ASUS and Xbox have officially announced the ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Compatibility Program, a new system designed to make it easier for players to identify games that run smoothly on Windows handhelds. Much like Valve’s “Deck Verified” program for the Steam Deck, this initiative ensures that Xbox Ally users can quickly discover which games are fully optimized for their portable device.
Taking Handheld Gaming to the Next Level
After making its debut in the handheld PC gaming market in 2023, ASUS is doubling down on the segment with its partnership with Xbox. The launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and its premium variant, the ROG Xbox Ally X, marks Microsoft’s first real step into handheld gaming.
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ROG Xbox Ally X serves as the top-tier option, offering more power and better features.
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ROG Xbox Ally remains the more affordable entry model, balancing performance with accessibility.
Both devices will feature the new Handheld Compatibility Program, signaling Xbox’s effort to bridge the gap between console simplicity and PC gaming flexibility.
How the Handheld Compatibility Program Works
The program introduces two labels that help players understand how well a game runs on the ROG Xbox Ally:
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Handheld Optimized: For titles that fully support default controller inputs, proper text readability, optimized icons, smooth resolution in full-screen mode, and an efficient text input method.
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Mostly Compatible: For games that can run on the Ally but may require slight tweaks in settings before offering the best experience.
To make this even more convenient, ASUS and Xbox have added:
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Game library filters that highlight “Handheld Optimized” titles.
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A Windows Performance Fit indicator, showing players the expected performance of a game on handheld hardware before launching it.
Following in Steam Deck’s Footsteps
Games originally built for standard PCs don’t always translate well to handheld formats. Recognizing this, Xbox and ASUS appear to have drawn inspiration from Valve’s Steam Deck verification system. The resemblance between “Deck Verified” and the Ally’s compatibility program suggests that Microsoft and ASUS are determined to provide a smoother, console-like gaming experience on Windows handhelds.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Compatibility Program represents a significant move for ASUS and Xbox in handheld gaming. By simplifying game compatibility and performance checks, the program makes handheld gaming far more user-friendly.
With Xbox Game Pass integration, a growing library of PC titles, and continuous updates to compatibility, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are poised to become strong competitors in the portable gaming space—directly rivaling the Steam Deck.