Compact Mode Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft might finally get me to use Xbox Game Bar with its latest update

The Xbox Game Bar has been updated with an improved design for easier controller navigation, featuring a new Compact Mode optimized for controllers. This mode offers a user-friendly interface that allows for seamless cycling through widgets and settings. Additionally, a new widget store enables users to browse and install widgets directly using their controllers, which is particularly beneficial for portable Windows devices. The update enhances the overall gaming experience, especially for handheld gaming devices.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here

Microsoft has rolled out updates for Xbox consoles and Windows 11 users, particularly enhancing the Game Bar. The Game Bar has received a graphical overhaul, including redesigned widgets such as Capture, Performance, Resource widgets, and the Widget Store. Improvements have also been made to navigation within the Widget Store for controller users, especially in Compact Mode, which optimizes the display for gaming handhelds. The updates aim to create a cleaner and more organized user interface. There is anticipation for a potential 'handheld mode' for Windows 11, which has been rumored.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows Game Bar gets design tweaks for better handheld gaming

Microsoft is enhancing the Game Bar to improve the gaming experience on handheld devices, introducing a refreshed interface that offers quicker access to tools and real-time statistical insights. The update aims to optimize gameplay across various platforms, particularly in Compact Mode, which resembles Steam's Big Picture mode. Additionally, Microsoft has expanded its Game Pass service, allowing subscribers to stream games they own, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and is offering exclusive bonuses in popular free-to-play games to attract more users to the subscription model.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 now lets you easily type with an Xbox controller

Microsoft has introduced a gamepad keyboard for Windows 11 that allows users to type using an Xbox controller. This new feature enhances the on-screen keyboard and includes shortcuts for Xbox controllers, such as using the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. The gamepad keyboard is part of Microsoft's initiative to improve the handheld experience for gamers and is currently available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, with wider access expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft has updated the Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens and improved controller navigation in the Xbox app for PC.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Can Microsoft convince gamers to upgrade to Windows 11?

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 before the end of support in October 2025. Key gaming features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR, DirectStorage, Game Bar Compact Mode, Dynamic Lighting, optimizations for windowed games, an HDR calibration app, advanced hybrid support, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support, color filters for colorblind players, automatic super resolution for Arm Copilot+ PCs, and the Xbox app on Windows PC. Windows 11 has a 52.48% market share among Steam users as of November 2024, surpassing Windows 10 in mid-2024. Currently, Windows 10 holds a 61.82% market share while Windows 11 is at 34.94%. Gamers are adopting Windows 11 faster than the general user base.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Elevate your PC gaming experience with Windows 11 this holiday season

Windows 11 offers new gaming experiences for PC Game Pass subscribers, including titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™. Key features include: - Auto HDR: Enhances SDR games to HDR for improved colors and contrasts. - DirectStorage: Reduces load times using NVMe SSDs, optimizing data loading for better performance. - Game Bar Compact Mode: Simplifies navigation on smaller screens, providing quick access to games and performance metrics. - Dynamic Lighting: Allows synchronization and customization of RGB lighting across devices. - Optimizations for Windowed Games: Introduces Variable Rate Refresh (VRR) to reduce tearing and stuttering in windowed modes. - Advanced Hybrid (CASO)/UMA: Improves performance on hybrid laptops with integrated and discrete GPUs. - Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support: Enhances online gaming with faster speeds and lower latency. - Color filters for colorblind players: Helps colorblind players differentiate colors while improving frame rates. - Automatic Super Resolution for Arm Copilot+ PCs: Upscales lower-resolution content in real-time. - Xbox app on Windows PC: Manages PC gaming content and facilitates cloud gaming and cross-platform connections.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Xbox’s PC App Brings Refreshed Home Experience To All Users

Microsoft has rolled out its revamped Home Experience to all PC users after testing with Xbox Insiders. The new user interface aims to enhance the gaming experience by making it easier to find games and discover new titles. It features Game Pass offerings and streamlines access to games outside the subscription service, keeping players informed about featured content, upcoming releases, new events, Game Pass updates, and sales. The Xbox app is also evolving to help discover Xbox titles not included in Game Pass. A new "jump back in" feature allows players to resume gameplay easily in 'Compact Mode.' Microsoft plans to introduce more features in the future as part of its Windows and PC Game Pass initiatives.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Xbox app adds quickbar for convenient game launches on Windows handheld PCs

The Xbox app has introduced a "jump back in" feature that allows players to quickly access their recently played games on Windows handheld PCs. This feature is designed for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally, enhancing convenience for on-the-go gaming. It provides a quick launch carousel for the last nine games played, reducing navigation through menus. Players can click on any game card to return to gameplay from the game's hub, and controller users can access gameplay directly through a right-click or menu button.