Windows 11 is set to be better suited for third-party hardware. The internally developed Xbox handheld is rumored to have been delayed for this reason.
This sentiment is echoed annually, but this time it might genuinely take place: 2025 could indeed see a rise in gaming on Linux. SteamOS has recently achieved compatibility with non-Valve gaming handhelds, and as a result of the Steam Deck, the compatibility of PC games on Linux has been advancing. Recent reports even indicate considerable benefits over running Windows 11.
Microsoft appears to have reached the same conclusion: the native Xbox handheld is rumored to have been postponed internally in order to enhance the optimization of Windows on handheld devices.
Why this matters: Windows 11 on handheld devices is not particularly well-optimized for use on portable consoles. Initial evaluations with SteamOS on third-party handhelds have also indicated that both performance and battery longevity are superior with the Linux OS compared to Windows on the same hardware. Focusing on the optimization of Windows 11 for handhelds could remedy these limitations.
In detail: Windows Central has reportedly received information from insider sources indicating that the native Xbox handheld has been delayed in order to refine Windows 11 on third-party hardware.
- This does not pertain to the speculated Asus handheld, which was developed in conjunction with Microsoft. That device is still anticipated to launch this year.
- However, it is feasible that this Asus handheld will already include the first enhancements for Windows 11.
- The in-house Xbox handheld was initially projected for a 2027 release.
SteamOS may be the reason: With the debut of the Lenovo Legion Go S featuring SteamOS, a comparison between this new version and Windows became possible. This is precisely what YouTuber Dave2D accomplished and discovered that SteamOS delivers a performance increase of up to 15 percent. We reached a similar conclusion upon installing SteamOS 3.7.8 on the Lenovo Legion Go.
Time will reveal whether Microsoft will truly execute these plans and enhance Windows for gaming. If not, SteamOS could become increasingly appealing to a growing number of PC gamers.
How about you? Which operating system do you favor for PC gaming? Would you transition to SteamOS or another Linux distribution? What features or enhancements would you desire in Windows 11? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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