Introducing Compact Mode
This week, Microsoft took a significant step towards inclusivity by unveiling a preview of the new Compact Mode for the Xbox Game Bar, specifically designed for handhelds and smaller screens. This innovative feature promises a streamlined interface that allows users to access essential information at a glance.
The Compact Mode introduces a Home widget that displays key details such as currently running games and recently played titles. Additionally, it provides quick access to various game launchers installed on the PC, including popular platforms like Xbox, Steam, Battle.net, EA Play, Riot Games, and Ubisoft Connect. Users can even quit games directly from the Home widget, enhancing convenience during gameplay.
Another noteworthy addition is the Resource widget, which helps users identify applications consuming system resources. This feature enables gamers to close unnecessary programs, thereby optimizing performance for their gaming sessions.
Designed with handheld navigation in mind, the Compact Mode allows users to operate the interface using game controllers, a practical solution for devices that lack physical keyboards. Furthermore, Microsoft has included an option for button mapping on compatible devices, allowing users to configure a button to launch the Xbox Game Bar quickly with a WIN+G shortcut.
Currently, this new feature is available exclusively to members of the Windows Insider Preview program, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to adapting to the rising popularity of Windows-powered handheld gaming PCs. The market has seen a surge of handheld devices in recent years, many boasting impressive specifications that could rival established competitors like Valve’s Steam Deck.
While the Steam Deck benefits from a Linux-based operating system tailored for handheld gaming, Windows remains a general-purpose platform primarily designed for laptops and desktops. This distinction has often relegated small-screen devices to a secondary status, complicating tasks such as launching games or adjusting settings without a keyboard.
Although the introduction of Compact Mode does not resolve all the challenges faced by handheld gamers, it marks a promising beginning in Microsoft’s journey to enhance the gaming experience across all devices.
