Microsoft is experimenting with a Windows mode for portable consoles such as Steam Deck

With the emergence of next-generation portable consoles such as the Steam Deck, players in the video game world are looking for new ways to invest these machines intelligently while facilitating the experience of players according to their ecosystems. In this wake, Microsoft was working on a “Windows mode” dedicated to these consoles.

A concept that would allow Microsoft to better fit into this sector

Microsoft is actually studying the development of a new Windows game mode for portable devices, such as the Steam Deck. The project was leaked during a hackathon where Microsoft employees present their ideas and plans. The video leaked to Twitter by h0x0d showcases the company’s initial concepts and prototypes for a Windows 11 interface optimized for handhelds, including a launcher and a Windows gaming shell designed for touchscreens and controllers.

The prototype includes a launcher capable of opening games from Steam, PC Game Pass, EA Play, Epic Games Store and others, as well as a custom gaming shell and keyboard designed specifically for the Steam Deck. The project is still in its infancy, and there is a long list of problems and optimizations to solve before it becomes a reality. Nonetheless, the draft is encouraging and suggests that Microsoft is taking portable gaming seriously, and the company hopes to improve its credibility in the PC gaming community.

Asus also announced its ROG Ally, a portable gaming device designed to compete with the Steam Deck, equipped with a custom AMD Ryzen APU and Windows 11, indicating that we may see more Windows-based portable gaming devices. in the near future.