Both X-ROGs run a full version of Windows 11, with the Xbox app for PC’s new “full screen experience” as the default user interface. Because these are PCs at heart, though, even if you're using the same Xbox account as on your Xbox Series X or Series S, your game library on the X-ROGs will only show titles included in the Xbox Play Anywhere program. Since you can only figure out what's not available by their absence, you may find a game you fancied playing on the go isn't an option. Along with the difference in how the library is sorted and filtered, it’s not the smoothest transition for console players.
The overall UI also feels more cluttered than a handheld should, with a Home screen that shows your recently played games above a bunch of “Featured” offers, a row of titles recently added to Game Pass, and more. It’s a far cry from the stark, minimalist elegance of the Switch 2, highlighting how much is left to be desired in optimizing the Xbox for the handheld form.
Unfortunately, Microsoft is also crow-barring AI features in, with a new Gaming Copilot assistant (also coming to the desktop PC Xbox app). It’s pitched as “your personal gaming sidekick”, recognizing what’s happening onscreen and responding to voice inquiries for help on parts you’re stuck on. It speaks in one of four “personalities”, including a cringey “heroic”—it’s detestable, but thankfully optional, so I quickly deactivated.
Win Some, Lose Some
Running Windows under the Xbox hood also means frustrations when it comes to software updates—is it just the Xbox app that needs an update, or the whole system? Should you go through the Windows App store or the Windows Update tool? Will a future system update break your games? It’s all a lot more convoluted than simply turning a console on and playing a game. And, while you can swap to a full Windows desktop view at any time—and even connect a mouse if you don’t fancy battling through Windows’ endless menus and sub-menus with the X-ROGs’ thumbsticks or touchscreens—finding exactly what setting may need fiddling with when you just want to play a game can be a chore.