Xbox Handheld UI Coming to All Windows PCs in 2024
▼ Summary
– Steam Deck and SteamOS have limited compatibility, only running Windows games supported by Proton or native Linux games, making them not a full Windows replacement.
– Microsoft and Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally aims to improve compatibility by adding an Xbox-branded UI on top of Windows, with plans to expand it to other handhelds.
– Microsoft has been exploring a handheld-optimized UI since 2022, as shown in an internal hackathon proposing a “Windows Handheld Mode.”
– The new Xbox interface on the ROG Xbox Ally replaces Windows’ traditional desktop, saving RAM and reducing energy usage.
– Current Windows handhelds, like the regular ROG Ally, face additional overhead from software like Armoury Crate, which bridges functionality gaps between SteamOS and Windows.
Microsoft is set to revolutionize handheld gaming on Windows PCs by introducing an Xbox-inspired interface designed specifically for portable devices. This move addresses a longstanding gap in the market, where Valve’s Steam Deck has dominated with its Linux-based SteamOS while Windows handhelds struggled with clunky desktop interfaces. The new Xbox UI, first debuting on the Asus ROG Ally, promises to deliver a console-like experience while maintaining full Windows game compatibility.
Unlike SteamOS, which relies on Proton compatibility layers for many Windows games, Microsoft’s solution leverages native Windows support while eliminating traditional desktop elements. Early demonstrations show a streamlined, controller-friendly interface with game tiles reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch. The system reportedly frees up significant memory resources by ditching unnecessary Windows components, potentially improving battery life and performance on power-constrained devices.
Internal documents reveal Microsoft has been developing this concept since at least 2022, when engineers identified key shortcomings of Windows on handhelds. Their proposed “Windows Handheld Mode” highlighted touchscreen optimization needs and poor controller navigation outside gaming applications. The upcoming Xbox interface appears to incorporate these insights, offering a dedicated gaming environment that automatically launches at startup.
While the ROG Ally will be the first device to feature this interface, Microsoft confirms plans to expand it to other Windows handhelds throughout 2024. The company hasn’t specified whether this will be a mandatory update or optional feature, but it represents their most significant effort yet to compete with SteamOS’s user experience advantages. Current Windows handhelds often require third-party software like Asus Armoury Crate to approximate SteamOS functionality – a temporary solution this new interface aims to replace.
Performance benchmarks suggest the Xbox UI could reduce system overhead by several gigabytes of RAM compared to standard Windows installations. This optimization matters greatly for handhelds where every watt of power and megabyte of memory counts. Microsoft’s approach maintains access to all Windows game stores and launchers while providing the simplicity console gamers expect – potentially creating the best of both worlds for portable PC gaming enthusiasts.
(Source: Ars Technica)
