Asus and Xbox recently teased their upcoming Xbox-branded handheld device. Coinciding with that, dataminers have discovered new code in the recent Insider build of Windows 11, hinting at the long-awaited implementation of a gaming UI. 

Xeno Panther first shared the discovery, but Windows Central verified the claims. The new strings hint at a new “full screen experience” as part of Xbox's continued influence on Windows. The specific code string is as follows: “Gaming_GamingPosture_ChooseHomeApp”.

Microsoft has been experimenting with a ‘gaming UI' for Windows for a couple of years now. As part of an internal Hackathon event, one Microsoft developer showcased their prototype Windows Gaming UI for handhelds. It is anticipated that the final product will offer something very similar to this, with a controller-friendly, full-screen view of a gaming library, rather than booting into the Windows desktop.

It has also recently been rumoured that next-generation Xbox consoles will essentially be PCs, potentially with full access to Windows.

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KitGuru Says: Would you be more inclined to replace your console with a living-room friendly PC if Windows had a gaming-friendly, console-like UI mode? 

In recent weeks, we've heard rumblings about an upcoming Xbox handheld, in partnership with another big gaming brand. As rumours predicted, that brand appears to be Asus, with an Xbox branded version of the popular ROG Ally handheld. 

This week, Asus shared a teaser video showcasing an ROG Ally, complete with an Xbox style gamepad. Naturally, the official Xbox account was the first reply to the tweet, indicating that this is indeed a marketing teaser for the upcoming Xbox-branded handheld.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

This all follows leaks from March, in which it was claimed that Microsoft would be launching its first Xbox handheld device this year. While the company is still thought to be making its own first-party handheld gaming system, Microsoft has opted to test the market first by partnering up with Asus, who already make well-received Windows 11 handhelds. The new ROG Ally will be an officially licensed Xbox-branded product.

Part of this launch will include more gaming-friendly UI elements for Windows 11, alongside other features intended to help boost game performance.

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KitGuru Says: The ROG Ally is already quite expensive compared to the Steam Deck, although it does pack more power. This new Xbox-branded version should come with new Windows features to improve the handheld gaming experience, something Microsoft has been working on for a couple of years already. 

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