Valve’s Steam Deck gaming handheld and its accompanying SteamOS have garnered attention for their innovative approach to portable gaming. However, a notable limitation remains: by default, these platforms only support Windows games that are compatible with the Proton compatibility layer, alongside a selection of titles that run natively on Linux. While users can install alternative game stores and Proton’s performance is commendable, SteamOS does not fully replicate the Windows experience.
Innovative Solutions from Microsoft and Asus
In response to this gap, Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, a device designed to enhance compatibility for PC gamers while maintaining a user interface reminiscent of SteamOS. This new Xbox-branded interface will initially debut on the ROG Xbox Ally, with plans for broader rollout to other handheld devices in the future. Microsoft has indicated that a similar interface will be available for additional Windows handhelds starting next year.
Since at least 2022, Microsoft has been exploring ways to create a handheld-optimized user interface for Windows. During an internal hackathon, employees identified several shortcomings of Windows for handheld devices, leading to the concept of a “Windows Handheld Mode.” The mock-up of this “gaming shell” shared some design elements with the Xbox interface unveiled recently.
Credit: Microsoft/Twitter user h0x0d
While it remains uncertain if the new Xbox interface directly stems from the earlier slide presentation, it introduces a tile-based, Switch-style gamepad UI that bears resemblance to Microsoft’s recent announcements. This proposed Handheld Mode would also include enhancements for touch screen usability, addressing Windows’ historically limited controller support outside of specific applications.
On the ROG Xbox Ally, the new full-screen interface replaces the conventional desktop-and-taskbar setup of Windows. This transition reportedly conserves a significant amount of RAM while also optimizing energy consumption and overall system resources. In contrast, devices running the standard version of Windows, such as the regular ROG Ally, face additional overhead from software like Asus’ Armoury Crate, which is necessary to bridge the functionality divide between SteamOS and Windows.
