SHI and ASUS are powering esports and learning with Ally X

When big ideas met tight budgets, SHI and ASUS stepped in with a powerful, portable, and affordable solution for the future of education.

Challenge:

Game-based learning and esports programs are transforming education, offering students new ways to engage, collaborate, and develop valuable skills. But one major obstacle remains: cost. High-performance gaming PCs are often too expensive for schools working with tight budgets, and while devices like the Nintendo Switch offer affordability, they lack the flexibility to support educational PC games and productivity tools. Educators need a solution that’s powerful, portable, cost-effective, and classroom-ready.

In partnership with Garden State Esports, SHI and ASUS set out to find that solution by piloting the new ASUS Ally X handheld gaming PC across three New Jersey schools. The goal was to explore how the device could be used in both competitive esports environments and collaborative, game-based learning exercises.

Solution:

SHI collaborated with ASUS and Garden State Esports to deploy the ASUS Ally X in three unique learning environments, each highlighting a different facet of the device’s potential.

At Forest Street Community School, librarian Patti Dennis integrated the Ally X into a library-based program focused on design thinking and game-based learning. Using Lego Fortnite, students brainstormed, sketched, and built solutions inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Previously limited by a lack of devices, the addition of the Ally X allowed more students to participate simultaneously. The device’s portability and ease of integration into existing setups made it a seamless fit. Students even used the audio capture tool OBS Studio on the Ally X to create narrated video walkthroughs of their builds, fostering communication skills and creative confidence.

Meanwhile, at Woodbury Junior/Senior High School, esports coach John DiMarco was faced with overwhelming student interest but limited equipment. With the Ally X, his team was able to expand and compete in Street Fighter 6 during the Garden State Esports winter season. The handheld’s Windows 11 operating system allowed students to use familiar Xbox controllers and dock the devices for play on larger displays, effectively replicating a PC gaming experience at a fraction of the cost. Its portability also made it easy for students to practice at home—something not feasible with traditional gaming desktops.

At Jonas Salk Middle School, Coach Chuck Gordon transitioned from relying solely on Nintendo Switch consoles to using the Ally X for games like Overcooked. The device’s versatility allowed for both collaborative and competitive gameplay, combining console-style fun with the broader functionality of a PC. Whether working as a team in a cooking challenge or facing off in a high-intensity fighter game, students enjoyed the improved visuals, faster performance, and expanded game options the Ally X made possible.

Throughout the pilot, SHI provided technical consultation and support to ensure smooth deployment, including assistance with IT integration, security considerations, and device management. Because the Ally X runs on Windows, it could be easily managed with mobile device management (MDM) tools, ensuring appropriate security measures and student safeguards were in place.

Outcome:

The ASUS Ally X proved to be more than just a gaming device. It became a catalyst for innovation, equity, and engagement in the classroom. At Forest Street, Ms. Dennis was able to triple student participation in her sessions, ultimately engaging over 100 additional students. As Ms. Dennis puts it, “When we added two Asus Ally X devices to the program, everything changed. Suddenly, more students could actively participate, and the energy in the room skyrocketed.”

Woodbury’s esports program expanded its roster without stretching the budget, offering students more ways to compete and collaborate. As coach DiMarco puts it, “The students love the feel of the controller interface, and I love that we didn’t have to spend thousands of dollars on gaming PCs to give them this opportunity.”

Jonas Salk Middle School embraced the flexibility of the device to diversify its curriculum and increase student enthusiasm. “Whether it’s a high-intensity fighter game or a collaborative cooking challenge, the Ally X delivers,” says Coach Gordon.

In each case, educators praised the Ally X for its unique blend of affordability and functionality. Its Windows OS opened access to a wide range of PC-based tools and games, while its portability allowed students to take learning beyond the classroom. The device was also identified as a strong fit for STEM and robotics programs, offering high-end controller capabilities and the potential to support a variety of hands-on learning experiences.

With the recent resolution from the New Jersey School Boards Association recommending esports as a varsity activity across all high schools, demand for scalable, budget-conscious solutions like the Ally X is likely to grow. For schools looking to introduce or expand game-based learning and extracurricular technology programs, SHI and ASUS have demonstrated a compelling path forward. Together, we’ve shown that the right device backed by the right partnership can unlock a new era of creativity, collaboration, and opportunity in education.