The ROG Xbox Ally X is a $1,000 Windows gaming handheld that gets a lot right but still leaves some things to be desired when it comes to top-end performance. It turns out the secret to unlocking its true potential is using a Linux-based, Steam-like OS called Bazzite. Some tech YouTubers have already demonstrated how the swap boosts framerates and ease-of-use without sacrificing versatility.
Cyber Dopamine is one of the content creators who’s been experimenting with the change-up (via Windows Central). His results are impressive and he makes a compelling case for going the Bazzite route. At 17W he was getting only 47fps for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 with Windows, but 62fps on Bazzite with similar settings. Hogwarts Legacy was a similar experience, with 50fps on Windows and 62fps on Bazzite. Plus you get the bonus of an easy-on-the-eyes media cross-bar similar to Steam Big Picture Mode.
But boosted performance isn’t the only perk of Bazzite on the Xbox Ally X. Cyber Dopamine also points to improved usability thanks to the Linux-based OS catering more directly to the gaming experience. In addition to a smoother-looking interface with no random pop-ups, things as simple as putting the handheld in sleep and then waking it back up are also more user-friendly. With Bazzite, the handheld essentially functions the same way a Switch or Switch 2 does, letting you press the power button to instantly suspend or resume whatever’s going on. With Windows, however, there’s a lengthier process that includes having to wait for it to load and go through password screens.
The good news is that Bazzite can be dual-booted with Windows, letting an Xbox Ally X owner swap back and forth as needed. For games that are on Game Pass or require Windows, you can go back to the default experience. For those that are supported on Bazzite, you can get the improved benchmarks. While this might seem like a knock against the Xbox Ally X, it’s really a knock against Windows, and suggests there’s still a lot of room for improvement in that department when it comes to handheld gaming.
After all, the Xbox Ally X comes with Microsoft Teams and OneDrive pre-installed, even though its whole pitch is being an Xbox-like gaming experience on a PC handheld.
