Microsoft needs to listen to HP to improve handheld gaming

Handheld gaming has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to devices like Nintendo’s Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck taking centre stage. These platforms have struck a fine balance between portability and powerful gaming performance, raising the bar for the entire industry. However, Microsoft’s Windows, while a powerhouse in the desktop and laptop arena, has found it challenging to transition smoothly into the handheld gaming space. This disconnect has not gone unnoticed, with key industry players, including HP, expressing their concerns and proposing potential improvements. If Microsoft chooses to act on this feedback, it could significantly reshape the future of handheld gaming on Windows.

HP’s Perspective on Windows in Handheld Gaming

HP, a giant in the computing world, has notably stayed out of the handheld gaming arena. The reason? The current version of Windows simply doesn’t cater to the specific needs of handheld gaming devices. Speaking to XDA Developers, Josephine Tan—HP’s Senior Vice President and Division President of Gaming Solutions—shed light on this mismatch, pointing to the difficulties with Windows’ user experience on handheld platforms. She particularly noted the absence of intuitive features, such as seamless game resumption, which are standard on devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

This criticism highlights a crucial flaw: Windows, in its present state, is not optimised for handheld gaming. It’s a shortcoming that not only discourages manufacturers like HP from stepping into the space but also compromises the overall experience for gamers who want portability without sacrificing functionality.

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Strategies for Microsoft to Enhance Handheld Gaming on Windows

To bridge this gap, Microsoft can implement several key strategies:

Optimize Windows for Handheld Interfaces

Windows has long been designed with desktops and laptops in mind—setups where keyboards and mice are the norm. Handheld gaming devices, on the other hand, depend on touchscreens and controllers, calling for a more streamlined and intuitive interface. Recognising this, Microsoft has begun to address the issue. Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of “Next Generation,” has spoken about the company’s ambition to simplify the Windows experience for handheld gaming. His vision centres around making the player’s game library the focal point, moving away from the traditional desktop interface.

By drawing inspiration from the Xbox OS, built specifically for controller-based navigation, Microsoft has an opportunity to craft a more cohesive and user-friendly interface tailored to handheld devices. Such an approach would significantly reduce the friction users currently face when navigating Windows on compact screens without conventional input methods.

Develop a Unified Game Launcher

The fragmented state of game libraries across platforms such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass presents a significant hurdle for handheld gamers. Constantly switching between different launchers can be tedious, undermining the seamless experience that handheld gaming aspires to deliver.

A unified game launcher that consolidates all libraries into a single, cohesive interface would greatly improve accessibility and ease of use. This approach mirrors the console-like experience handheld gamers often prefer, where titles are immediately available without the need to jump between multiple platforms.

Such a launcher could also introduce features like universal search, a unified friends list, and cross-platform chat, further elevating the overall gaming experience.

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Enhance Controller Support

​Handheld gaming devices primarily depend on controllers for input, yet Windows’ native support for these peripherals has been less than ideal. Users have often faced frustration due to limited customisation options and inconsistent compatibility.

In response, Microsoft has begun rolling out improvements to refine the handheld gaming experience. A key development is the addition of a gamepad-friendly virtual keyboard in Windows 11, enabling users to navigate and type using an Xbox controller, marking a notable step forward in usability for handheld devices.

Microsoft is also working to integrate Xbox features more deeply into Windows PCs, aiming to create a more seamless and intuitive gaming environment. Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of “Next Generation,” has underscored the company’s ambition to merge the strengths of Xbox and Windows to simplify the overall experience, particularly for handheld gamers.

In parallel, third-party solutions such as Handheld Companion have stepped in to bridge existing gaps, offering enhancements like motion controls, quick access overlays, and greater controller customisation. By continuing to improve native support, expand customisation options, and introduce a standardised framework for controller input, Microsoft has the opportunity to transform the handheld gaming experience on Windows, making it far more compelling for gamers on the go.

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Improve Power Efficiency

Battery life is a critical factor for handheld devices. Windows, originally designed for mains-powered PCs, isn’t optimised for the power constraints of handheld gaming systems.To enhance power efficiency, Microsoft can:

• Optimise Background Processes: Minimize unnecessary background tasks that consume resources without contributing to the gaming experience.

• Implement Adaptive Performance Scaling: Allow the system to dynamically adjust performance based on the game’s demands, conserving power during less intensive scenes.

• Collaborate with Hardware Manufacturers: Work closely with device manufacturers to fine-tune power management settings, ensuring optimal balance between performance and battery life.

These measures would extend playtime, a crucial aspect for the handheld gaming demographic, and position Windows as a more viable platform for portable gaming devices.

Microsoft’s Initiatives and the Road Ahead

Recognising these challenges, Microsoft has begun taking steps to improve Windows for handheld gaming. According to The Verge, the company is exploring ways to combine the strengths of Xbox and Windows to offer a more cohesive and intuitive experience for handheld users. This includes simplifying the interface, enhancing controller support, and potentially introducing a dedicated gaming mode specifically designed for handheld devices.

Moreover, Microsoft’s ongoing collaboration with hardware partners signals a genuine commitment to strengthening the handheld gaming ecosystem. By aligning software improvements with evolving hardware capabilities, Microsoft is well-positioned to help future handheld devices deliver a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.

The handheld gaming market offers a considerable opportunity for Microsoft to broaden its gaming ecosystem. By addressing key limitations of Windows in this space, such as refining the user interface, unifying game launchers, boosting controller support, and enhancing power efficiency, Microsoft can position Windows as a front-runner in the handheld gaming arena. Taking on board industry feedback, especially from influential players like HP, and implementing these targeted improvements will be crucial in reaching that objective.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft’s proactive efforts to tailor Windows for handheld devices will not only elevate the gaming experience for users but also inspire manufacturers to push the boundaries of innovation in this resurgent segment of the market.