Tech manufacturer ASUS is struggling to keep up with demand for its new ROG Xbox Ally X , released on Thursday. After testing a review unit of the handheld gaming PC, I can attest that it's a powerful, if pricey, alternative to the Steam Deck . But it's also compromised by an unpopular shift in Microsoft's gaming strategy, and it doesn't quite fit into the niche I hoped it would.

This is (not) an Xbox

The Xbox brand is facing a crisis. Sales for its latest generation lag far behind the PlayStation 5. Demand slid further after tariffs prompted owner Microsoft to raise prices for the consoles. Meanwhile, the company's also trying to broaden the Xbox brand beyond such flagship devices.

The recent " This is an Xbox " ad campaign presents anything from phones to laptops t

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