Microsoft is reportedly making it simpler to make use of Home windows 11 in your subsequent handheld gaming PC. A brand new datamining leak has recommended that Microsoft is gearing as much as launch a brand new full-screen Xbox interface for handheld gadgets, much like 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 wish to enhance the Home windows 11 expertise on handhelds. Among the greatest gaming handhelds on the market, just like the Asus ROG Ally, do run Home windows, however the very best expertise to date has been discovered utilizing the Steam Deck, and Microsoft must do one thing to keep away from falling even additional behind.
Outstanding Home windows consumer XenoPanther famous in a publish on Bluesky {that a} current Home windows Insider check construct revealed two new mentions that strongly trace in direction of a handheld-like expertise for Home windows, revealed inside an up to date language expertise pack. These references embrace “boot into the total display screen expertise at system startup” and “select your full display screen expertise,” listed as objects related to gaming.
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed or launched any details about these potential options to date. Nonetheless, The Verge just lately revealed an unintended leak by Microsoft of a brand new Xbox consumer interface that seemingly listed PC video games from Steam, with the identical UI (and Steam listings) exhibiting on a handheld. Whereas Microsoft later deleted the picture, this can be a sturdy sign {that a} handheld-friendly expertise for Home windows is being ready.
A couple of months in the past, I warned that Microsoft risked dropping floor to Linux amongst players, and with third-party SteamOS handhelds just like the Legion Go S prepared for launch, Microsoft wanted to point out its willingness to adapt. A change that introduces a Steam Deck-like expertise for players would possibly simply do it, however we’ll should see what occurs.
With that new Xbox handheld already hinted at, we could not have lengthy to attend earlier than we get to see a greater Home windows expertise for handheld players. Till then, nonetheless, ensure that to take a look at our Asus ROG Ally X assessment to see what the very best Home windows handheld out there proper now has to supply.
Don’t neglect to observe us on Google Information for day by day PC video games information, opinions, and guides. We’ve additionally bought a vibrant neighborhood Discord server, the place you may chat about this story with members of the crew and fellow readers.
