Schlagwort: ASUS ROG Ally

Xbox Holiday Travel Guide: How to Keep Playing Your Favorite Games, No Matter Where You Celebrate

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Reading Time: 6 minutes
The holidays can be a perfect time to relax, unwind, and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. But if you’re a gamer, the holidays may arrive at a time when you’re 50 hours into your Starfield playthrough, or when you’re this close to completing that Halo Infinite battle pass. Fortunately, through the power of Game Pass and Xbox cloud saves, hitting the road doesn’t mean you’ve got to hit pause entirely for a week or two. I rarely stay home for the holidays, so I’m pleased to share my tips for staying in the game, even when I’m far from my home gaming setup.

Connect the Xbox Series S to an UPspec xScreen for ultimate portability

One of the easiest ways to enjoy your Xbox on the road is… to just bring it with you. The small-but-mighty Xbox Series S easily slides into a carry-on; mine has hitched a ride across the country to my parent’s house again and again, snugly secured in the laptop sleeve of a standard-sized backpack. If your folks don’t have a spare TV ready for you to game on, or if your hotel blocks external devices (why do they do that??), here’s a great option: UPspec xScreen, a portable Designed for Xbox screen specifically made for the Xbox Series S.

This cleverly-designed LCD display directly attaches to your console via HDMI; together, they form a portable gaming setup that plays anywhere. Even better, the xScreen draws power directly from the console – no need to plug in a separate power cable. I’ve even seen players fire up the Series S/xScreen combo on an airplane seatback tray… just make sure they don’t recline mid-game!

Handheld PCs such as the new Lenovo Legion Go

For pretty much all of gaming history, portability has required sacrifice. Handheld games were often streamlined experiences or simplified ports of their console or PC brethren – something to tide you over until you were back in front of your home setup. That’s all beginning to change; one of the most exciting developments in PC Gaming in recent years is the growth of powerful, portable, handheld PCs. Smaller and lighter than gaming laptops, newcomers such as the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally and Ayaneo Air allow players to enjoy pretty much any Windows PC game, anywhere, from a device that can slip right into your bag. Even better, native PC Game Pass compatibility means you’re able to access hundreds of games on the go, and even the ability to pick right up where you left off from home.

I’ve been spending time recently with the new Lenovo Legion Go, which advances the handheld PC form factor in several ways. Its 8.8”, 2560 x 1600 screen is nothing short of breathtaking, making it a pleasure to soak in a visually vibrant title like Persona 5 Tactica, yet easy to read the fine print in the menus. The generous display, coupled with detachable TrueStrike controllers complete with hall effect joysticks and a sturdy, infinitely adjustable kickstand allow the Legion Go to shine in detachable mode, allowing players to kick back and game in comfort. In an innovative touch, the right controller slots into an included base, essentially turning it into a vertical mouse, complete with a scroll wheel. Lenovo calls it FPS mode, allowing for precision aiming in shooter titles, but I also found it handy for navigating Windows. When controllers are attached, the Legion Go also features a handy touchpad under the right joystick for accurate pointing and clicking.

While designed for gaming, the devices mentioned run full-fat Windows 11, meaning you can plug in an external display, connect a mouse and keyboard through USB-C or Bluetooth, and the handheld you were just playing Starfield on can check email, work on a presentation, or do just about anything else a PC can. While excellent for travel, I’ve found myself curling up on my Legion Go and ROG Ally at home more and more. Handheld gaming PCs feel here to stay.

Playing via powerful, yet portable gaming laptops

One of the easiest ways to enjoy your games while traveling is with a laptop designed for PC Gaming, equipped with powerful processors, high-end graphics cards, and memory rivaling beefy desktop builds. Many gaming laptops also pack high-res, fast-refresh displays, mechanical keyboards, and impressive speakers, making them equally suited for use at home as they are on the road.

But hauling around a high-end laptop through crowded airports and train stations can be a bit panic-inducing; I know all too well how one clumsy move can send your beloved game setup careening towards the floor at terminal speed. The folks at ASUS seem to understand this: they subject their TUF Gaming line to a series of MIL-STD-810H tests to ensure reliability in the face of drops, humidity, and cold conditions.

