Console Environment on PC: Microsoft Brings Xbox Mode to Windows 11 Computers

PC gaming has always attracted with its freedom and wide selection of games, but it lacked the convenience of a console interface. Microsoft is now trying to fill this gap across the entire platform. After last year’s debut on Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds, it is expanding the Xbox Mode feature to classic PCs, laptops, and tablets with Windows 11. The goal is to bring the computer environment closer to what players know from Xbox consoles.

Console Interface with Windows Flexibility

Xbox Mode essentially replicates the concept known from Steam, where it is called Big Picture. Upon activation, a full-screen environment inspired by Xbox consoles is displayed, in which the user navigates primarily using a gamepad. Microsoft promised that the game library, recently played titles, and other features would be easily accessible with a few clicks.

The main advantage over the competition is supposed to be an aggregated game library. Xbox Mode will display not only titles from the Xbox Game Pass subscription but also installed games from other leading PC stores. So, if you have games on Steam or Epic Games Store, you’ll find them all together without having to switch applications.

It’s important to note that this is not a standalone system. Xbox Mode runs on top of Windows 11, so you can switch back to the classic desktop at any time and utilize the full openness of the computer. Microsoft thus aims to offer the best of both worlds, although the fact is that PC gamers have had a similar feature available for many years through Steam Big Picture.

Gradual Rollout via Windows Update

Xbox Mode will be rolled out to users gradually as part of the latest Windows 11 update. Microsoft has not yet specified which particular markets are in the “selected” group, nor when the rollout will reach the Czech Republic. If you want to receive the new feature as soon as possible, the manufacturer recommends activating the option to get the latest updates as soon as they are available in Settings > Windows Update.

Console Environment on PC: Microsoft Brings Xbox Mode to Windows 11 Computers Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Along with this new feature, Microsoft is also bringing updates for the Xbox Ally X gaming handheld, adding a preview version of the Auto SR image upscaling technology. Owners of classic Xbox consoles will also get a new dashboard with the option to disable Quick Resume for individual games and add custom colors to the interface.

Whether Xbox Mode will truly appeal to players on regular desktops is questionable. Its added value makes the most sense on devices with gamepads or on gaming handhelds, where a mouse and keyboard interface is not ideal. On a classic PC with a monitor, it remains to be seen how many users will want to abandon the established Steam Big Picture or the desktop itself.

Will you try Xbox Mode on your PC?

Sources: Xbox, The Verge