The next thing from Windows could be a mod optimized for Steam Deck and other handheld consoles.

Since launch steam deck, the market for computer handheld consoles exploded. This does not mean that Valve is the only or even the first company trying to trample the sector. However, it is the one who has so far received the most income from this bet. However, your device has the same drawback as devices from other brands targeting the same market: can run Windows, but it’s not optimized for it.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Microsoft has begun experimenting with a mode specifically designed for portable consoles such as the Steam Deck.. This came to light after an internal video was leaked on Twitter (via edge), which shows the characteristics of this interesting modality.

Beware, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Handheld Mode is a feature that could be coming to Windows anytime soon. The video explains that this feature was born within the framework of hackathon hosted by Microsoft last September. At this event, the company’s engineers presented new ideas to management.

As you can see from the tweets, Steam Deck’s main drawback when running under Windows is navigating through its GUI. This is not limited to the Valve console, although it is true that other manufacturers have developed their own solutions to easily switch from “PC mode” to “console mode” and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible. But the end result is still far from ideal..

Also cited is the lack of support for Steam Deck controls outside of the Steam app or games. As well as the lack of optimization for vRAM and other problems associated with the virtual keyboard and screen format.

Special Windows mode for Steam Deck and other portable consoles?

This is where the draft mode for handheld consoles in Windows starts to make more sense. It is clear that what is valued in the video is a prototype, and there is no way to know if it will make it to the final version of the software. Regardless, it’s still very pleasing that Redmond acknowledges that consoles like the Steam Deck, Ayaneo 2, or the upcoming Asus ROG Ally have a lot of potential and need special attention to ensure the best possible experience with their OS.

The video shows that the mode, specially designed for portable consoles, has updated GUI adapted for these devices. But it doesn’t stop there. The project shows that this modality includes a process adaptation to set up the equipment. Thus, it is easier to install the drivers and services necessary for the correct operation of Windows.

One of the big advantages of this mode is that developers made Steam Deck controls – levers, buttons, touchpads – work anywhere in Windows. But not only that. What you see in the images is a sort of floating taskbar that users can easily call up to switch between apps. Although the best, without a doubt, is the possibility select launcher predefined – Steam, Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, Epic Games, etc. – so that it launches every time the device is turned on.

The narrator of the video even mentions what basic elements need to be changed in Windows so that the handheld console mod can be brought to the general public. and guarantees the solution. “Everyone who has worked on this project believes that this is what Windows users need and deserve. And that’s what, in the end, we all want to see. If we could just dive into this experience for handheld consoles, we might see new sources of income and goodwill from the PC gaming community,” he says.

For now, Windows mode for portable consoles like the Steam Deck is nothing more than a good idea from Microsoft. It remains to be seen if this feature will get its place in a future operating system update. It’s not bad to fool yourself that it is.