About ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X, developed by Asus, is a handheld gaming PC designed to provide enhanced gaming experiences. It runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and is primarily available on PC platforms.
New Upscaling Options Available
ROG Xbox Ally X owners can now select between AMD's FSR upscaling and Microsoft's Auto SR powered by the processor's NPU for improved performance. This feature only works when the device is docked and connected to an external display. The introduction of Auto SR allows for larger models to run parallel with the GPU, effectively giving it an entire extra frame of time to enhance image quality without impacting frame rates.
Microsoft highlights the benefits of this new approach: "When super resolution [upscaling] runs on the GPU, it counts towards frame time. To avoid impacting FPS, models are limited to a minuscule 1–2ms, constraining their size and quality." This shift allows for more complex upscaling without the same restrictions seen with GPU-based methods.
Comparing Auto SR and FSR
While Auto SR presents a compelling alternative, Microsoft clarifies that it should not replace AMD's shader-based FSR. The company states, "Game-integrated super resolution remains the preferred choice. Auto SR steps in where game-integrated super resolution isn’t available or when hardware constraints prevent it from simultaneously delivering quality and FPS." This means players can still enjoy superior results with FSR in games that support it natively.
Challenges with Implementation
Despite the advantages offered by Auto SR, getting it set up on the Xbox Ally X involves several steps. Users must enroll in the Xbox Insider program, complete necessary Windows updates, and then check for Auto SR availability through the Xbox Game Bar. This process can be cumbersome, leading to frustrations among users eager to take advantage of the new feature.
What This Means for Players
The addition of both upscaling options enhances the gaming experience on the ROG Xbox Ally X, particularly for those gaming on larger displays. While FSR remains the go-to choice for supported titles, Auto SR expands options for games that lack native support. However, the setup complexity could deter some users, highlighting a potential area for improvement as the feature moves beyond preview status.
Moving forward, players can expect exciting developments as Asus continues to refine the ROG Xbox Ally X experience, particularly as more devices gain access to Auto SR.