Microsoft has unveiled plans to improve the gaming experience on Windows handheld devices by integrating Xbox-inspired features, addressing longstanding usability concerns.
Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of “Next Generation,” confirmed during an AMD and Lenovo event that the company is taking decisive steps to unify the Xbox and Windows ecosystems.
This initiative, aimed at addressing the clunky user experience currently associated with Windows on handheld gaming devices, promises to bring console-like simplicity to portable PCs. Ronald told The Verge, “We’re focused on simplifying [the handheld experience] and making it much more like a console experience.”
Why Windows Handhelds Struggle Today
Handheld PCs, such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally, rely on Windows—an operating system designed primarily for desktops. This mismatch often results in a cumbersome experience for gamers, who must navigate traditional desktop elements like taskbars, notifications, and the Start menu.
Devices are further hindered by the lack of optimized controller support, making basic gaming tasks unnecessarily complex.
Valve’s SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system tailored for gaming, has emerged as a compelling alternative. Pre-installed on the Steam Deck, SteamOS simplifies navigation, prioritizes gaming functionality, and offers broad controller compatibility.
These advantages have led to growing adoption, with Valve recently announcing plans to make SteamOS hardware-agnostic, enabling third-party manufacturers to integrate the system into their devices.
Recognizing these challenges, Ronald acknowledged the gaps in Windows’ design for handhelds, noting, “There are 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.”
Microsoft’s Plan: Uniting Xbox and Windows
Microsoft aims to address these issues by incorporating Xbox elements into Windows, effectively transforming how the operating system functions on handheld devices. Unlike creating a standalone Xbox OS, the company plans to build on existing infrastructure.
Ronald explained, “The reality is the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows. So there’s a lot of infrastructure that we built in the console space that we can bring to the PC space and really deliver that premium gaming experience on any device.”
One area of focus is improving navigation and interaction models for controllers. Compact modes for the Xbox app, designed to optimize smaller screens, and enhancements to the Game Bar have laid the groundwork for broader updates. These efforts aim to make gaming libraries central to the user experience, reducing the reliance on traditional desktop navigation.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to make Windows great for gaming on any device,” Ronald said, highlighting Microsoft’s vision for a cohesive and versatile gaming ecosystem.
Competing in a Rapidly Expanding Market
The rise of portable gaming PCs has transformed the industry. Devices like the Steam Deck have set a new standard for handheld gaming, combining console-like simplicity with the flexibility of PC hardware. Microsoft’s moves come as Valve expands the reach of SteamOS, challenging Windows’ dominance in this space.
Lenovo’s Legion Go S, for instance, is expected to adopt SteamOS, marking a significant shift in how manufacturers approach handheld PCs. This trend underscores the urgency for Microsoft to adapt.
Ronald, while optimistic, tempered expectations by describing the process as iterative: “I think it’s going to be a journey and I think you’ll see a lot of investments over time that you’re starting to see already, but we’ll have a lot more to share later this year.”
What Gamers Can Expect in 2025
Microsoft’s updates will likely focus on core usability improvements, such as refined controller support, reduced desktop dependency, and streamlined access to games. By combining Xbox’s gaming-centric features with Windows’ flexibility, the company hopes to strike a balance that appeals to both casual players and tech-savvy enthusiasts.
Ronald summed up the initiative’s ultimate goal: “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.”
