“Xbox Mode” is coming to Windows 11 next month
Xbox Mode is coming to Windows 11
Microsoft has confirmed that its “Xbox Full Screen Experience” is rolling out to Windows users (in select markets) next month under the new “Xbox Mode” name.
Xbox mode will let PC gamers switch between the standard Windows user interface and Microsoft’s controller-friendly “Xbox Mode” user interface. This UI is controller-optimised, making it well-suited for gamers. Additionally, this mode can reduce Windows’ utilisation of system resources, allowing them to be dedicated to gaming. This can increase system performance, especially on lower-end PCs.
When Microsoft launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, it estimated that the Windows Full Screen Experience (now Xbox Mode) could save 2GB of RAM. This can have a dramatic impact on system performance for gamers with limited system memory.
We’re taking everything we’ve learned about building a leading gaming OS and bringing it directly into Windows for both players and developers. After debuting an early version with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, today I’m excited to share that we are bringing the same innovation to Windows 11 with Xbox mode that begins rolling out in April, starting with select markets. Xbox mode lets players seamlessly switch between productivity and play, with a familiar full screen and controller optimized Xbox experience while embracing the openness of Windows.
– Microsoft
With this move, Microsoft is breaking down the barriers between Windows PC and Xbox. Since Microsoft’s “Project Helix” console can play both Xbox and PC games, this makes a lot of sense.
Microsoft wants to promote more cross-device play, and having a strong Xbox-like experience on PC will help achieve this. Microsoft has confirmed that its “Xbox Play Anywhere” catalogue has grown to over 1,500 games, with 500 development teams shipping games on the program.
It will be interesting to see how this new Xbox UI affects the performance of PC games running on Windows. It can have a significant impact on handheld gaming PCs, but will the same be true for more powerful desktop PCs and laptops?
You can join the discussion on Windows 11’s new gaming mode on the OC3D Forums.
