Microsoft is reportedly making it easier to use Windows 11 on your next handheld gaming PC. A new datamining leak has suggested that Microsoft is gearing up to launch a new full-screen Xbox interface for handheld devices, similar to how Valve’s SteamOS works on the Steam Deck.
Given the hints earlier this week about an Asus-made Xbox handheld, it does make sense that Microsoft would want to improve the Windows 11 experience on handhelds. Some of the best gaming handhelds out there, like the Asus ROG Ally, do run Windows, but the best experience so far has been found using the Steam Deck, and Microsoft needs to do something to avoid falling even further behind.
Prominent Windows user XenoPanther noted in a post on Bluesky that a recent Windows Insider test build revealed two new mentions that strongly hint towards a handheld-like experience for Windows, revealed inside an updated language experience pack. These references include “boot into the full screen experience at device startup” and “choose your full screen experience,” listed as items relevant to gaming.
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed or released any information about these potential features so far. However, The Verge recently revealed an accidental leak by Microsoft of a new Xbox user interface that seemingly listed PC games from Steam, with the same UI (and Steam listings) showing on a handheld. While Microsoft later deleted the image, this is a strong signal that a handheld-friendly experience for Windows is being prepared.
A few months ago, I warned that Microsoft risked losing ground to Linux among gamers, and with third-party SteamOS handhelds like the Legion Go S ready for launch, Microsoft needed to show its willingness to adapt. A change that introduces a Steam Deck-like experience for gamers might just do it, but we’ll have to see what happens.
With that new Xbox handheld already hinted at, we may not have long to wait before we get to see a better Windows experience for handheld gamers. Until then, however, make sure to check out our Asus ROG Ally X review to see what the best Windows handheld available right now has to offer.
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