Core Points - SteamOS has released version 3.7.8, which optimizes support for other AMD handheld devices, marking its first stable version for such devices [2] - The installation process of SteamOS differs significantly from other Linux distributions, requiring specific steps to ensure compatibility [3][4] - Initial experiences with SteamOS on the ROG Ally handheld indicate that while basic functionalities are supported, there are still several issues that need addressing [7][8] Installation Process - Users must disable secure boot in the BIOS before installing SteamOS, as most Linux distributions are incompatible with secure boot [3] - The installation image for SteamOS is in .img format, which allows for read-write capabilities once written to a USB drive [3][4] - The installation process is not customizable, as the installation script is hardcoded to a specific NVMe drive, limiting flexibility for users with different storage configurations [4][6] System Experience - Upon first boot, SteamOS does not recognize the ROG Ally controller, requiring external input devices for initial setup [7] - After the first update, the system recognizes the controller, and the gaming experience is similar to that on the Steam Deck [8] - The sleep mode functionality is well-implemented, with minimal power consumption during sleep [8] Compatibility and Performance - The TDP control feature is not natively supported in SteamOS but can be added through plugins [13] - RGB lighting control is also not supported natively but can be managed through additional plugins [15] - The ROG Ally controller is recognized correctly, but some buttons, particularly the back buttons, face recognition issues that require system restarts to resolve [19][20] Game Compatibility - SteamOS has introduced a new game compatibility rating system, which is less stringent than the previous Steam Deck rating system [42] - Some games may not run optimally on SteamOS, with specific titles requiring adjustments to Proton versions for better performance [44][46] - The overall compatibility of games on SteamOS is still evolving, with some titles marked as incompatible despite functioning well on other Linux distributions [46] Conclusion - The adaptation of SteamOS for third-party handheld devices is still in its early stages, with many features not fully optimized and installation experiences needing improvement [48] - For users considering installing SteamOS on other handhelds, it may be advisable to wait or use alternative systems like Bazzite, which offers more features and better compatibility [48]

The other handheld news was a new Xboxy handheld console that you also got to try. It was really a hands-on with Gears of War Reloaded. So, they're doing another remaster of Gears of War.Congratulations. And they had the game on like every different kind of console that it can run so you can compare. So, they had it on an Xbox, they had it on a PlayStation, they had it on a PC, they had it on one of the vanilla X, ROG allies, and then they also had the ROG Xbox ally X.We got to talk to Microsoft. We got to ...

Product Overview - Xbox is releasing two handheld gaming devices, the Xbox Ally and the more powerful Xbox Ally X [1] - The Xbox Ally runs Windows 11 and supports multiple storefronts including Xbox, Game Pass, Battlelet, and potentially Steam [2] - The devices allow users to download games, remote play from Xbox, or stream from the cloud [5] - The Xbox Ally features a dedicated Xbox button and larger contoured grips, differentiating it from the previous ROG Ally [9] Technical Specifications - The Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, weighs 670 grams, and has a 60Wh battery [10] - The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of SSD storage, weighs 715 grams, and has an 80Wh battery [10] - Both devices have a 7-inch 1080p screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate [11] User Experience - The devices boot directly into the Xbox full screen experience, optimized for handheld gaming [7][8] - The Xbox Ally uses the Game Bar, similar to the Xbox app on PC, with a new command center tab for adjusting power consumption and performance [6] - The full screen experience minimizes background activity and dedicates more system resources to gameplay [8] Market Positioning - The Xbox Ally is positioned as a more open platform compared to the Nintendo Switch, similar to the Steam Deck [4] - The device offers more utility than PlayStation's Portal, which can only stream and play remotely [5]

Core Viewpoint - Nintendo's Switch 2 is expected to revitalize the gaming console market in 2025 with significant advancements in handheld gaming performance through AI graphics technology, ray tracing, and 4K output [1] Group 1: Product Features and Performance - The Switch 2 will feature a custom SoC from NVIDIA, equipped with RT cores and Tensor cores, enabling real-time ray tracing, HDR rendering, and DLSS technology, allowing for 4K resolution in docked mode and up to 120 frames per second at 1080p in handheld mode [1] - Nintendo claims that the graphical performance of the Switch 2 is ten times better than the original Switch [1] Group 2: Market Positioning and Pricing - The Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, which is a $50 increase from the launch price of its predecessor, with flagship games like "Mario Kart World" retailing at $80 [2] - Despite initial pricing concerns, consumer enthusiasm for the Switch 2 remains high, indicating a readiness to accept higher-end pricing models as long as performance improvements are significant [1][2] Group 3: Competitive Strategy - Backward compatibility ensures that existing Switch games will still run on the new console, while enhanced wireless bandwidth introduces a new feature called "GameChat," allowing up to 12 players to voice chat in real-time and share screens across games [2] - This strategy positions Nintendo to compete more directly with Microsoft and Sony's online ecosystems [2] Group 4: Industry Recommendations - TechInsights suggests that console manufacturers should evaluate the feasibility of adopting advanced chips and AI features for next-generation devices, particularly in the context of portable or hybrid architectures [2]