Fresh modifications to make Xbox gaming on handhelds easier and more enjoyable.
Late last year Microsoft updated its Xbox app, introducing a then new compact user interface that was designed specifically for handheld gaming PCs, such as the ASUS ROG Ally. Now, this user interface diet of sorts is being brought over to Microsoft's Game Bar overlay feature that's found on Windows.
This simplified UI is currently being tested with Xbox Insiders members — starting today. Oliver Xu from the Xbox team detailed that this new look should prove to be "more intuitive and easier to navigate on small screens, Windows handhelds, and when playing with a controller".
The big win for those on handhelds seems to be the ability to quickly switch between widgets via the left and right bumpers and get to the information or action you want fast.
The official blog post over on the Xbox site goes into more detail as to what this compact mode is aiming to do, along with sharing some information on how to access Compact Mode on Windows gaming handhelds.
As the feature is currently being tested, the Xbox team are also inviting feedback should you have any.
We've heard countless rumblings over the past two years about Microsoft entering the handheld space with Xbox — but until that rumour becomes reality, it's nice to see the Xbox team lay the groundwork and improve things along the way.
