The Xbox Game Bar, often underestimated, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at enhancing the gaming experience on portable devices. This tool, available on Windows 10 and Windows 11, can be summoned effortlessly by pressing the Windows Key + G, providing users with a suite of functionalities such as screen recording, screenshot capabilities, and access to Xbox’s social features. However, its design has traditionally catered to desktop environments, featuring multiple small widget windows that are not particularly user-friendly on smaller screens.
What you need to know
Xbox Game Bar is a tool available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. Hitting Windows Key + G opens the Xbox Game Bar overlay, giving you access to useful PC gaming settings like screen capture recording, screenshotting, Xbox’s social feed, and more. Microsoft today made it a thousand times easier to use on the new wave of PC gaming handhelds, with a new Compact Mode version hitting Xbox Insiders on PC. The new Compact Mode ditches the mouse-oriented widgets for something more gamepad-friendly, with better scaling for 7-inch screens like those typical of the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally range.
In a recent update, Microsoft has introduced a “Compact Mode” for the Xbox Game Bar, specifically designed for users of handheld gaming devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. This new mode simplifies the interface, making it more intuitive for navigation using a gamepad. The Compact Mode is easily accessible through the settings menu, allowing users to toggle it on with just a few clicks.
The transformation from a mouse-centric design to a gamepad-friendly interface mirrors the familiar layout of the Xbox Guide, enabling seamless navigation. Users can effortlessly switch between popular widgets, access their games and launchers, and view their Xbox network friends list. Additionally, the Game DVR feature allows for recording gameplay footage, which can be particularly beneficial for content creators or those looking to share gaming tips with friends and family.
While the initial rollout of Compact Mode may have some rough edges—such as the absence of animations and certain scaling issues—it marks a promising step forward in enhancing the usability of the Xbox Game Bar on smaller screens. This update not only addresses the needs of current users but also hints at a broader strategy for Microsoft’s future in the handheld gaming market.
Microsoft’s gaming handheld future
As the gaming landscape evolves, Microsoft is keenly aware of the shifting preferences among gamers. The rise of devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally highlights a growing demand for portable gaming solutions that cater to modern lifestyles. These handhelds are particularly appealing to those who seek flexibility in their gaming experiences, allowing for local co-op play while freeing up the television for other family members.
Microsoft’s commitment to improving the Windows experience on these devices is just beginning, as users have expressed a strong desire for more intuitive interfaces that can compete with the user-friendly designs of their competitors. The introduction of Compact Mode in the Xbox Game Bar is a step in the right direction, yet it underscores the need for further advancements. As the industry continues to evolve, the potential for a dedicated portable Xbox operating system remains an intriguing prospect for the future of gaming handhelds.
