Well, this is it. Microsoft finally did what we've all been waiting for since 2019.
They actually made a handheld Xbox. Two of them, actually. And they're launching right before Christmas because apparently my wallet wasn't suffering enough this year. My gaming buddy Jake texted me at 7 AM with "BRO DID YOU SEE" followed by seventeen crying emoji. Yeah, I saw.
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are here, and honestly? I'm not even mad about the collaboration with ASUS. Those guys know their way around handheld gaming - I've been eyeing their regular ROG Ally for months but kept telling myself I didn't need another gaming device. Famous last words.
Two Models, Two Ways to Go Broke
Here's the deal: there's the standard ROG Xbox Ally, and then there's the X version for people who apparently hate having money. The X model comes with a beefier chip, more memory, bigger storage, longer battery life, and extra ports. It's like they took the regular version and asked "what if we made this more expensive?"
Both devices let you tap into your Game Pass library on the go, which is honestly the selling point for me. I've been paying for Game Pass Ultimate for three years and barely using half of it because I'm always traveling for work.
But here's where it gets interesting - you're not locked into just Xbox stuff. Battle.net works on these things, plus other PC storefronts. So theoretically I could finally finish Diablo IV during my commute instead of staring at my phone like a zombie.
The Price Tag Nobody Wants to Talk About
Microsoft's being real coy about pricing right now.
The current ASUS ROG Ally X runs about £800/$800, which is... a lot. Some Reddit user (probably smarter than me) pointed out that the only way these new Xbox versions cost significantly less is if Microsoft decides to eat some of the loss. Another commenter said it'd need to retail under $700 to make sense, and honestly? They're not wrong.
I'm already mentally preparing for sticker shock. My wife's gonna ask why I need another gaming device when I have a perfectly good Xbox Series X collecting dust in the living room. Fair point, but she doesn't understand the appeal of playing Halo while she watches her reality TV shows.
Nintendo Switch 2 Has Entered teh Chat
The timing here is wild. Nintendo just announced the Switch 2 literally days ago, and now Microsoft drops this bombshell. It's like watching two giants size each other up before a fight, except the fight is for my disposable income and they're both winning.
Xbox head Roanne Sones said something about how "your favorite games should follow you," which sounds nice in theory. In practice, it means I'm about to justify another $600-800 purchase to myself using the same logic I used for my Steam Deck last year.
The cloud gaming and remote play features are actually pretty solid though. Being able to stream from my Xbox in the bedroom while I'm downstairs? That's genuinely useful. My internet's decent enough that it might actually work without making me want to throw the device across the room.
Roblox is a Launch Title and I Don't Know How to Feel About That
They're launching with Roblox optimized for handheld gaming. My 12-year-old nephew is going to lose his mind when he finds out. Meanwhile, I'm sitting here hoping they've got something slightly more age-appropriate for a guy who remembers when Xbox Live first launched.
But honestly? If these things can run my entire Game Pass library smoothly, I might actually use my subscription for once. I've got probably 200+ games just sitting there while I replay the same three titles on repeat like some kind of gaming Groundhog Day.
Christmas 2024 is going to be expensive. Really, really expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are microtransactions in gaming?
Microtransactions are small financial transactions made within a game, usually for the purpose of purchasing virtual goods or enhancements. They are commonly found in free-to-play games and can range from cosmetic items to in-game currency or additional content.
What is game streaming and how does it work?
Game streaming allows players to play games over the internet without needing powerful hardware. Services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming stream gameplay from remote servers to players' devices, enabling access to high-quality gaming experiences on less capable systems.
What is the difference between single-player and multiplayer games?
Single-player games are designed for one player to complete the game independently, while multiplayer games allow multiple players to interact, compete, or cooperate in real-time. Each format offers a distinct gaming experience tailored to different preferences.
How do game developers monetize their products?
Game developers monetize their products through various methods, including direct sales, subscriptions, in-game purchases, and advertising. The choice of monetization strategy often depends on the game type and target audience.
What are game genres and their significance?
Game genres categorize games based on their gameplay mechanics and themes. Popular genres include action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, and strategy. Understanding genres helps players find games that align with their interests and play styles.
Statistics
- As of 2023, approximately 3.24 billion people are actively playing video games worldwide.
- Women represent nearly 41% of gamers, challenging the stereotype that gaming is predominantly male-dominated.
- In 2021, the average age of a gamer was reported to be around 34 years old, indicating that gaming spans multiple generations.
- Esports viewership surpassed 500 million people globally in 2022, highlighting the increasing interest in competitive gaming.
- Approximately 63% of households in the United States have at least one person who plays video games regularly.
- About 60% of gamers prefer single-player games, valuing immersive storytelling and personal experiences.
- Streaming platforms like Twitch have attracted over 140 million unique monthly visitors, demonstrating the popularity of game streaming.
- Over 80% of mobile gamers play for fun, while around 20% engage in gaming for competition.
External Links
How To
How to Stay Safe While Gaming Online
Staying safe while gaming online is essential to protect your personal information and enhance your gaming experience. Use strong, unique passwords for your gaming accounts, and enable two-factor authentication where available. Be cautious about sharing personal information during gameplay or on forums. Familiarize yourself with the game’s privacy settings to control who can see your profile and interact with you. Report any suspicious or toxic behavior to game moderators to maintain a positive environment. Regularly update your security software to protect against malware and phishing attempts.
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