Microsoft has begun to proactively work on improving the quality of gaming on handheld devices, particularly focusing on Windows 11. The tech giant has recently rolled out a test version of its Xbox app, introducing a new compact mode designed to optimize the user interface for smaller screens and handheld consoles.
The update, identified as version 2311.1000.41.0, comes with a slew of features aimed at refining the user interface. This includes a refreshed UI in the installation queue, updated buttons, fonts, and game channel styles, and an improved notification UI with the option to display only unread notifications.
This update is a game-changer, especially for devices like the ROG Ally, which boasts a 7-inch touchscreen LCD display. The compact mode significantly reduces the sidebar, providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Most gamers will appreciate the subtle yet impactful change that seeks to address the often cramped feel of Windows 11 on smaller devices.
The ROG Ally, in particular, is quickly shaping up to be the go-to portable option for PC Game Pass, with even the Xbox chief Phil Spencer dubbing it his "Xbox on the go." The Asus device, alongside others like Lenovo's Legion Go, is part of a new frontier for gaming on the go, and Microsoft is well aware of the potential here (though, to be fair, the portable Nintendo Switch has already been on the market for 7 years).