Xbox Ally’s Sleep and Battery Issues Spark Frustration
Microsoft’s first Xbox handheld, the $600 Xbox Ally, has faced criticism over its reliability issues, including problems with sleep, wake, and battery life. Asus, which manufactured the device, along with Microsoft, have not provided a fix timeline or admission of fault despite repeated requests from The Verge. Users have reported that the device can wake up at random intervals, leading to battery drain and requiring hard resets. Installation of Bazzite, a Linux-based operating system, has reportedly resolved these issues, offering improved performance and reliability.
Testing on Windows has revealed that the Xbox Ally units repeatedly woke themselves at random intervals. One unit lost 10% battery after 12 hours of supposed sleep, the other 23%. After another 12 hours, both had only 30% battery remaining. One unit tried to apply a Windows Update while asleep. Both units refused to wake from sleep at times and required hard resets. Many users have reported similar issues on Reddit with both Xbox Ally versions.
Installing Bazzite, a Linux-based operating system, solves the problems, the publication reports. The same hardware runs games up to 30% faster than Windows and beats the Steam Deck in all but one benchmark. Steam runs more responsively without Windows bloat. The device can be used like a Nintendo Switch, pausing games with the power button and resuming hours or days later. Bazzite initially had sleep issues but fixed them two days after programmer Antheas Kapenekakis obtained the hardware and consulted with two AMD contacts. The black Xbox Ally X, which doesn’t have as many sleep issues, gets a similar speed boost with Bazzite.
Further reading: Microsoft’s Next Xbox Will Run Full Windows and Eliminate Multiplayer Paywall, Report Says.