The first hour with a Windows gaming handheld is still too confusing, and that's where the Steam Deck really shines

A comparison of the out-of-box setup experience between Windows 11 gaming handhelds (specifically the ROG Xbox Ally X) and the Steam Deck. While the ROG Xbox Ally X offers impressive PC gaming on the go, Windows 11's lengthy setup process, unreliable sleep mode, and lack of cohesion make the first-hour experience frustrating. The Steam Deck, by contrast, gets users into gaming quickly with a streamlined setup. The piece argues Microsoft's Xbox Mode still needs significant work before it can compete with SteamOS's handheld-first experience.