We live in a period of gaming where the barriers between platforms are slowly coming down, and the new range of Xbox-branded handheld PCs, the ROG Xbox Ally, is a good example.
This joint venture between Microsoft and Asus is a premium product that packs some pretty impressive horsepower into a (relatively) small form factor, with Xbox branding giving it an official feel.
While it isn’t an Xbox, strictly speaking, it is if you ask Microsoft — and, naturally, you can play Sony’s PC ports on the system.
So, how does it fare?
Well, YouTube tech analysis channel ElAnalistaDeBits has made a comparison video, showing off Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 running on Steam Deck, ROG Xbox Ally X, and PS5 (performance mode):
It’s an interesting comparison; in pretty much every respect, the device seems to be a cut above the Steam Deck. The PS5 version naturally looks the best overall, with higher resolution, level of detail, better reflections, and so on. Still, the ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t that far off.
The question is whether you can stomach the $1,000 price tag for this higher end model (or, indeed, $600 for the standard one).
It’s also worth paying attention to devices like this, because rumours from various sources claim that the PS6 will be available not only as a typical home console, but will also offer a handheld version, not dissimilar to the Ally or Steam Deck.
The jury’s out on the finer details (and the rumours could still prove false of course) but it may be worth considering whether a portable PS6 is something you’ll want when the time comes.
Anyway, what are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.