Microsoft's 'Xbox mode' is coming to every Windows 11 PC

"Microsoft seems more determined than ever to combine Xbox and Windows - to the point that its next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will play PC games too. Today, we learned Helix will go alpha in 2027. But the company isn't waiting for Helix before it points Windows gamers in the Xbox direction. Starting in April, it's bringing its full-screen Xbox mode to every kind of Windows 11 PC, including laptops, desktops, and tablets."

"Technically, you've been able to try the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) in preview since November 2025, if you were part of both the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider Programs. But it needed work, as well as a better name. When Microsoft originally shipped it on the Asus-designed Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds, we were clear: it didn't meaningfully turn a PC experience into an easy-to-use Xbox one."

"Microsoft also says it's opening up Advanced Shader Delivery to all developers in the Xbox store, letting them speed up game load times by sending precompiled shaders when you download games there. (I've heard it's a common technique on consoles, and Valve offers precompiled shaders with Steam.)"

Microsoft is accelerating its integration of Xbox and Windows gaming platforms. Starting in April, Xbox mode will be available on all Windows 11 devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. This full-screen experience was previously available in preview through insider programs but required improvements and a clearer name. The company is also developing Project Helix, its next-generation Xbox console set to enter alpha testing in 2027, which will support PC games. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding developer tools by opening Advanced Shader Delivery to all Xbox store developers, enabling faster game load times through precompiled shaders. The company continues refining the Xbox Ally handheld, which has become increasingly reliable.

Read at The Verge