When the competition for Gaming Handhelds lights up: the Xbox ROG Ally X and the Nintendo Switch 2

Microsoft’s new ROG Ally X and Nintendo’s Switch 2 bring fresh excitement to handheld gaming. While the ROG Ally X offers more power and Game Pass access, the Switch 2 wins on performance stability, exclusive titles, and overall gaming experience

October 16 was a red-letter day for fans of gaming handhelds as Microsoft’s much-awaited Xbox lineup – the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus – became available for purchase.

On the same day, Nintendo’s latest Pokémon title, Legends: Z-A, also debuted, playable on the Switch 2 that launched in June this year.

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While most fans of gaming handhelds might argue that comparing the Switch 2 with Xbox’s shiny new handhelds is like comparing apples and oranges, I would argue otherwise. This week’s column puts the two head-to-head and recommends one over the other for those considering a purchase.

Most of us are likely to have only one gaming handheld in our collection at a time. Going by my prior experience with the Switch, it was my most forgotten gaming device of the last generation, only booted up and given attention when a new Mario, Zelda, or Pokémon game launched. Where handhelds are indispensable, though, is during travel, especially during long flights or train rides.

In terms of power, the premium Xbox ROG Ally X delivers performance that comes close to the PS5, and while the Switch 2 is considerably less powerful, it still offers more power than the cheaper Xbox ROG Ally. However, considering that the new Microsoft handhelds come in at Rs 70,000 and Rs 1,15,000 respectively, while a Switch 2 can be found for about Rs 50,000 through smaller retailers in the country, it becomes difficult to justify what Microsoft and ROG are offering.

For those of us who already have a Microsoft Game Pass subscription, the new handhelds make great sense, as they allow access to a vast catalogue of games at no additional cost. However, it’s important to note that not all titles are yet optimized for handheld play, and Microsoft’s new souped-up OS skin isn’t a flawless implementation.

Players and reviewers have reported bugs with the new OS, and while Windows 11 is largely hidden, this custom “Xbox experience” is still far from as seamless as Steam OS.

Nintendo, on the other hand, did everything right with the Switch 2 except improve its battery life. As a result, we have a device that’s significantly more powerful than its predecessor but lasts about the same duration. That said, whatever Nintendo offers for the console runs perfectly, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Star Wars: Outlaws, despite the occasional limitations in frame rates and resolution.

Now, coming to the actual gameplay aspect of both devices, Microsoft showcased Forza Horizon V as part of the promos for the new handhelds. However, despite the best possible remapping, games like it were never designed to be played in handheld mode.

They feel like retrofits at best, and making them work will always be hit or miss. While indie experiences like Silksong and Hades II run flawlessly on the Xbox ROG Ally X, no one in their right mind is spending over a lakh rupees to play games that aren’t AAA-calibre.

Thus, we find ourselves in a curious debate: a device that can play AAA games but does so in a compromised fashion, while the other offers unique experiences and iconic franchises but is unlikely to be our primary gaming machine. How does one decide? Do we pick novelty over refinement? Or power over incredible optimisation? Or do we wait, watch, and play it safe with the Switch 2?

For this week, I’d say you’re likely to have far more fun with Legends: Z-A on the Switch 2 than with any new title on the Xbox Game Pass. But for those who can wait, there’s no rush – hold out until we see something better: perhaps an improved battery and OLED screen on the Switch 2, or a handheld processor that delivers more power and efficiency than AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme.