Microsoft is planning to bring its Xbox gaming experience to Windows handheld gaming PCs within this calendar year, according to Jason Ronald, VP of “Next Generation” at Microsoft. The company aims to simplify the Windows gaming experience and make it more like a console experience.
In an interview at an AMD and Lenovo event, Ronald hinted that Microsoft will focus on combining its Xbox and Windows experiences together. This move is expected to bring premium gaming features to any device, rather than being locked to specific hardware. Microsoft has already made progress with compact modes for Xbox apps on Windows, but more significant changes are on the horizon.
Ronald acknowledged that Windows can be challenging for handheld gaming due to its design focus on keyboards and mice. To address this, Microsoft is working on fundamental interaction models to make games feel native and gaming-centric on any device. The ultimate goal is to put an Xbox experience at the center of the Windows gaming ecosystem, rather than relying on desktop elements.
With significant investments planned for later this year, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will implement these changes. However, Ronald’s statements suggest that the company is committed to making Windows great for gaming on any device, with an Xbox experience on top.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338778/microsoft-xbox-handheld-pc-gaming