The Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming device is now sporting a user interface (UI) reminiscent of the Microsoft Xbox, instead of the standard Windows 11 experience.

According to sources, the adaptation involves standard ROG Ally hardware with a modified software experience. Rather than a full-fledged Windows 11 install, users are greeted with an Xbox-like interface upon booting the device.

Xbox Integration on ROG Ally: A New Direction?

Microsoft’s Xbox division has really fallen deep if you don’t even get real custom hardware, but only minimally revised existing Asus handhelds.

The move raises questions about the future of xbox and its approach to hardware development. Instead of creating dedicated custom hardware, Microsoft appears to be leveraging existing devices like the Asus ROG Ally and adapting them with its Xbox UI.

Implications for Handheld Gaming

This shift could signal a broader trend in the gaming industry, where software and user experience take precedence over proprietary hardware. By focusing on UI and services like Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft may be aiming to reach a wider audience across various devices.