Exciting news for handheld gaming enthusiasts! While the official launch of the Xbox Ally handheld is still a few weeks away, you can get a head start and try its innovative new interface right now. Thanks to a recent Windows 11 beta update and some clever Reddit users, Microsoft’s brand-new fullscreen handheld interface is available for trial on existing Windows handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally.
This streamlined interface is expected to officially debut with the release of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X on October 16. These upcoming Asus handhelds are poised to be strong contenders in the portable gaming market. Importantly, this revamped Windows 11 interface isn’t just for the new devices; it’s anticipated to become widely available for other Windows handhelds too.
Although it hasn’t officially launched, a resourceful Reddit user recently shared the simple steps to enable this feature. To try it yourself, your handheld needs to have the Windows 11 25H2 update installed, which is currently accessible to Windows Insider beta testers via a Release Preview update.
Once you have the update, enabling the new mode is straightforward: navigate to Settings, then Gaming, and finally, “Full screen experience.” Here, select “Xbox” as your home application and activate the “Enter full screen experience on start-up” slider. After a quick restart, you’ll be greeted by the new, dedicated dashboard.
The full Windows update is scheduled for release in October, but if you’re eager to move beyond the traditional desktop-focused Windows 11 interface on your handheld, this Release Preview offers an immediate solution. Our hands-on experience with the Xbox Ally at Gamescom confirmed that this new controller-friendly interface vastly improves usability compared to the standard desktop layout, though you can still switch between them as needed.
With a recent Xbox app update consolidating game collections into an all-in-one hub, Microsoft is clearly dedicated to enhancing its operating system for gamers. If you’re using Windows on other handhelds, like an older Asus ROG Ally, you’ll be able to enjoy these significant improvements as soon as the Windows 11 25H2 update is installed.
We’re eagerly looking forward to the new Xbox Ally’s launch this October. In the meantime, if you’re looking for another portable gaming solution, don’t forget to explore our guides on the best gaming laptops and other handheld PCs to find an option that suits your budget and needs.
Have you had a chance to try out the new Windows 11 handheld experience? Share your thoughts and screenshots with us and other readers!