Microsoft is finally experimenting with a handheld Xbox experience, and it could mark the beginning of something big: a Windows gaming OS that feels as smooth as a console.
The new handheld, nicknamed the Xbox Ally, blends the best of both worlds. On one side, it runs Windows 11, which means access to Steam, Game Pass, and other platforms. On the other, it boots into a streamlined Xbox interface, skipping the clutter of desktop Windows and freeing up more performance for games.
Why it matters
- Console-like UI: The device opens with a controller-friendly Xbox dashboard instead of the normal Windows desktop.
- Performance boost: By skipping extra Windows processes, the handheld frees up around 2GB of RAM just for gaming.
- Cross-platform support: You still get access to Steam, Epic, and other game libraries — though switching back to Windows can feel a bit clunky.
- Future vision: This shows Microsoft is serious about creating a gaming-optimized Windows that could work across handhelds, PCs, and even consoles.
The catch
It’s not perfect yet. Bugs, crashes, and the usual Windows update interruptions remind us that this is still Windows at its core. But if Microsoft keeps improving this handheld experience, we might see the foundation of a true Windows Gaming OS in the near future.
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What do you think?
Would you switch to a Windows-based handheld over a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch? Or do you think Microsoft still has a long way to go?
