Microsoft adds Xbox mode to Windows 11 PCs in April

Perhaps setting the groundwork for the future launch of Microsoft's Project Helix, Windows users will be getting access to a dedicated Xbox mode this April. This will work on laptops, desktops, and tablets.

As announced via the Windows Blog, "Xbox mode delivers a controller-optimized experience to your Windows 11 device, letting players browse their library, launch games, use Game Bar and switch between apps."

I don't know if I see the value of an Xbox mode on my desktop, but that might be because I'm 80% mouse and keyboard at this point. The Windows UI is, admittedly, still pretty hard to navigate on a controller without a touchpad, and Steam's Big Picture mode can make accessing the Epic Games Store or Xbox app a bit troublesome.

Arguably the biggest application for an Xbox mode is in whatever console Microsoft decides to put out next. Early reports suggest it's a tad more PC-like than previous Xbox devices, and it may even come with built-in Windows support.

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