For years, we have relied on Steam’s Big Picture mode to turn our PCs into consoles. Thanks to its controller-friendly interface, you really don’t feel the need to reach for a mouse and keyboard when you’re scrolling through your library. And now, Microsoft is moving in a similar direction. The company has recently confirmed that Windows 11 PCs will soon get a new gaming interface called Xbox mode. Once this update rolls out, any Windows 11 laptop, desktop, or tablet will be able to switch into a console style gaming environment. The feature is designed to make gaming on a PC feel more like using an Xbox. So, instead of navigating menus with a keyboard and mouse, players will be able to control the entire interface using a controller while sitting back on a couch or playing on a TV.
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Windows 11 PCs are getting a console style Xbox mode
The company is calling this feature the Xbox Full Screen Experience, but it is widely being referred to as Xbox mode. Once enabled, the Windows desktop changes into a dedicated gaming interface that closely resembles the Xbox home screen.
This seems ideal for gamers who prefer to connect their PCs to their TVs as navigating Windows with a keyboard and mouse from across the room can be inconvenient. The Xbox mode solves this problem by creating a controller friendly interface that lets users browse and launch games without touching the keyboard.
Microsoft’s announcement further shared that players will be able to access games from Xbox Game Pass as well as Steam. Moreover, switching between games or apps should also be possible directly through the controller.
According to Microsoft, the mode is designed for players who want a more streamlined gaming experience. When activated, the PC behaves more like a traditional console, allowing users to jump into games quickly without navigating the usual Windows desktop.
When is the feature rolling out?
Microsoft has announced that it plans to begin rolling out the feature from April. However, users in India will have to most likely wait a little longer as the feature will first rollout in the US.
It is to be noted that even though the feature is new for most users, Microsoft has actually been testing it for several months. Xbox mode first appeared in preview builds of Windows 11 through the Windows Insider programme in November. Early testers were able to try the full screen gaming interface before the wider rollout.
Moreover, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X already has this feature enabled. On those devices, the interface was designed to make portable gaming easier by providing a controller focused environment instead of the standard Windows desktop.
The company is also reportedly working toward a future where the next generation Xbox console can run PC games as well. If that indeed happens, the line between Xbox consoles and Windows gaming PCs could eventually disappear.
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