Leaked video shows Microsoft working on Windows Handheld Mode

There is no denying that the success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck has helped to inspire other manufacturers to get in on the handheld market. One company which seems to be tinkering with the idea is Microsoft – with a new video showcasing a Windows 11 UI designed for handheld gaming.

As shared by Twitter user ‘WalkingCat’, part of Microsoft’s Hackathon event from last September saw one employee present the latest project from senior UX designer Dorothy Feng. This Windows Handheld Mode comes with a launcher which allows users to easily access games from across the many gaming storefronts that exist, including Steam; PC Game Pass; EA Play; The Epic Games Store and more.

In addition, this handheld mode comes with an optimised on-screen keyboard as well as a floating taskbar for added ease of use.

With it being part of a Hackathon project do not expect this feature to be released – at least not in its current form. It is clear that this launcher is early in development and comes from a small team of developers. That said, it is also clear that Microsoft employees themselves have a great deal of interest in bringing Windows to handhelds, and so hopefully this Hackathon project ends up becoming a reality.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of current Windows handhelds? Would you like to see Windows introduce its own handheld mode? What do you think of Steam OS? Let us know down below.

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