Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Microsoft Expands Xbox Full-Screen Experience to More Windows Handhelds
Microsoft has made it easier to play games on Windows-based handhelds by adding a new feature called Xbox Full Screen Experience.
This feature lets you play games from different stores in one place and makes the handhelds work more like a console.
Microsoft plans to add this feature to other Windows computers soon, which could change how they approach PC gaming.
This is also a challenge to another company's similar feature on their handheld device.
Microsoft rolls out Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to more Windows-based handhelds
FSE consolidates games from multiple sources into one unified launcher
Streamlined interface frees up approximately 2GB of RAM for gaming
Microsoft plans to expand FSE to other Windows 11 PC form factors
FSE challenges Valve's SteamOS on the Steam Deck
- Who
- Microsoft
- What
- Expanded Xbox Full Screen Experience to more Windows handhelds
- When
- Starting today
- Where
- Windows-based handheld consoles
- Why
- To improve gaming experience on Windows handhelds and challenge competitors
Microsoft's Xbox FSE
Valve's SteamOS
Software Compatibility
Microsoft's Xbox FSE
FSE offers broader software compatibility due to its Windows base
Valve's SteamOS
SteamOS has limited software compatibility, but it's designed specifically for gaming
Performance
Microsoft's Xbox FSE
FSE uses fewer system resources for smoother gameplay and potentially extended battery life
Valve's SteamOS
Some performance tests show SteamOS outperforming Windows 11
- Initial Availability
- Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X
- Supported Handhelds
- Lenovo Legion Go, original ROG Ally, MSI Claw, AYANEO, and other Windows handheld gaming PCs
- RAM Saved
- Approximately 2GB
- Future Expansion
- Other Windows 11 PC form factors through Xbox and Windows Insider programs
- Competitor
- Valve's SteamOS on the Steam Deck