Microsoft Expands Windows 11’s Full Screen Experience for Gaming Handhelds
Microsoft is taking a significant step towards enhancing the gaming experience on Windows 11 handheld devices. The company is rolling out a full screen experience, similar to that of Xbox, to various gaming handhelds, starting with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, and now expanding to MSI Claw models. This feature, paired with the Xbox app, transforms Windows into a simple and intuitive controller-first launcher, minimizing distractions while gaming.
The expansion of this feature is detailed in Microsoft’s Windows Insider notes, providing users with a straightforward way to access the full screen experience. On supported devices, users can navigate to Settings, Gaming, Full screen experience, and select Xbox as their home app to enable this mode. Additionally, users can open the mode from Task View or Game Bar or set it to launch at startup for a seamless gaming experience.
Why This Matters for Gamers
This development is crucial because it treats Windows handhelds more like consoles, which is how most gamers prefer to play on a seven-inch screen. By doing so, Microsoft creates a clean test bed for an Xbox-like experience on Windows, allowing for quicker game starts, easier app swaps, and a more stable gaming environment. The controller-first launcher and deferred non-critical processes contribute to a smoother gaming session, free from pop-ups or hitches.
A key benefit of this feature is the consistency it brings across different handheld models. With a shared template, developers can target specific behaviors, and Microsoft can gather valuable feedback from Insiders. This consistency in boot and switching behavior enhances the overall gaming experience, making it more enjoyable and user-friendly.
Benefits for Users and Future Developments
For those who game on Windows handhelds, this feature cuts straight to the fun, providing an Xbox-style front end when needed and getting out of the way when not. Users can enjoy a clean home for launching and swapping games, with Windows tools easily accessible. Maintenance tasks remain in Windows, allowing users to focus on gaming without interruptions.
Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to enable the full screen experience on more handheld devices over the coming months. Insiders on the Dev and Beta channels can already try out this feature and contribute to its development by providing feedback. To participate, users can join the Windows Insider Program, install the required build on a supported device, and send feedback through the Feedback Hub under Gaming and Xbox, Gaming Handhelds.
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