gaming interface Archives

Winsage

January 1, 2026

3 Windows 11 and Microsoft features you’ll love in 2026 — and 1 you’ll hate

In 2025, Microsoft faced public perception challenges, with accusations of "enshittification" of its products, including Xbox, Surface, and Windows, leading to a loss of support from former advocates. Windows 11 has been criticized for bugs and underwhelming AI features. Qualcomm introduced Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme chips, which will require an update to Windows 11 (version 26H1) for compatibility. Windows 11 will also see the return of the Agenda view in the Taskbar calendar flyout and improvements to dark mode, addressing previous inconsistencies. A controversial feature in Microsoft Teams will automatically update users' work locations based on Wi-Fi connections, raising privacy concerns. The Xbox Full Screen Experience is being rolled out to enhance the gaming interface, optimizing performance by reducing background applications.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Xbox full screen experience is no longer just for handheld gaming PCs, but the feature is rolling out gradually and we’re not having much luck with workarounds

Microsoft has expanded the availability of its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to a wider range of Windows 11 PC form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. The FSE offers a user interface similar to the Xbox Series X/S and allows access to various gaming platforms with improved performance over the standard Windows environment. Users can activate Xbox FSE by pressing Win + F11 or using the Task View icon. The feature is being rolled out gradually as part of the Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, with some users needing workarounds like ViVeTool for access. MSI's Claw devices officially support Xbox FSE, but its effectiveness on non-handheld devices is debated. The FSE aims to create a console-like atmosphere on Windows 11, featuring a controller-friendly interface and a powerful Task Switcher for seamless transitions between games and applications.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Microsoft releases an Xbox Full Screen Experience preview for the MSI Claw

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to the MSI Claw series as part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. The FSE provides a console-like navigation interface for Windows PC gaming and was initially launched on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. Users can activate the Xbox FSE by navigating to Settings > Gaming > Full Screen Experience and selecting Xbox as their home app. More original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will support the Xbox FSE in the coming months, with Lenovo's Legion Go 2 set to receive this feature next year.

BetaBeacon

September 26, 2025

The first next-gen Android flagships have a rear screen that turns into a Game Boy

Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones with rear displays that can be used for gaming. Users can transform the phones into a gaming device resembling a Game Boy by using an optional case priced at 299 yuan. The case connects to the phones via Bluetooth and utilizes the rear screens as a gaming interface.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ Available to install on any Current Windows Handheld

The Windows team at Microsoft has released the “25H2” update for Windows 11 Insider Program users, which includes Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ that can now be installed on any current Windows handheld device. This mode enhances the gaming experience by streamlining the interface and freeing up around 2GB of memory for gaming. Users can boot directly into the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which aggregates games from various platforms. The setup process involves joining the ‘Release Preview’ ring of the Windows Insider program, updating to the latest 25H2 build, and making some registry tweaks. However, it lacks certain features, such as the Xbox Nexus button for easy access to the Game Bar. The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch on October 16th.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

There’s One Huge Problem With That Xbox Handheld Teaser From ASUS

Project Kennan is Microsoft's Xbox gaming handheld, currently in the prototype phase with a release expected within the year. Microsoft may collaborate with ASUS, a potential partner for the device, which aims to enhance Windows 11's gaming interface. A recent teaser trailer from ASUS features their robot mascot, OMNI, and showcases upgrades for the ROG Ally X, including a larger battery, increased storage, and a more powerful processor. The trailer does not indicate that it is the anticipated Xbox handheld, as it focuses on the ROG Ally X Pro rather than the new device.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

First signs of dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11 PCs spotted in latest preview

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to better support gaming handhelds by developing a dedicated interface for gamepad controls. Recent Windows 11 preview builds have revealed references to a "full screen experience" that users may set as their default home experience upon startup. Specific phrases such as "Boot into the Full screen experience at device startup" suggest users will have options for multiple game-focused interfaces. Microsoft is also rumored to be collaborating with ASUS on a gaming handheld called Project Kennan, which will be the first Windows-powered handheld under the Xbox ecosystem. An official announcement regarding this new Xbox ecosystem is anticipated, with the ASUS handheld expected to launch later this year.