I’ve been testing out their TUF Gaming A15 for the past few weeks; powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and packing an Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 GPU, I’ve been enjoying a raft of current titles from Forza Motorsport to Baldur’s Gate 3 at High graphics settings and hitting well over 60 FPS, which is always a treat from your kitchen table. With a PC Game Pass membership, you can access hundreds of games – be sure to select “Offline Permissions” in the Xbox app on PC before you head out on your trip and you can continue playing most single-player games even on airplane mode.

Game Pass also syncs your Xbox saves via the cloud, meaning you’ll seamlessly resume your in-game progress, even bouncing back and forth between devices. With a connected Xbox controller and a pair of noise canceling headphones, you can step away for some immersive me-time wherever you can find a chair.

Needless to say, if you’ve got any work to get done, these laptops can handle just about anything you throw at them, from basic office correspondence to intensive video editing. This holiday I’ll be on the road for close to two weeks, including some long flights, and the ASUS TUF Gaming laptop is coming with me. I haven’t dropped it yet, but that’s one less thing to worry about.

Playing via Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta)

We get it; your suitcase is full, your budget isn’t flexible as you’d like… there are many reasons why buying something new isn’t in the cards this holiday. That doesn’t mean you’ve got to give up gaming for the holidays. As long as you have a stable internet connection, the most lightweight way to enjoy your games while traveling is through Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta), which allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to stream games from the cloud to a phone, tablet, select Samsung TVs, and just about any PC that can run a browser. You don’t need to download or install anything; launch the Xbox app or head over to xbox.com/play and start playing new releases such as Forza Motorsport or Like a Dragon: Gaiden.

While many titles support touch controls, for more precise controls, you’ve got options: connect an Xbox Wireless or Elite Series Controller, DualShock 4, or any from this list via Bluetooth, and just about any computer or tablet with a browser is now your Xbox on the go. On your phone, you’ve got even more options: mobile controller accessories such as Backbone and Razer Kishi can turn that Android or iPhone of yours into a portable Xbox with all the buttons where you’d expect them. Even more affordably, several companies make clips (like this one) to attach your phone to the controller you already have.

Happy Holiday Gaming!

Clearly, the days of your games being tethered to your TV are in the rear-view mirror. Regardless of budget or luggage space, I hope these tips help you enjoy both your games and your travels at the same time. Happy gaming and happy holidays!

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11/12/2023
Build Your Perfect Xbox Stocking

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Reading Time: 6 minutes
If you’re looking to give the perfect present to a gaming fan over the holidays, it can be a little daunting to work out exactly what to put in their stocking. Thankfully, Xbox offers a huge amount of variety, meaning there’s a perfect gift for every player. With multiple consoles, subscriptions tailored to every player’s needs, games across every conceivable genre, and personalized accessories, you’re spoiled for choice when you’re looking to spoil a loved one.

With that in mind, we’ve put together “stockings” for multiple kinds of gaming fans. From buying them a very first console, to figuring out what to get for a veteran player, here are some suggestions of Xbox goodies to gift your loved ones over the holidays.

Their First Console

There’s nothing quite like unwrapping that suspiciously big box and finding your first games console inside. If you’re planning on gifting someone a console this year, the Xbox Series S – Starter Bundle is the perfect choice – this all-in-one gaming gift includes an Xbox Series S , designed to play next-gen games, as well as 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll get access to four generations of Xbox games, including our biggest titles, meaning the lucky recipient is sure to find something perfect to play – from the year’s biggest releases like Starfield or Forza Motorsport, to family-friendly gems like Minecraft Legends (and with our convenient Xbox Family Settings App available on iOS and Android, you can set your parental controls and choose what’s appropriate to play, who your child plays with and more)., you can choose what’s appropriate to play).

If you want to make this holiday extra special, consider customizing their own Xbox Wireless Controller from Xbox Design Lab. Here you can create the perfect controller to match their personality – and you can even engrave their name or Gamertag to make it truly their own.

