- Microsoft’s enhanced Windows 11 Xbox PC app will be available for Xbox Insiders
- Its total gaming library allows users to access games at multiple stores in an app
- It goes up toward Steamos and its gaming library setup
Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Gaming PCs are ready for release later this summer along with a significant Xbox app upgrade and it seems that our first taste of the handheld-friendly app is closer than ever.
Microsoft’s new aggregated gaming library announced on Xbox Wire will be available for Xbox insiders to preview, leading up to its full launch along with ROG Xbox -allied handheld. It will let users launch games across Steam, Battle.net and several platforms like Epic Games, all on the Xbox app, essentially emulating Valve’s Steamos.
It is set to act as a direct competitor to Valve’s efforts to create a handheld-friendly gaming experience; First with the steam deck, and now with Legion Go’s and other handheld without an official Steamos license. It’s been a while since fans, and I’ve pleaded Microsoft about a portable Windows 11 mode and I couldn’t be happier to see it doing just that.
However, I would say that it is clear that Microsoft has a lot of work in the future, trying to improve Windows 11 and go up against Steamos. We already know that gaming performance on Steamos is better than Windows 11’s – and yes, while we still need to see the Xbox app first, it may have some obtaining to do.
While Windows 11 has the advantage of running most multiplayer games using anti-cheat, there is a strong chance of this compatibility at Linux improvement and that’s because Steamos make their way to other handhelds away from the steam deck. Not to mention, Splitgate 2 Developers fine-tuned their anti-Seaf to make the title are played on Steamos so others can follow.
Analysis: I can’t turn my back on Steamos but Microsoft’s trait is a welcome
Let’s get one thing straight: I am absolutely all-in for the new Xbox app and I will more than likely use it on my double booted Asus Rog Ally. However, I keep my expectations low and I don’t think the new upgrade will convince me to move away from Steamos.
Now you can say it is an unreasonable judgment as the upgrades are not available yet – but fans have asked Microsoft to consider a portable handheld state for a long time now, so Onus is not on the fans, but rather Microsoft himself.
Valves Steamos has several years of work under his belt, with optimizations pressing for a smoother and more customizable hand -held experience. Tools like Decky Loader (not associated with valve) are a massive part of it – and I hope Microsoft can repeat a smooth and customizable experience in the Xbox app.
The preview should arrive later this week and you can be sure I will test it on my Asus Rog Ally …
