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 steered 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. A few of the greatest gaming handhelds on the market, just like the Asus ROG Ally, do run Home windows, however the perfect expertise thus far has been discovered utilizing the Steam Deck, and Microsoft must do one thing to keep away from falling even additional behind.
Outstanding Home windows person XenoPanther famous in a put up on Bluesky {that a} latest Home windows Insider check construct revealed two new mentions that strongly trace in the direction of a handheld-like expertise for Home windows, revealed inside an up to date language expertise pack. These references embody “boot into the total display screen expertise at machine startup” and “select your full display screen expertise,” listed as gadgets related to gaming.
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed or launched any details about these potential options thus far. Nevertheless, The Verge lately revealed an unintended leak by Microsoft of a brand new Xbox person interface that seemingly listed PC video games from Steam, with the identical UI (and Steam listings) displaying on a handheld. Whereas Microsoft later deleted the picture, it is a sturdy sign {that a} handheld-friendly expertise for Home windows is being ready.
Just a few months in the past, I warned that Microsoft risked shedding floor to Linux amongst players, and with third-party SteamOS handhelds just like the Legion Go S prepared for launch, Microsoft wanted to indicate its willingness to adapt. A change that introduces a Steam Deck-like expertise for players may simply do it, however we’ll should see what occurs.
With that new Xbox handheld already hinted at, we might not have lengthy to attend earlier than we get to see a greater Home windows expertise for handheld players. Till then, nonetheless, be sure that to take a look at our Asus ROG Ally X overview to see what the perfect Home windows handheld accessible proper now has to supply.
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