Microsoft Expands Xbox Enhancements Beyond ROG Ally

In a thrilling development for gaming enthusiasts, Microsoft is broadening its Xbox upgrades to include not just the new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds but also the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8 AI+. During last week's Gamescom, Xbox showcased a range of new features aimed at enhancing the handheld gaming experience, igniting excitement among players.

Aiming to Dominate the Handheld Market

It’s becoming evident that Microsoft's ambition is to position Windows as the premier operating system for handheld devices, challenging the likes of Valve's SteamOS. With SteamOS gaining traction on third-party devices, the competition is heating up. However, Xbox's new integration features are poised to shift the balance in favor of Windows.

What Upgrades to Expect?

According to the official 'Xbox on handhelds' page, gamers can look forward to exciting new features like the Xbox full-screen experience, an aggregated library to keep games organized, and the innovative Play Anywhere feature. The full-screen experience promises a streamlined user interface reminiscent of console designs, similar to what's already available on the Steam Deck.

Performance Insights: The Hardware Behind the Handhelds

While the Legion Go S may not boast the elite Z2 Extreme chip found in the ROG Ally X or the forthcoming Legion Go 2, it offers a variant with the more basic Z2 Go chip. Meanwhile, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ runs on older Intel Lunar Lake technology, yet it still stands strong against competitors and has shown comparable performance to the Z2 Extreme.

Future Compatibility Looks Bright

Although Microsoft hasn't specifically mentioned the original Legion Go or MSI Claw in their upgrade announcements, both devices are powered by Windows 11 and are likely to benefit from the new Xbox enhancements. One of the most anticipated features is the streamlined full-screen experience that trims down Windows’s overhead during gaming, making it feel lighter and more efficient like SteamOS.

Get ready to level up your handheld gaming as Xbox continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem across various devices!