Microsoft is set to shake up the handheld gaming landscape by combining the strengths of Xbox and Windows. Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of “Next Generation,” has revealed plans to enhance the Windows handheld gaming experience this year, signaling a shift towards a more console-like approach.
Bringing Xbox Innovations to Windows
Speaking at an AMD and Lenovo event, Ronald explained that Microsoft aims to leverage the innovations developed for Xbox consoles and bring them to PC and handheld gaming spaces. This move is about making Windows more gamer-friendly rather than just porting a custom Xbox OS.
“We’ve been really innovating for a long time in the console space, and as we partner across the industry it’s really about how do we bring those innovations that we’ve incubated and developed in the console space and bring them to PC and bring them to the handheld gaming space,” Ronald said.
Simplifying the Handheld Experience
Recognizing that Windows currently isn't ideal for handhelds, with community-created forks of SteamOS often providing a superior experience, Microsoft is focusing on simplification. Ronald emphasized the goal is to make handheld Windows gaming a seamless, console-like experience, moving away from the complexity of the traditional Windows desktop.
“Our goal is to put the player and their library at the center of the experience and not all the [Windows] work that you have to do today.”
Focus on Controller Support
A key area of improvement will be controller support. Ronald acknowledged that Windows wasn't designed for devices that lack a keyboard and mouse, particularly in terms of gamepad and thumbstick support.
“There’s just certain things in Windows that were not designed for if you don’t have a keyboard and mouse, like thumbstick support or joypads and stuff like that,” Ronald admits.
The new strategy aims to hide the traditional Windows desktop, taskbar, and other UI elements, focusing on a gaming-centric experience that is “very natively like a gaming-centric device and a gaming-centric experience.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Although specific details are still to come, Microsoft plans to share more updates later this year. The company's commitment is to make Windows great for gaming on any device, aiming to deliver a premium experience that rivals traditional consoles.
Source: The Verge
