Windows 11 just took a big step forward when it comes to handheld gaming with the introduction of a new 'compact mode' for the Xbox app on PC.
As we recently reported, the new mode was introduced as part of the November update and streamlines the interface for a smaller screen.
In other words, it's specifically aimed at Windows gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally (which just dropped significantly in price) and Lenovo Legion Go. But it could of course be useful in a number of scenarios on portable computers and even elsewhere, and it's worth digging into this a little deeper – because we think it could have bigger implications in terms of where Microsoft goes next .
To summarize, compact mode collapses the sidebar (on the left side of the app) into icons, removing the labels associated with those icons. This allows that part of the interface to be about a quarter as large as before.
It's a small interface change, but one with a big impact, as that frees up quite a bit of screen real estate when it comes to a compact screen like the one found on the various Windows-powered Steam Deck rivals.
Microsoft says it's working with device manufacturers to enable compact mode by default on gaming handhelds where it will be most beneficial, which certainly makes sense – you'll definitely want to use this on such hardware.
For now, though, you can enable the new feature from your profile at the top left of the Xbox app (make sure the app is updated first).
Looking at the big picture
Windows-powered Steam Deck rivals like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have received a lot of criticism for their cumbersome user interface and how Windows 11 is light years behind SteamOS in terms of the small-screen experience. As mentioned, this compact mode is a relatively small change, but a very important one.
Furthermore, it shows that Microsoft appears committed to improving the Windows gaming experience on handhelds, with the company noting: “We will continue to focus on updates to deliver a great Xbox app experience for Windows handheld screens.”
We've previously heard about a full 'handheld mode' for Windows 11 that Microsoft at least talked about behind closed doors – well, at least that's the rumor – and this latest move makes it seem like we're actually seeing something concrete in the towards that end.
We'll have to see if we get a fully handheld-friendly desktop in the long run, but if Microsoft wants to help make Windows 11 portables a more serious competitor, this will really go a long way toward that. Another major advance will be improvements in power efficiency to extend battery life, which is another major criticism of these Windows handhelds. (And we've just witnessed a change in testing along these lines, too).
The new compact mode could also be useful for gaming on smaller laptop screens, or even in scenarios where you connect a PC to a big screen TV for gaming, and want to use an interface that looks more like Valve's Big Picture mode than the more difficult traditional desktop.
