id Software’s latest update for DOOM: The Dark Ages focuses on portable play, delivering smarter configuration, better performance, and clearer targets for popular handheld PCs like Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and of course the Xbox Ally.
According to id Software, this update introduces Handheld Setting Autodetection. On first launch, the game recognizes handheld hardware and applies optimal settings for that specific device. Players can still tune visuals and performance to their preference, and those settings are saved per device for easy reuse.
With this new Handheld mode, players will see vast improvements in terms of performance, while visual and audio effects are optimized for smaller screens and mobile chipsets. A new Benchmark Mode and advanced options help fine-tune the balance between image quality and frame rate. Docked play feels smoother too, thanks to input refinements and better external controller detection.
Here are the performance targets id Software says players should expect on handheld devices:
Of course, results can vary depending on driver versions, user settings, and power sources. The listed targets assume a high-performance or turbo power profile and that the devices aren’t running on battery. Running on battery shouldn’t drastically change these targets, but...
