Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Discusses Windows’ Shortcomings on Handheld PCs and Promises Improvements

In a recent interview with The Verge, Xbox boss Phil Spencer acknowledged the issues with the Windows operating system and its performance on handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. However, he assured fans that the platform team is working on making Windows more optimized for these devices.

Spencer stated, “One of the weak points in the experience on a ROG or the Lenovo [Legion Go] is Windows. How Windows works on controller input only on that kind of DPI, on a smaller eight- or seven-inch screen. That’s a real design point that our platform team is working with Windows to make sure that the experience is even better.”

The handheld PC market has been growing in recent years, with Valve’s Steam Deck leading the way. However, Windows remains a significant challenge for these devices. Last October, Microsoft began testing a “compact mode” for the Xbox app on Windows 11 to help the operating system run more efficiently on portable gaming PCs.

Despite the challenges, Xbox has not yet announced whether it plans to release its own handheld console. Leaked court documents from last year hinted that the company was exploring the possibility of an Xbox handheld. However, Xbox is focusing on new hardware, as the company revealed in the latest episode of the Official Xbox Podcast that it will have some hardware news to share later this year.

Spencer added, “We’re focused on delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.”

Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating improvements to the Windows operating system on handheld PCs. Some have suggested that Microsoft should collaborate with Valve to create a more optimized operating system for these devices. However, Spencer did not comment on the possibility of such a collaboration during the interview.

Despite the challenges, handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have been well-received by gamers. These devices offer the power and flexibility of a traditional PC in a portable form factor. However, the performance issues with Windows have been a significant drawback for some users.

Microsoft’s commitment to improving the Windows experience on handheld PCs is a positive sign for fans of these devices. The platform team’s efforts to optimize the operating system for controller input and smaller screens could lead to a significantly better experience for gamers.

In conclusion, Xbox boss Phil Spencer acknowledged the challenges with the Windows operating system on handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. However, he assured fans that the platform team is working on making Windows more optimized for these devices. The improvements could lead to a significantly better experience for gamers and help handheld PCs become a more viable alternative to traditional consoles.

Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, Xbox, Phil Spencer, Windows optimization, handheld PCs, gaming, technology.

References:
– The Verge (2024, February 15). Phil Spencer on Helldivers 2 not being on Xbox: ‘I’m not exactly sure who it helps’. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/15/23001231/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-helldivers-2-not-on-xbox-interview
– Microsoft (2023, October 1). Microsoft tests compact mode for Xbox app on Windows 11. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-news/en-us/microsoft-tests-compact-mode-for-xbox-app-on-windows-11/
– Official Xbox Podcast (2024, February 15). Xbox next-gen console confirmed, will be ‘largest technical leap in a hardware generation’. Retrieved from https://www.xbox.com/en-US/news/xbox-next-gen-console-confirmed-largest-technical-leap-in-a-hardware-generation

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