
With rumours of a potential Xbox handheld continuing to ramp up, it probably comes as no surprise that Microsoft is continuing to work on improvements for existing handheld PCs, with another new feature now live for Xbox Insiders.
This feature sees Compact Mode being brought to the Game Bar on PC, which allows you to open up an Xbox-style UI mid-game in order to change audio settings, quit or restart titles, send messages to friends, and various other things.
Here's a look at Xbox's Compact Mode for the Windows Game Bar in action:
You may recall that Compact Mode in general was integrated into the handheld PC experience late last year as well, providing a more intuitive interface when accessing the Xbox app via one of these devices. This latest addition is specifically about the Game Bar, which previously wasn't well equipped to be accessed on a small system.
Xbox Insiders who are interested in trying out this feature on the likes of the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go can find it by opening the Game Bar on Windows, going to Settings, and then enabling the "Compact Mode" toggle in the General section. For obvious reasons though, the Steam Deck's default OS doesn't support it right now.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments section below.
Comments 3
I hope the xbox handheld (and next home console) runs windows. I love my ROG Ally, it probably gets the most use outside my PC. I play it handheld and docked regularly.
That's cool and all, but this stuff only works for Xbox/Windows Store games. Which would be great, if, y'know, the Windows Store actually had games beyond what's on Game Pass.
@NEStalgia The gamebar works anywhere in any game I believe, you can just press WIN+G to open it. But yes, for social stuff, it would only work to connect you with your Xbox friends.
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...