The new Xbox is not an Xbox | The Vergecast

Microsoft's new Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld consoles are criticized for failing to deliver a true Xbox experience due to persistent Windows-related issues, while an MIT study suggests AI tools alter cognitive processes by reducing active brain engagement during tasks.

• Xbox Ally handhelds are good hardware but suffer from Windows integration issues, failing to deliver a seamless gaming experience.

• Extensive AI use can reduce active brain engagement and lead to over-reliance, as evidenced by an MIT study.

• Developing effective, additive AI tools and adaptive educational methods are crucial to mitigate potential negative cognitive impacts.

Microsoft's latest handheld gaming devices, the Xbox Ally and Ally X, largely disappoint reviewers because they primarily run Windows, which is ill-suited for a seamless handheld gaming experience, rather than a dedicated Xbox OS. This failure highlights Microsoft's struggle to unify its Xbox and Windows ecosystems for portable gaming. Meanwhile, new research from MIT indicates that extensive use of AI tools like LLMs can lead to decreased brain activity and over-reliance, potentially diminishing critical thinking and cognitive engagement, though these effects are not necessarily permanent.

Handheld Gaming Market & Xbox Ally

• 00:02:40 Microsoft faces a challenge in the handheld gaming market, where the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch thrive by offering portable gaming. PC makers, including ASUS with the Xbox Ally and Ally X, are developing similar devices, but they struggle to provide a unified 'pick up and play' experience because they run Windows. This operating system introduces distractions like upsells for Microsoft 365 or Office, hindering the core gaming functionality and user experience.

Unfulfilled Promise of Xbox Handhelds

• 00:04:46 The anticipation for the Xbox Ally and Ally X stemmed from the hope that Microsoft would integrate the best of Xbox and Windows into a dedicated handheld OS, offering a seamless experience akin to the Nintendo Switch. However, initial reviews reveal these devices are fundamentally Windows PCs with a superficial Xbox skin, requiring extensive updates and setup time, which undermines the desired instant-play console experience. This discrepancy arises because Microsoft prioritizes selling Windows to partners over creating a purpose-built gaming operating system.

Xbox Ally Hardware vs. Software

• 00:06:16 The Xbox Ally ($600) and Ally X ($1,000) are built on capable hardware, featuring good components like an 80Wh battery, a VRR 1080p screen, and advanced AMD chips. Despite these strong hardware foundations, the devices are hampered by their Windows operating system. The initial setup requires hours of Windows and ASUS updates, followed by game store and game installations, making the 'pick up and play' promise unattainable and creating a frustrating user experience right out of the box.

Comparative Disadvantages

• 00:16:08 The Xbox Ally devices fall short compared to competitors like the Steam Deck and other Windows handhelds. They fail to offer reliable sleep functionality and optimized performance, and they obscure access to other game platforms like Steam while aggressively promoting Xbox content. Additionally, the $1,000 Xbox Ally X uses an older 7-inch screen, while competitors like the MSI Claw and Legion Go offer larger, higher-quality 8-inch displays at a similar price point, further diminishing the Ally's appeal as a flagship device.

AI's Impact on Cognitive Engagement

• 00:35:36 An MIT Media Lab study investigated how large language models (LLMs) affect cognitive processes, observing brain activity during essay writing tasks. Participants given LLM access tended to rely almost entirely on the AI, often copying and pasting output that led to remarkably similar essays across users. This indicates a reduced engagement in critical thinking, as brain network activity and data flow within the brain systematically scaled down with LLM use, and even more so than with search engines.

Long-Term Implications of AI Use

• 00:49:19 While the MIT study suggests that cognitive engagement is reduced while using AI, it does not confirm permanent brain damage; participants regained normal brain activity once LLM access was removed. However, the research highlights a "cognitive cost" associated with AI use, prompting concerns about long-term reliance. Industry response to these findings is mixed, with some companies avoiding the issue, while educators are adapting by assigning new types of tasks to encourage critical thinking in an AI-integrated world.