Microsoft has unveiled a specialized version of Windows 11 tailored for portable gaming consoles, notably the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. This development signifies a strategic move to enhance the gaming experience on handheld devices by optimizing the operating system's interface and performance.
The new interface, showcased during the announcement of the ROG Xbox Ally and its advanced counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally X, introduces a full-screen gaming layer known as the Game Bar. This layer effectively replaces the traditional Windows 11 desktop, offering a streamlined and controller-friendly environment. Despite these modifications, the devices continue to operate on Windows 11 Home, with Microsoft emphasizing that these are optimizations of the existing OS rather than a distinct "gaming version." Users retain the option to revert to the standard interface if desired.
The Game Bar serves as a centralized hub, granting users access to performance monitoring tools, messaging services, network configurations, volume controls, and applications like Discord. Notably, the taskbar has been redesigned to be more minimalist and is primarily used for accessing the Xbox environment or the Start menu, omitting traditional app icons. Additionally, round program icons are positioned at the top of the screen for quicker access—a design element that was once considered for the desktop OS but is now being implemented in these portable devices.
Performance enhancements are a key focus of this optimized Windows 11. By reducing background processes and applications that typically run on Windows 11, more system resources are allocated to gaming. Jason Beaumont, Xbox's Vice President of Experience, explained, "When the game loads in full screen mode, a whole bunch of Windows features don’t load. We’re not loading the desktop wallpaper, the taskbar, or a bunch of processes." This approach aims to deliver a faster and more efficient gaming experience.
Microsoft has indicated that this new interface will extend beyond the ROG Xbox Ally series. A similar experience is expected to be available on other Windows handheld devices starting next year. Beaumont highlighted the collaborative effort behind this initiative, stating, "We were able to get people who have been working on the Xbox OS for 20 years or more to work directly on the Windows code base and start rethinking the look of the operating system for this form factor."
The Xbox app in full-screen mode now consolidates the user's PC games from platforms like Steam and other stores, alongside titles from Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass. The Game Bar interface facilitates access to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, Asus' Command Center, and Microsoft's new Gaming Copilot. A long press of the Xbox button brings up a task switcher adapted for portable devices, enhancing usability.
As of now, there is no indication that the new Game Bar will be available on regular PCs. However, it's plausible that enthusiasts may attempt to adapt it for broader use.
This development underscores Microsoft's commitment to refining the gaming experience on portable devices by integrating hardware and software innovations. By optimizing Windows 11 for handheld consoles, Microsoft aims to provide gamers with a seamless and immersive experience, potentially setting a new standard in the portable gaming market.
Source: ITC.ua Microsoft has created a lightweight Windows 11 for Asus ROG Xbox Ally — it will appear on other devices
