Windows 11’s Steam Deck-ish, streamlined Xbox gaming UI comes to all PCs in April

Last summer, when Asus and Microsoft unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally X, it featured a unique, controller-friendly interface that operated atop Windows 11. While the device maintained the traditional Windows environment, it primarily functioned through a full-screen gaming interface designed for a more immersive experience. Initially referred to as either the "Xbox Experience for Handheld" or the "Xbox Full-Screen Experience (FSE)", Microsoft has now confirmed that this feature will extend to all Windows 11 PCs in select markets beginning in April 2024. Under the new Xbox mode, Windows PCs will still operate on the familiar Windows system, retaining all regular features and capabilities. However, certain system services and UI components—such as the standard Start menu and taskbar—will not be accessible, which Microsoft asserts can free up a gigabyte or two of RAM and reduce power consumption. Users will still have the flexibility to switch back to the traditional Windows desktop whenever they prefer. Our initial experiences with Xbox mode on the ROG Xbox Ally X revealed a mixed bag; while it offers a controller-optimized interface, the underlying Windows structure remains evident. This duality was particularly pronounced when attempting to download and launch games from third-party platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, which necessitated using the respective store applications for purchases before launching from Xbox mode. As the rollout approaches, we look forward to evaluating if Microsoft has implemented noteworthy enhancements to the performance and functionality of this new mode on other PCs.