Anyone who has gamed on a handheld Windows PC knows that the built-in on-screen keyboard leaves much to be desired. Not only do you struggle to reach the keys with your thumbs across clunky controllers, but using a joystick to type can be pretty awkward. Plus, the traditional staggered QWERTY format is not very practical for handheld devices.
Exciting New Developments
However, a recent blog post from Microsoft reveals that the latest Windows Insider Preview includes a new on-screen keyboard designed specifically for handheld devices. This update not only expands the audience who can test this new keyboard, which has been thoughtfully designed for layout and physical usability, but it also indicates that Microsoft is getting ready to integrate it into the main Windows build soon.
Key Features of the New Keyboard
In their blog, Microsoft describes the keyboard as follows:
"[Gamepad keyboard] New! This update starts the roll out of a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard. With it, you can use your Xbox controller to move around the screen and type. Button accelerators are also available; these include the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. For better movement patterns, the keyboard keys are aligned vertically."
These modifications seem to be positive advancements, especially the shortcut keys and the straight keyboard layout, which should be especially handy for gamers who prefer inputting text via a controller. These improvements promise quicker and more intuitive navigation. While the Steam Deck’s dual touchpads might still outperform the new Windows gamepad keyboard, it’s encouraging to see Microsoft finally making changes that enhance the handheld gaming experience.
Future of Handheld Gaming on Windows
Windows gamers may still need to dive into the accessibility settings or manually set up a controller key combo to access the on-screen keyboard. This update comes on the heels of several enhancements to the Windows Game Bar. It seemed like Microsoft was just sitting back for a while, but the increasing popularity of handheld gaming devices—both running on Windows and Linux—has evidently motivated the tech giant to take handheld gaming more seriously. For more details, check out the complete update notes for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.4387 (KB5044380).
If you're considering venturing into handheld gaming, you might want to look at the Asus ROG Ally X, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy.
