Key Takeaways
1. The handheld gaming market is rapidly evolving, with strong competition between Windows and Linux devices, highlighted by the GPD Win 5’s performance running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra.
2. A performance comparison was conducted among handheld devices with AMD and Intel processors to gauge where a new Xbox-branded model may rank.
3. Microsoft has introduced a full-screen handheld mode for the MSI Claw series, enhancing the Xbox gaming experience on Windows devices without needing unofficial modifications.
4. The new full-screen experience on the Claw 8 AI+ reduces background memory usage, allowing for better game performance and resource allocation.
5. Despite improvements, the Xbox-style launcher still lacks customization options and requires separate launches for some applications, indicating room for further refinements.
Over the last few months, the handheld gaming market has been changing rapidly, with devices running on both Windows and Linux competing fiercely with one another. The GPD Win 5, equipped with the AMD Strix Halo, has shown off its ability to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra on SteamOS 3.8, delivering some impressive results.
Performance Comparisons
In addition, there was a comprehensive comparison of handheld devices featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, Z2 Extreme, and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V. This was done to predict where the new Xbox-branded model might fall in terms of performance, considering it also includes the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.
Enthusiast Tweaks
On another note, a test with Bazzite, a well-known Linux fork, on the ROG Xbox Ally X demonstrated how dedicated fans are to maximizing performance from these handheld devices by installing a new operating system on an Xbox-branded machine.
Now, Microsoft is raising the bar by launching its full-screen handheld mode for the MSI Claw series via the Windows 11 Insider Dev and Beta channels (build 7051). This effectively extends the Xbox full-screen experience beyond just Asus’ ROG Ally devices. It’s an important milestone that acknowledges Windows handhelds as a significant category and eliminates the need for unofficial modifications to access the gaming-optimized interface.
New User Experience
YouTuber ETA Prime recently highlighted in a video how this update allows MSI Claw devices, such as the Intel-powered Claw 8 AI+, to enjoy the full-screen experience natively. Users can now boot straight into the new Xbox-like interface, navigate using the device’s buttons, and log in without a keyboard. Although this mode still needs an Insider build, Microsoft has stated that more OEMs will be supported in the upcoming months.
The interface works well with the Claw’s built-in tools, like MSI Center M, enabling users to adjust TDP and performance settings via the Xbox Game Bar. This creates a more unified experience similar to what SteamOS provides on Valve’s handhelds but is entirely built within Windows.
Memory Optimization and Performance
Testing conducted by ETA Prime on the Claw 8 AI+ indicates that switching from the old desktop mode to the new full-screen experience decreases background memory usage from around 7.3 GB to 6.2 GB, closely aligning with Microsoft’s claim of a 2 GB reduction. This optimization could be especially beneficial for 16 GB models, allowing for more available memory for games or VRAM allocation.
In terms of performance, games like Cyberpunk 2077 displayed modest yet steady improvements:
Other titles, such as Forza Horizon 5 and Black Myth: Wukong, also experienced slight boosts, while battery life stayed the same.
Room for Improvement
Despite the functional enhancements, ETA Prime points out that the interface still lacks some refinement. The Xbox-style launcher provides limited customization options and only automatically detects game launchers rather than all installed applications. Users who depend on monitoring tools or mod managers will still have to start them separately or through Steam’s non-Steam shortcut feature.
Nevertheless, ETA Prime emphasizes that this update marks a significant change in Microsoft’s approach to handheld gaming PCs, a sector that has been mainly dominated by Linux-based systems. With broader OEM support on the horizon, handheld gamers can anticipate improved compatibility and similar performance across devices like the MSI Claw, ROG Ally, and others.
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