What you need to know
- Xbox Game Bar is a tool available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.
- Hitting Windows Key + G opens the Xbox Game Bar overlay, giving you access to useful PC gaming settings like screen capture recording, screenshotting, Xbox’s social feed, and more.
- Microsoft today made it a thousand times easier to use on the new wave of PC gaming handhelds, with a new Compact Mode version hitting Xbox Insiders on PC.
- The new Compact Mode ditches the mouse-oriented widgets for something more gamepad-friendly, with better scaling for 7-inch screens like those typical of the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally range.
As a tech enthusiast who has been following the gaming landscape for years, I can’t help but feel excited about Microsoft’s recent move to update the Xbox Game Bar with a compact mode designed specifically for PC gaming handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally.
Among Microsoft’s less recognized tools is receiving an upgrade, particularly tailored for users with devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally.
The Xbox Game Bar, a frequently overlooked feature, is available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. Pressing the Windows Key + G will summon it if it’s enabled, offering easy access to numerous helpful settings during gameplay. Features like FPS counters, performance graphs, screenshots, and video recordings can be accessed quickly through the Xbox Game Bar. However, it was primarily designed for desktop use. The app is divided into several small, adjustable windows, and the text size is optimized for larger displays. Consequently, it may not be very practical on smaller screens, such as those commonly found in portable gaming devices, where the Xbox Game Bar could potentially be most beneficial.
Today, Microsoft released an update for members of the Xbox Insider Program on PC, which can be opted into via the Microsoft Store. This update includes a brand-new “Compact Mode” feature in the tool, as previously announced on the Xbox blog.
“With great enthusiasm, we’re announcing that Compact Mode has been introduced in the Game Bar for Xbox Insiders! This fresh experience streamlines Game Bar, making it more intuitive and user-friendly on small screens, Windows handheld devices, and when gaming with a controller. To access this feature, open Game Bar, navigate to the Settings widget, find ‘General’ section, and flip on the switch for ‘Compact Mode’.”
As a tech enthusiast with years of gaming under my belt, I’ve always appreciated the convenience of quick access to game settings and features during play. The new Xbox Game Bar Compact Mode is a game-changer for me. Not only can you easily toggle it on or off via the settings menu, but when you download this update, it even provides a direct link to the setting in the initial dialogue box! This feature significantly enhances my gaming experience, allowing me to seamlessly navigate between games and system settings without interrupting my gameplay flow. I’m excited to see how this will evolve and improve over time.
Instead of the mouse-centric widget windows found in the desktop version, this updated mode adopts a layout similar to the Xbox Guide interface for simpler navigation using any PC-compatible gamepad. You can find suitable controllers by checking out our comprehensive guide on top Xbox controllers, which I highly recommend you explore (open it in a new tab immediately).
As a researcher exploring the Xbox Game Bar, I’ve found it incredibly convenient to navigate between its widely-used features. The primary screen displays both games and installed launchers such as Steam and Battle.net. The subsequent tab presents your Xbox network friends list. Additionally, you can find tabs for the Xbox Game DVR, which allows recording gameplay footage (or even capturing any active window for content creators or to guide a family member through troubleshooting). Lastly, it offers quick access to performance monitors and an FPS counter for your PC.
The initial release of Compact Mode has some unpolished areas. It lacks animations, and certain slides need better adjustment for screens on the smaller side. However, it’s an impressive beginning, and hints at potential handheld possibilities for Xbox in the future.
Microsoft’s gaming handheld future
Companies such as Microsoft and others are continually seeking innovative strategies to attract new users. As gaming enthusiasts grow older and their preferences evolve, gaming itself must adapt if it intends to stay relevant among this demographic. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally have seen a surge in popularity lately, with my friends who are new parents finding them particularly appealing. These devices offer benefits beyond travel, such as facilitating “local co-op” gaming within homes, thereby allowing the TV to be used by children or partners less interested in games like Diablo 4’s latest season.
As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled about Microsoft’s efforts to enhance the Windows experience for devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. However, there’s a clear demand for improvements as these devices lag behind in terms of usability compared to handhelds such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Their interfaces are not designed with touch or small screens in mind, which is a significant disadvantage.
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2024-08-14 02:09