The ROG Xbox Ally is easily one of the best handheld gaming devices available right now. It offers strong performance, a smooth Windows experience, and full access to a library of Xbox on PC games. Now, Microsoft has rolled out a new update for the Xbox app that brings several quality-of-life improvements, making the experience even better for handheld users.

What’s new in the ROG Xbox Ally update?

All in all, this update doesn’t introduce anything absolutely massive, but it focuses on making everyday use smoother and more convenient. Here’s everything new in the latest patch.

Display widget

One of the biggest additions in this update is a new Display widget. This can be accessed directly from the Xbox overlay, which means you no longer need to leave your game to tweak important settings. With this feature, players can quickly adjust settings such as resolution, refresh rate, and projection mode. Auto Super Resolution should also be placed here soon.

This is especially useful on a handheld, where switching settings quickly can make a big difference. It also removes the need to rely on external tools like ASUS Armory Crate for basic display adjustments.

Docked mode improvements

The update also improves how the device handles external displays. There is now a Projection tab that lets you decide how your screen behaves when the handheld is docked. You can choose to duplicate the display, extend it, or only show the image on an external monitor. This makes it much easier to switch between handheld and docked modes without digging through multiple menus.

Notification customization

Another useful improvement is better control over notifications. Players can now choose exactly where notifications appear on the screen. There are multiple placement options, which help ensure alerts don’t block important parts of gameplay. 

Early access sign-ups

Microsoft is also pushing its Early Access program more directly through the Xbox app. Users can now sign up for preview features straight from the “What’s New” section. This gives players early access to upcoming tools and improvements, including features like Auto Super Resolution, which is expected to roll out soon – all we know is that it’s coming in April.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.