Imminent Release of Potential Xbox Handheld Device Inferred by Subtle Windows Adjustment, Boosting Portability of PC Gaming.

Gamers hankering for an enhanced experience on their handheld gaming PCs, particularly with the Microsoft Windows 11 OS, have been screaming for updates to improve gamepad functionality. Although the launch of the Asus ROG Ally in June 2023 didn't bring many changes, a recent updates could signal a shift.

On Tuesday, Microsoft dropped an update that finally adds gamepad support for the touch keyboard in Windows 11. This allows gamers to navigate and type just like they would on a console with an Xbox controller. This small change was a long-awaited one, especially when considering the review of the Asus ROG Ally, where the on-screen keyboard proved to be a significant hurdle.

However, there are still several unresolved issues. For instance, why can't desktop, settings, and finder windows be navigated through gamepads? Why is the Xbox app so tricky to manage on desktop and gamepad mode compared to Steam? And why does the digital keyboard disappear when you're typing?

To tackle these issues, Microsoft might need to develop a dedicated, launchable version of Windows 11 that's optimized for gamepads. Rumors have it that an Xbox-branded handheld could be in the works, which might be the perfect testing ground for such optimizations.

Asus's Anthony Spence, PR specialist, confirmed that there are no changes planned to the Game Pass bundles for current products, indicating continued support for handheld gaming PCs regardless of Microsoft's own foray into the market. However, as the landscape evolves, it's hard to tell what the future holds for handheld gaming PC alternatives.

With technology moving rapidly, the new Xbox-branded handheld could mark the beginning of the next generation of Windows gaming handhelds. While Microsoft may choose to prioritize its own handheld, improvements to Windows 11's gamepad support could have far-reaching benefits for the growing market of Windows-based handheld gaming PCs. Stay tuned for more updates!

The Potential Power of the Xbox-Branded Handheld

While the specifics of the Xbox-branded handheld are still under wraps, it's possible it could be an OEM rebrand from Asus or MSI - producing a device similar to the ROG Ally or Claw 8 AI, but with the Xbox design philosophy. However, given that Xbox is a Microsoft brand, Windows 11 should be in the optimal shape before the company releases its own handheld gaming PC.

A successful Xbox-branded handheld could shake up the handheld gaming PC market and push other manufacturers to improve their products. But if Microsoft keeps exceptional updates exclusive to its own hardware, this could squeeze competition out of the market. Only time will tell if Microsoft's Xbox handheld will be a game-changer or a game-ender for alternative handheld gaming PCs.

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Enrichment Data:

Microsoft's ongoing updates aim to improve gaming experiences using controllers. Some recent improvements include:

Enhanced Gamepad Keyboard Layout: Microsoft introduced a new layout for the Windows touch keyboard that offers improved controller navigation and focus handling for flyout menus and child keys.
Reduced Latency in Chromium-Based Apps: Microsoft is working to reduce latency in Chromium-based apps (such as Chrome and Edge) by switching from frequent polling to the "rawgamepadinputchange" event, making gamepad input more responsive.
Xbox-Inspired Ergonomics and Full-Screen Mode: Microsoft has introduced Xbox-inspired ergonomics and a full-screen mode for the Xbox app, which could deactivate background processes and enhance gaming performance.
The recent update from Microsoft adds gamepad support for the touch keyboard in Windows 11, enabling gamers to navigate and type like on a console with an Xbox controller.
Despite the launch of the Asus ROG Ally, there are still unresolved issues like navigating desktop, settings, and finder windows through gamepads, and managing the Xbox app on desktop and gamepad mode.
Asus's Anthony Spence confirmed no changes planned to the Game Pass bundles for current products, indicating continued support for handheld gaming PCs regardless of Microsoft's own market foray.
Microsoft might need to develop a dedicated, launchable version of Windows 11 that's optimized for gamepads to tackle these issues, and rumors suggest an Xbox-branded handheld could be the perfect testing ground for such optimizations.
Improvements to Windows 11's gamepad support could have far-reaching benefits for the growing market of Windows-based handheld gaming PCs, and a successful Xbox-branded handheld could shake up the handheld gaming PC market.