Microsoft is making its dream of Windows 11 being a serious gaming platform. Having talked about Xbox mode in Windows 11 for what feels like forever, the company has confirmed that it is finally coming in April.
The move is part of Microsoft’s vision of “making Windows 11 the best place for game developers to create, experiment, ship and scale”.
Microsoft says that it is bringing – in select markets to start with – Xbox mode to all Windows 11 PC form factors. This means that desktops, laptops, handhelds and everything in between will be gaining Xbox mode next month.
The difference between Xbox mode and desktop gaming is one that will be appreciated by gamers. The full-screen, controller-first experience is much closer to using a console, but it allows for dropping back to the desktop whenever necessary. This is Microsoft trying to provide the best of both worlds in one package.
In an announcement Microsoft says:
Starting in April, Xbox mode will start rolling out to users in select markets on all Windows 11 PC form factors, including laptops, desktops and tablets, bringing the experience to a broader set of devices. Xbox mode makes it easier for players to jump into a streamlined, full‑screen, dedicated gaming experience whenever they want to lean back and play.
Xbox mode delivers a controller-optimized experience to your Windows 11 device, letting players browse their library, launch games, use Game Bar and switch between apps. Designed to keep players immersed, the experience features a clean, distraction-free interface, while still giving them the flexibility to seamlessly switch back to the Windows desktop at any time.
Microsoft has other announcements at this year’s GDC, including:
- Faster load times and streaming performance enabled with Advanced Shader Delivery available to more games, including new self-enablement, and zStandard support in DirectStorage coming soon
- Improved developer experience with DirectX Dump Files and additional PIX improvements, including Shader Explorer, and more
- New linear algebra capabilities to accelerate inference in shaders, with a preview of WinML models in graphics workloads coming soon
Is Xbox mode something you have been eagerly awaiting? Share your thoughts in the comments.
