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Xbox Mode Is Coming to Windows 11 in April

IbizaPocholo

NeoGAFs Kent Brockman

During GDC, it was announced that Xbox Mode would be coming to Windows 11 devices in April. The devices shown on screen ranged from desktops and laptops to the ROG Ally Xbox handheld devices.

The mode will provide a full-screen Xbox interface for desktops and laptops, and desktops that can be switched on and off. The new mode will also bring features from the Xbox Ally handheld devices to desktop and PC, and aims to optimize the Xbox gaming experience overall, perhaps getting one step closer to "everything" being an Xbox.
 
I have a better idea, why not make a version of windows geared towards gaming, so you no longer have to worry about all this stupid xbox branded stuff.
 
So it's similar to steam big picture or what?
Sort of, but you can still launch various apps since it's system level, where Big Picture is just a Steam app overlay. It also turns off processes most of us have already done when setting up Windows for gaming.
 
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Is this the thing that will make my PC a console?
Understand Captain America GIF
 
The Mango project is basically a PC.

Microsoft needs to get his messaging tightened up

This box is a PC and they need to ditch the xbox moniker.
 
Sort of, but you can still launch various apps since it's system level, where Big Picture is just a Steam app overlay. It also turns off processes most of us have already done when setting up Windows for gaming.
Sorry to be that guy, but you can launch any app with Steam too.
 
Sorry to be that guy, but you can launch any app with Steam too.
Yes but with the FSE you don't have to. You can just use your controller over the weird low res icon and launch your Steam game from there.

edit-speaking of launching from Steam, there is a setting in the Game Mode of what store front to launch from. It only had Xbox as an option. Will they be adding Steam eventually?
 
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Yes but with the FSE you don't have to. You can just use your controller over the weird low res icon and launch your Steam game from there.
Not sure what you mean with "you don't have to". If I want to add explorer.exe to the FSE I don't need to add it manually? Is it already there??
 
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Well, I think that's the path Xbox is heading now. It's pretty clear that's where things seem to be going. Soon any PC will basically be a "Xbox Helix".
 
I was thinking more in line with how windows has pro and enterprise versions of their OS. I don't want unnecessary bloat or additions I want to be able to purchase an OS that serves my purposes.
Don't worry. Microsoft is apparently looking into making Windows modular so you can buy subscribe to the part of Windows that serves your purposes.

If that sounds like a terrible idea, it's because it is.
 
Can I play all of my older digital Xbox console/s library?
No, but I guess this is why I see so many posts wanting them to remove the Xbox name from the app.
the apps been around since windows 8, got a redesign in 2019 for Gamepass. and a re re design recently with the FSE.
People are acting like they never touched a windows machine before.
 
Leave it to Microsoft to hype up a feature for literal years that several others have already been doing for ages (Steam Big Picture, Playnite, GOG Galaxy, Game Console Mode, Legion Space, Launchbox, etc.. etc..).


Also knowing Microsoft, it'll be worse than the alternatives already available (see Xbox Cloud Gaming vs Geforce Now or Sunshine/Moonlight, etc.. etc..)
 
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And it will be promptly uninstalled, just like the existing Xbox apps that come with Windows 11.
Why would I want bloatware that is inferior to Steam in every way taking up resources.

Do they not realise that most PC users have no intention of adopting their shitty Xbox experience.
 
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I mean, all they are saying is that the interface of the next um "XBOX" can be found on PC after a update....almost like the next um "XBOX" will just be a PC lol

ChuckeRearmed ChuckeRearmed If they are able to have it solely focused on gaming and other programs halted etc, then sure, I'm hype, but I don't know if MS can do all that..
 
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The mode will provide a full-screen Xbox interface for desktops and laptops, and desktops that can be switched on and off. The new mode will also bring features from the Xbox Ally handheld devices to desktop and PC, and aims to optimize the Xbox gaming experience overall, perhaps getting one step closer to "everything" being an Xbox.

giphy.gif
vpripiqmh7df1.gif
 
The mode will provide a full-screen Xbox interface for desktops and laptops, and desktops that can be switched on and off. The new mode will also bring features from the Xbox Ally handheld devices to desktop and PC, and aims to optimize the Xbox gaming experience overall, perhaps getting one step closer to "everything" being an Xbox.

giphy.gif
vpripiqmh7df1.gif
Because this will be the new Xbox OS and it's be great for them to test it in advance
 
the phil spencer era is OVER
Thats cause his job to transition them over to PC and multiplatform things is complete. If that was his sole purpose, he did the best job I think one can do under all those circumstances. I get people hate that he lied about all that, but I literally said years ago, if MS goes that route, they will not just tell you YEARS in advance, they will slowly make comments about putting a set number of games on PC, PS and Nintendo, then more, then a few more and they will not tell you their real plans until Series X is retired

Their goal is to maximize their sales and historically, companies that did like revamps didn't just tell people deep in advance, they wanted to make as much as they could on their hardware until its time to reveal their real plans.

So MS handled this how I sorta expected them to. This makes the best sense for MS. Its not something Sony could do, its not something Nintendo could do and I think anyone in business needs to really fucking learn this lesson, what is good for SOMEONE ELSES business, does not mean its good for you. Make the best based on your exact situation.
_____________________Asha Sharma

_________________Xbox

WE ARE THE FUTURE CHARLES...NOT THEM!


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The mode will provide a full-screen Xbox interface for desktops and laptops, and desktops that can be switched on and off. The new mode will also bring features from the Xbox Ally handheld devices to desktop and PC, and aims to optimize the Xbox gaming experience overall, perhaps getting one step closer to "everything" being an Xbox.

giphy.gif
vpripiqmh7df1.gif
Because Steam OS scared their pants off.

People will then claim that Ms invented the livingroom PC\console hybrid.

Like they invented online play on consoles.

Like they invented whatever else they get credit for these days.
 
it's not enough that it can be switched off, can it just not be installed at all, thanks. Don't want that console garbage adding another log of shit to the pile of shit win 11 already is.
 
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