Summary

  • Xbox mode rolls out on Windows 11 devices in April in select markets.
  • Rollout timing varies by region; not every device will get it at once.
  • Advanced Shader Delivery will open to third‑party game developers in May.

Microsoft has a bit of a problem on its hands. In an ideal world for the company, handheld gaming companies would always make Windows 11 the default on their products. However, SteamOS (and the distros it inspired, like Bazzite) can make handhelds really sing at no additional cost, which isn't ideal if Microsoft wants its OS to be the go-to choice for handhelds, especially with its own Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.

This is likely the thought process that went behind designing the "Xbox Full Screen Experience," now called "Xbox Mode." It's a new mode arriving on Windows 11 that turns the OS into a full-screen gaming experience, and while it makes playing games on a Windows 11 handheld much easier, you can also use it on desktops if you're an insider. Now, Microsoft has revealed that Xbox mode is coming to all Windows 11 devices in select markets next month.

Microsoft reveals the rollout for Xbox Mode

Not everyone will get it all at once, though

The ROG Xbox Ally X's buttons

Over on the Windows Blog, Microsoft has revealed what it's showing off at this year's GDC. The star of the show is the announcement of Xbox Mode's general release, which happens next month:

Starting in April, Xbox mode will start rolling out to users in select markets on all Windows 11 PC form factors, including laptops, desktops and tablets, bringing the experience to a broader set of devices. Xbox mode makes it easier for players to jump into a streamlined, full‐screen, dedicated gaming experience whenever they want to lean back and play.

Microsoft also notes that the timing of the Xbox mode release will vary by region, so here's hoping the company gives us a heads-up down the line.

Microsoft also announced that Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) is becoming available to all game developers. We saw it introduced last year with the ROG Xbox Ally X, and now the tech giant is opening the door to "third-party studios" in May.