How Good Is the Xbox App Full Screen Experience on Handheld PCs?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Microsoft's new Xbox fullscreen experience aims to bring console-like convenience to Windows-powered handheld gaming PCs. On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott reviewed the preview build and found it offers promising features, but there are caveats in performance and day-to-day usability.

What’s New: The Xbox Full Screen Experience

Microsoft is testing a new fullscreen Xbox app specifically designed for handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11. Instead of landing on the traditional desktop, these devices boot directly into the Xbox app, providing an interface similar to what you’d find on an Xbox console.

Paul Thurrott tested this experience on a Lenovo Legion Go 2—a powerful Windows gaming handheld with AMD Zen 5 internals, up to 32GB RAM, and up to 1920 x 1200 display. The device features controller halves like an Xbox, USB-C docking, and even a small trackpad to help when using traditional PC interfaces.

Console-Like Controls and Features

With the new Xbox mode, you navigate most functions using only a controller—shutting down, launching games, adjusting network settings, and more—without needing a keyboard or mouse. Pressing and holding the Xbox button brings up a Task View, akin to Alt+Tab for navigating open apps.

The Game Bar overlay and widgets like Game Assist, social contacts, and the new Gaming Copilot (which identifies the current game and offers context-aware help) are now optimized for quick controller access.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Streamlined interface: Boots straight into gaming—no desktop or Windows clutter.
• Game launcher agnostic: Supports Game Pass, Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, and Battle.net; games from multiple sources appear in one library.
• Full controller navigation: Most dialogs and app functions are accessible by controller, minimizing the need for a mouse or touch.
• Performance: On the tested hardware (Lenovo Legion Go 2), demanding games like Call of Duty achieve 50–75 FPS at high settings.

Cons

• Battery life: 2–3 hours for most AAA games; "terrible" for longer sessions (e.g., not suitable for long flights).
• Weight and size: Devices like the Legion Go 2 are thicker and heavier than many alternatives.
• Bugs and minor interface gaps: Occasional pop-up dialogs may still require a mouse or trackpad, though Microsoft's improvements are closing these gaps.
• Not optimized for all hardware yet: Some unique device features (like removable controllers) aren’t fully leveraged.

Who Is This For?

This setup is ideal for:

• PC gamers who own or are interested in Windows-based handhelds (like Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally).
• Xbox Game Pass subscribers looking to play both Xbox and PC games in a portable format.
• Players who value broad game compatibility, including titles with advanced anti-cheat (which are often problematic on Linux-based Steam Deck).
• Users willing to be early adopters and accept some first-gen compromises—especially around battery life and optimization.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft is closing the gap between console and PC portable experiences with a dedicated Xbox app mode.
• Controller-only navigation is largely successful, offering convenience and a familiar feel to Xbox users.
• You can install this preview now on most Windows 11 handhelds, but optimal usage requires integrated gaming controls.
• Battery life remains a limiting factor, particularly for graphically intensive games.

The Bottom Line

If you want a Windows handheld that blends the best of Xbox and PC gaming, this new Xbox fullscreen experience is the closest yet to a true console-in-your-hand experience. There is still room for Microsoft and hardware makers to polish the interface further and improve battery life, but the future for portable gaming PCs looks promising.

Ready to learn more or see real-time demos? Watch the full episode of Hands-On Windows:
https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows/episodes/168