YouTuber Claims ROG Xbox Ally Outperforms Windows with Linux OS
The launch of the ROG Xbox Ally has prompted mixed reactions among early users, particularly regarding its operating system. A YouTuber has asserted that the handheld console performs better without Windows 11, suggesting that a Linux-based alternative could enhance its functionality. This revelation is significant as the ROG Xbox Ally represents Microsoft‘s ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market.
In their video, YouTuber Cyber Dopamine conducted a test comparing the performance of the ROG Xbox Ally running on Windows 11 and a Linux distribution referred to as Bazzite. Initial impressions indicate that Bazzite may offer superior performance, particularly in terms of frame rates and system responsiveness. Notably, this Linux distribution is not SteamOS, but it reportedly emulates SteamOS functionalities closely.
Performance Comparisons Reveal Distinct Advantages
During the test, Cyber Dopamine highlighted a key feature: the quick resume capability. On Bazzite, the system resumes play almost instantly, whereas Windows takes approximately 40 seconds to suspend and reboot, including a login screen. Users may experience glitches when resuming gameplay on Windows, which Bazzite reportedly avoids.
The framerate comparisons further illustrate the performance disparity. Cyber Dopamine recorded frame rates for both operating systems while running the ROG Xbox Ally at different wattages. At 13 watts, both systems produced similar frame rates. However, as the wattage increased, the differences became more pronounced. For instance, in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, at 17 watts, Windows achieved 47 FPS while Bazzite recorded 62 FPS. The trend continued with Hogwarts Legacy, where Windows reached 50 FPS at the same wattage, compared to Bazzite’s 62 FPS. At the maximum setting of 35 watts, Windows yielded 60 FPS and Bazzite 65 FPS.
This performance analysis raises questions about the effectiveness of Microsoft’s flagship handheld console, especially considering it is designed to run on Windows. The prospect of users opting for a Linux-based OS over Windows 11 from the outset poses a significant challenge for Microsoft as it seeks to establish its presence in the handheld gaming sector.
Implications for Microsoft’s Handheld Strategy
As the gaming community continues to explore the ROG Xbox Ally, the findings from Cyber Dopamine’s tests indicate that Microsoft may need to reassess its operating system strategy for handheld devices. The suggestion that Bazzite could provide a better user experience than Windows on a Microsoft product is particularly noteworthy.
While it is not uncommon for Linux distributions to outperform Windows in specific gaming scenarios, the ROG Xbox Ally’s position as a Microsoft product complicates the narrative. If early adopters favor Linux over Windows, Microsoft could face a significant uphill battle to retain its user base, impacting both sales and brand loyalty.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions surrounding the ROG Xbox Ally’s performance without Windows 11 highlight a critical intersection of technology and user preference. As the handheld console market evolves, the choices made by consumers will undoubtedly influence Microsoft’s future strategies in this competitive landscape.