The Seasoned Player

Some players will already have their Xbox in heavy rotation, but there are some perfect ways to make their gaming experience even better. To give your giftee a truly top-tier experience, consider creating an Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab just for them. Built to let seasoned players have the best possible experience, with adjustable thumbsticks, rubberized grips, and components built to last. With Xbox Design Lab, you can customize the perfect controller, right down to adding extra paddles, or a carrying case and charging pack.

Of course, they’ll want some games to play as well, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership is the perfect solution. With hundreds of titles included as part of the price – and access to them across Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) – it offers some of the best value in gaming. Play huge releases like Starfield on day one, discover indie gems, and even get access to EA Play for even more games, all in one package.

With all those games to download, your giftee might need some extra space to store them on. Consider adding an Xbox Series X|S Expansion Card into the mix to help with that. Both the WD_BLACK C50 and Seagate Storage Expansion Card offer a seamless way to offer more space on their console.

The PC Player

Xbox games don’t have to be played on a console – if you’re gifting for a PC player, PC Game Pass is their ticket to hundreds of new experiences. Including PC favorites from our own studios and incredible partners – like Starfield, Age of Empires IV, and Crusader Kings III – you’ll be opening up multiple new worlds to play with a keyboard and mouse.

If you really want to treat the PC player in your life, consider giving them a new way to play. The ASUS ROG Ally is a portable gaming PC that includes full support for Game Pass (and even comes with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free), and supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning you can start a game at home and pick it up again on the move.

Your Far-Flung Multiplayer Partner

Sometimes, your perfect Halo Infinite comrade can’t be nearby – but with Xbox that doesn’t need to be a problem. Keeping in touch over comms is never easier than with the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers crystal-clear sound, a cable-free direct connection to the console, and a comfortable design for those long multiplayer sessions. It’s an affordable way to get the very best online experience.

If you’re the kind of players who don’t want to stick with a single game, an Xbox Game Pass for Console membership is the way to go. The gigantic catalogue includes multiplayer games from many genres – battle it out in Party Animals, compete for the fastest finish in Forza Motorsport, or survive together in State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition.

A Budding Co-op Player

If you’re hoping to play with a partner in your own home, make sure they have the perfect controller to play with. The Xbox Wireless Controller comes in multiple styles, meaning there’s something for everyone. The new Gold Shadow Special Edition offers a sophisticated gold-to-black metallic finish, the Remix Special Edition offers a multi-toned green finish and one third is made from regrind and reclaimed materials, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 offers a best-in-class gaming experience.

And if you both want a screen to yourselves, the new Xbox Series S – 1TB (Black) offers an affordable way to add a second powerful console to your home. Get the same next-gen speed and performance of our Xbox Series S, now with double the storage. And if you do want to play together, Xbox Game Pass Core unlocks online gaming on Xbox, as well as a slate of over 25 games to try, including multiplayer favorites like Grounded, Gang Beasts, and Among Us.

The Sci-Fi Fan

Some players want to immerse themselves in new worlds – none more so than sci-fi fans. Starfield (available with Game Pass) is the perfect gift for the explorer in your life. Discover over a thousand worlds in Bethesda Game Studios’ first new universe in 25 years and embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.

For the full Starfield experience, you can help customize their console, too. The Starfield Xbox Series X Console Wrap offers a striking design inspired by the game, made to offer a precision fit around their console.

The Racing Fan

Some players want the thrill of a race on their console, and Forza Motorsport (available with Game Pass) offers the most advanced racing simulation ever created across Xbox Series X|S and PC. With over 500 cars, 20 tracks, 800 performance upgrades, and more on the way Forza Motorsport will keep fans racing for years to come.

For the true at-home racing experience, consider adding a Designed for Xbox Racing Setup – these creations from our partners allow you to add a dash of real-life drama to your racing fantasies, all designed to work perfectly with your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel delivers 11Nm of force feedback in a low-latency direct drive motor for ultimate realism, the Thrustmaster T128X adds a wheel-and-pedal bundle to bring the simulation home, while the Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub v2 for Xbox allows you go fully modular, offering customization with multiple wheel rims, steering wheels, wheel bases, and pedals.

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04/12/2023