Microsoft to Roll Out Full-Screen Xbox Handheld Interface for Windows PCs in 2026

Microsoft is set to introduce a full-screen Xbox handheld interface for Windows PCs starting next year. This new UI, which is currently being tested on the ROG Xbox Ally, will replace the traditional desktop interface and offer a more gaming-focused experience. The change, which first emerged as a concept in 2022, aims to optimize the experience for handheld devices by reducing system resource usage and offering a layout more similar to the Steam Deck. The interface includes features like touch screen optimizations and enhanced controller support. Despite being slower to respond compared to Valve’s SteamOS, Microsoft’s move is expected to bring better compatibility and efficiency to handheld PCs running Windows. This shift is part of Microsoft’s effort to compete with platforms like SteamOS, which have gained traction among gamers due to their ability to run Windows games without requiring Windows itself. However, there are still concerns over Microsoft’s delayed reaction to this growing trend in portable gaming systems.