Microsoft has developed a “handheld mode” for games

Valve has long tried to expand the target audience for Steam. It didn’t work out for Steam hardware as console semis for TVs, but the Steam Deck is now enjoying huge success. Microsoft seems to be taking an example and working on an improved user interface.

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Of course, the Steam Deck has its own operating system, but it is also possible to load Windows 11 – after all, Valve hardware is not much different from a PC (Linux) in a mini format. But there are more and more devices of this type (i.e. mainly based on the Switch model) that are completely based on Windows 11.

Why do you need or want a Microsoft operating system at all? The answer is simple: Game Pass. Because the combination of PC and Game Pass brings hundreds of games to the player’s device at no additional cost (for required subscription).

However, the Windows 11 experience on devices of this size and even with this hand-like operation is not ideal. Microsoft is also aware of this and is developing a special behind the scenes mode. But so far this is not a full-fledged official project of a Redmond-based company, but a work created as part of a hackathon. Famous insider WalkingCat alias @_h0x0d_ has now got a video of this and posted it on Twitter (via Windows Central).

Windows Mobile mode

A hackathon is an internal event where employees are released and try different experiences. But good ideas definitely make it to the big stage.

Microsoft Hackathon: Windows Handheld Mode

In this specific case, Microsoft developers looked at how to better adapt Windows 11 to these gaming hardware, and created “Windows Handheld Mode”. Here, the classic Windows interface is replaced by a specially adapted user interface, through which games, as well as necessary Windows features and applications can be accessed better and more intuitively.

In a video you can see what this gaming shell for Windows could look like. Microsoft mixes elements of Windows with elements of the Xbox interface. The whole thing looks pretty low-key in the individual screenshots, which is of course a conscious and sensible decision.

It is currently unknown if and when Microsoft will actually implement such a mode, but given group gaming activities and the growing importance of this mobile category, it wouldn’t be surprising if hackathons weren’t the end of it.

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