The surge in popularity of PC gaming handhelds has illuminated a significant challenge: the operating system that powers these devices. Windows, the predominant choice, has proven less than ideal for smaller screens. Reviews of various handhelds—excluding the Steam Deck—such as the ROG Ally, Legion Go, and devices from Onexplayer and Ayaneo, echo a common sentiment: impressive hardware paired with a frustrating operating system experience. However, this need not be the case. Microsoft has previously demonstrated its capability in crafting mobile operating systems, raising the prospect of a tailored Windows version for handheld gaming consoles.
PC gaming handhelds are a big hit
Despite the limitations of Windows 11 on the smaller screen
PC gaming handhelds have captured the market’s attention, with early manufacturers already rolling out mid-cycle refreshes or planning second-generation models. This momentum persists despite the inherent drawbacks of using Windows on compact displays, including scaling challenges, a virtual keyboard that dominates the screen, and cumbersome navigation of the desktop interface.
While manufacturers have developed custom software to enhance the gaming experience on Windows, these solutions often fall short. Gamers frequently find themselves reverting to Windows for settings adjustments or updates, creating a disjointed experience. Unlike SteamOS, which allows for seamless controller navigation, Windows requires third-party applications like Armoury Crate or Legion Space to enable controller input, complicating the user experience.
Not everyone wants to run Linux
Though SteamOS offers a commendable gaming environment, it lacks the versatility of Windows. Valve’s efforts to optimize gaming on Linux are admirable, yet Windows 11 can run virtually any game without the same limitations. Titles with anti-cheat mechanisms or those available on Xbox Game Pass often face hurdles on Linux, and while SteamOS includes a desktop mode, it is constrained by the limited app selection available on Linux. Many users are unlikely to invest time in seeking alternatives for essential software, such as the Adobe suite, especially when considering the learning curve associated with a new operating system.
Microsoft already has the answer
Windows Phone is perfect for the smaller screen
The irony of the frustrating Windows experience on gaming handhelds is that Microsoft has previously created a mobile operating system that works effectively: Windows Phone. Its tile-based user interface was well-suited for touchscreens, and while remnants of this design linger in Windows 11’s Start menu, it remains too small for practical touchscreen use. Microsoft’s attempt to implement this UI in Windows 8 was met with resistance from users accustomed to the traditional Windows 7 layout.
Today, users are familiar with organizing apps into grids and folders on their mobile devices. A generation has grown up with touchscreen interfaces and controller navigation, making the earlier concepts from Windows Phone, Windows RT, and Windows 8 more relevant than ever. It is time for Microsoft to revisit these ideas and adapt them for the screen sizes typical of PC gaming handhelds. By leveraging its expertise, Microsoft could provide manufacturers with the system software necessary for success, aligning with its vision of integrating Xbox across all devices.
Windows Phone could fix everything wrong with PC handhelds
While Microsoft may have no intention of re-entering the phone market after the decline of Windows Phone, it should not abandon the potential of smaller screens. The insights gained from developing Windows Phone can be repurposed for PC gaming handhelds or tablets. Alternatively, Microsoft could revamp the Xbox interface for smaller displays and license it to device manufacturers, offering a more cohesive experience than what Windows 11 currently provides.
