Microsoft is making significant changes to enhance the handheld gaming experience on Windows devices, with plans to integrate the best features of Xbox and Windows within this year. Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of “Next Generation,” revealed this information at the “The Future of Gaming Handhelds” event, where Lenovo showcased its new Legion Go S.
Bringing Xbox Experience to Windows
Rather than waiting for a separate Xbox handheld device, which may take years to develop, Microsoft is focusing on optimizing Windows for handheld gaming. Ronald shared:
“We’ve spent over 20 years building a world-class operating system for consoles, but now, we want to bring those experiences to the Windows ecosystem, especially on handheld devices.”
This means that Microsoft is working to make Windows more gamer-friendly by bringing the Xbox interface to Windows and reducing reliance on traditional elements like the taskbar and Start menu. The focus will be on creating a seamless gaming experience, where the game library and the player are at the center.
Platform Changes for Handheld Experience
Currently, gaming on Windows handheld devices has limitations. Many users even rely on custom versions of SteamOS for a better experience. Ronald openly acknowledged these challenges:
“We’re focused on simplifying it and making it feel more like a true console experience.”
Xbox apps on Windows have seen improvements to better suit handheld devices, but Ronald believes this is just the beginning of a long journey to fully upgrade the experience. He also promised to share more information later this year.
Challenges and Vision
Microsoft must tackle several fundamental issues to improve Windows for handheld devices, from better support for controllers (joypads, thumbsticks) to hiding unnecessary elements of Windows like the desktop and notifications. Ronald explained:
“Our ultimate goal is to make Windows a great gaming platform on any device.”
He emphasized that the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows, so Microsoft plans to leverage this infrastructure to provide a premium gaming experience across all devices.
The Future of Handheld Gaming
This project shows that Microsoft is actively participating in the race for handheld gaming devices. With collaborations with AMD and Lenovo, and a vision of bringing Xbox and Windows closer together, Microsoft is aiming to build a stronger, more user-friendly gaming ecosystem with a “console-like” experience on the Windows platform.