Microsoft Improves Xbox App for Gaming Handhelds with New Compact Mode

The Xbox app's new compact mode is better optimized for gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally. It has a streamlined sidebar that's easier to navigate on a small touchscreen.

This is the first step in Microsoft's broader plan to improve the Windows 11 experience for gaming handhelds. The software isn't well optimized for 7-inch tablets right now.

Compact mode removes unnecessary bulk from the Xbox app and makes Game Pass easier to use on devices like the ROG Ally. The old sidebar took up too much space.

Windows 11 itself still has issues for small tablets, like odd scaling and poor touch controls. Microsoft needs to adapt the OS better to different hardware experiences.

A stripped down gaming-focused version of Windows would be ideal. But we can expect more gaming refinements for Windows 11 as gaming handhelds become more popular.