Console UX on a Windows PC gaming handheld? ‘Winhanced’ wants to beat Microsoft and Xbox to the punch.

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Microsoft is starting to feel the pressure from SteamOS.

Just a week ago, we were the first to break the news that Microsoft is postponing its plans for an official Xbox portable device. This could be to enhance the gaming aspect of Windows 11 instead. While this decision seems wise, it has left developers and gaming enthusiasts eager to improve the portable gaming experience on Windows unaided.

In this rephrased version, I’ve attempted to maintain the original sentiment while making it more conversational and easier to understand:

As things stand now, the user experience (UX) on Windows leaves much to be desired. It can be cumbersome, inconsistent, and seems to have been developed without considering controllers or small screens. Today, let’s explore Winhanced, a solution designed to outperform Xbox in enhancing PC gaming experiences for handheld devices.

So, what is Winhanced and why does it matter?

Devices like ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, which are compact Windows PCs for gaming, are strong but can sometimes be cumbersome to use. Winhensed is a new program for Windows 11 that’s stepping into the handheld gaming scene, aiming to offer a console-like experience on any Windows device. Unlike tools from manufacturers like Armoury Crate, MSI Center M, or Legion Space which mainly provide access to device settings and shortcuts, Winhensed offers a unique approach by redesigning the entire user interface. Instead of simply coexisting with Windows, it aims to completely replace it.

Fundamentally, Winhanced offers a consolidated collection of your games from platforms such as Steam, Xbox, Epic, and others, regardless of whether they’re installed or not. This comprehensive library is displayed in an organized, user-friendly interface designed for effortless navigation on handheld devices, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.

Key features of Winhanced

Although Winhanced is relatively new, it’s already packed with a remarkable assortment of features, receiving updates approximately every fortnight. Notable aspects are the integration of HowLongToBeat within compatible games, a “What’s New” section to keep you informed about the latest gaming news, and a switch between game mode and desktop mode for adaptability. The Living Glass UI serves as the connector, offering a tidy, console-like interface designed expressly for handheld gaming.

Recently, Winhached unveiled a new feature called Winhached AutoPilot, which employs an AI model fine-tuned on more than 10 different devices to autonomously regulate TDP (Thermal Design Power) and dynamically adjust refresh rates. At present, this feature is in its beta phase and can be accessed only by backers of the project. However, it’s worth noting its introduction.

To date, Winhanced has undergone testing on the ROG Ally (original and X versions), Lenovo Legion Go, as well as the 2025 ASUS Flow Z13. The development team is currently seeking additional testers from diverse hardware configurations.

How it compares to SteamOS

Without a doubt, SteamOS and the Steam Deck are well-known in gaming circles. Designed by Valve on a Linux platform, it boasts an intuitive user interface geared towards games, customized for handheld devices. The key advantage lies in its seamless integration with Steam, providing a smooth, console-like experience straight away. In contrast to Windows, SteamOS doesn’t cost a penny, is lightweight, and typically boots and runs faster.

On the other hand, SteamOS doesn’t come without certain compromises. For instance, it doesn’t offer native support for platforms like Xbox Game Pass and Epic Games, reducing its adaptability. Furthermore, games that heavily rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems are not compatible, which may exclude popular online titles from the platform.

In some gaming situations, SteamOS has proven to surpass Windows 11’s performance, as demonstrated by recent tests, particularly on systems such as the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Community focused

One engaging aspect of Winhanced lies in the ongoing communication between its developers and users on the Winhenced Discord server. Ideas for new features are regularly proposed and often put into action swiftly after they’re suggested.

Initially, I merely proposed Xbox Cloud Gaming, but surprisingly, within a week, a functioning demonstration was being presented on Discord. Similarly, GeForce Now (recently launched on SteamOS) was previously suggested earlier in the year, and although it took some time, it’s now on its way. The recent debut of Living Glass UI and other advancements are helping Winhanced to evolve into a genuine competitor to the software that typically comes pre-installed on most handheld devices.

Is Winhanced ready for the mainstream?

Although it boasts significant progress, this software requires more time to achieve its full shine. Importing over 1,000 games from Xbox and Steam into Winhanced takes approximately 45 minutes, which might seem like a time-consuming task for some users. However, if you’re prepared to exercise patience, report any bugs through their Discord channel, and look beyond the initial effort, the experience is definitely worth it.

Microsoft is making efforts to improve the PC handheld gaming experience on Windows 11, but progress has been gradual so far. The Xbox Game Bar and Xbox app have significantly improved since their initial reception, yet Windows 11 itself presents challenges. Users encounter hurdles when booting into the Desktop just to access their games, and this is before we even discuss issues like the Windows 11 login screen, User Account Control, and the overall onboarding experience for new users – all of which are not designed for controller or touch input.

Despite the fact that it might still need some refinement before it’s suitable for widespread “plug-and-play” use, Winhenced is quickly emerging as an extremely enticing user interface for mobile gaming on Windows. You can explore it now by visiting Winhanced.com.

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2025-06-04 16:39