets. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Games Inbox: Is Mario Kart World better than Mario Kart 8? MORE: Unrivalled success has ruined PS5 and the PlayStation brand – Reader's Feature MORE: Pokémon North American International Championships 2025 report – Dragapults down south
Tatler Asia
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Microsoft and Asus team up on ROG Xbox Ally handheld to rival Nintendo Switch 2
Performance and hardware Above The ROG Xbox Ally X features the new high-performance AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, giving it plenty of horsepower even in AAA games (Photo: Asus) Above The ROG Xbox Ally X also features impulse triggers, improving the haptics in supported games (Photo: Asus) At the heart of the ROG Xbox Ally is the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 processor series—either the Z2 A or the Z2 Extreme—paired with integrated RDNA graphics. These enable the handheld to run AAA PC games at respectable settings and frame rates. Despite its impressive performance, some newer PC titles may still pose challenges at ultra settings. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch 2's upgraded internals are engineered for Nintendo's ecosystem. While it cannot match the raw processing power of the Xbox Ally, the Switch 2's tightly integrated hardware and software deliver smooth gameplay for first-party titles and optimised third-party games. Screen vs. size The ROG Xbox Ally features a 7-inch Full HD display—slightly smaller than the 7.9-inch screen on the Switch 2. While Nintendo's hybrid design includes detachable Joy-Con controllers and a dock for TV connectivity, the Xbox Ally offers external display support via a separate cable or dock. Due to its more powerful internals and dedicated cooling system, the ROG Xbox Ally is heavier and bulkier than the Nintendo Switch 2. However, it offers significantly longer battery life, designed to support high-performance gaming sessions on the go. Gaming library and compatibility Above As soon as users boot up the Xbox Ally, they are welcomed by a full screen Xbox experience (Photo: Asus) The ROG Xbox Ally is designed to run the PC and Xbox Game Pass game library. As a Windows-powered device, this means that the Xbox Ally can also access Steam, GOG, Epic, Ubisoft and other PC game libraries and storefronts. This gives the ROG Xbox Ally access to virtually every PC game ever made, plus Xbox Game Pass integration for cloud gaming. The Nintendo Switch 2 counters with something the Ally cannot match: exclusive Nintendo titles. The device promises backward compatibility with original Switch games while introducing new entries in beloved franchises like Super Mario, Zelda and Pokémon. For many gamers, these exclusive experiences remain Nintendo's strongest selling point. A tale of two handhelds Above The Nintendo Switch 2 is for those looking for family-friendly console titles from Nintendo's vast library (Photo: Nintendo) Above Users will find the Xbox Ally's grip, triggers, joystick and button configuration similar to a standard Xbox controller (Photo: Asus) Choosing between the ROG Xbox Ally and the Nintendo Switch 2 ultimately depends on what type of gamer you are. The Xbox Ally is ideal for tech-savvy users with deep PC game libraries and a desire for cutting-edge performance in a portable form. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 remains the go-to for family-friendly gameplay, iconic exclusives and the seamless hybrid experience Nintendo pioneered.
The Star
18-06-2025
- The Star
Microsoft working on next-gen Xbox video game console
The Xbox Series X. Semiconductors powering the new hardware will be made in collaboration with AMD, said Bond. — Unsplash SAN FRANCISCO: Xbox president Sarah Bond on June 18 confirmed that her team is working on a new Xbox video game console. "We're investing in our next generation of hardware line-up across console, handheld, PC, cloud and accessories," Bond said in a video posted on X. Semiconductors powering the new hardware will be made in collaboration with Silicon Valley-based Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). "We've established a strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including our next generation Xbox consoles." Microsoft earlier this month unveiled its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, touting them as a way to play its vast library of titles anywhere. Two "ROG Xbox Ally" models made in a partnership with Taiwan-based ASUS will be available by the year-end holiday season, Bond said during an online event showcasing games heading for the platform. Microsoft promised to disclose pricing and release date details for Xbox Ally in the coming months. Both Xbox handhelds appeared similar to Microsoft console controllers in terms of buttons, toggles and grips but looked elongated to provide room for center screens. "At Xbox, our vision is for you to play the games you want with the people you want, anywhere you want," Bond said in the video. – AFP
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft and AMD sign new Xbox deal: What it means for gamers?
Microsoft has officially confirmed that the next-generation Xbox consoles will be powered by AMD. This multi-year partnership will redefine the Xbox ecosystem, promising a leap in performance and flexibility for gamers worldwide. Xbox president Sarah Bond announced this and more in a YouTube video posted on the official Xbox channel. AMD has delivered custom processors for previous Xbox generations, and the recently announced ROG Xbox Ally is also powered by an AMD chip. With this collaboration, Microsoft aims to push the boundaries of gaming technology by using AI and the next generation of graphic innovations. This somewhat confirms prior speculations that Steam and Epic game stores are coming to the Xbox consoles. If this is true, gamers may be able to access their complete Steam library on the console. This will also bring more competition and innovation in digital game distribution. With AMD and Microsoft teaming up, Xbox is clearly gearing up for something big: more powerful hardware, a more open ecosystem, and a gaming experience that's all about player choice. With cross-platform play, open stores, and next-gen performance, Xbox is set to break boundaries by putting player choice at the centre.
