I’ve moved on from Microsoft’s Xbox controllers, but this new feature is something I’ve wanted for years on Windows 11

• Microsoft is introducing an easy way for gamers to switch between application windows via the new Xbox PC app’s full-screen experience
• Players can use a long press on the Xbox home button for the new Task View
• It’s now available via Microsoft’s Windows 11 Insider program

Microsoft and Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally collaboration is on the horizon, and while I’m not particularly enthused about its launch or the device itself, one of the features coming from the new ‘full-screen experience’ should be beneficial to all PC players.

As reported by The Verge, Microsoft is changing the Xbox button on controllers to bring up a brand-new task switcher after a long press, helping users switch between application windows easily. This is now available for Windows 11 Insider users and is set to be an integral part of the Xbox PC app’s new full-screen experience, a timed exclusive for the ROG Xbox Ally.

Essentially, this sounds like an extension of Xbox Game Bar, which, in retrospect, I’ve thought has needed an overhaul for a long while, considering its buggy and unresponsive nature. I’ve stated multiple times that I’m doubtful Microsoft’s new additions will draw me away from SteamOS, but this is great for my desktop gaming PC.

It seems like Microsoft is truly attempting to build a console-like PC experience, with a long press essentially working in the same manner that consoles do to access the home menu or dashboard.

Being able to quickly switch between applications without hitting the Windows key sounds like a breath of fresh air, ultimately helping avoid annoyances with the Windows taskbar – and I’m hoping Microsoft’s inevitable rollout of the entire new interface to other systems next year doesn’t take too long.

Analysis: the real concern is gaming performance improvements

Seeing the gap in performance between Windows 11 and SteamOS, with the latter providing better frame rates, leaves me wondering how the full-screen experience (I really do hope they give it an official name) will change this.

I don’t intend on using SteamOS on my desktop just yet, as I’m awaiting improvements when using Nvidia hardware, so I’m definitely intrigued by what Microsoft has to offer with its new game mode. We’ve seen what Windows 11 is like for gaming with less bloatware using tools like Tiny11, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something similar.

It’s bad enough that gamers are having to deal with poorly-optimized PC ports, and studio CEOs blaming gamers for their own hardware configurations, so the last thing we need is background services spoiling game performance.

Hopefully, it’s the start of something significant for Microsoft, competing with Valve, to provide some healthy competition.

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• Worried about Windows 10’s death? Don’t fret – Tiny11 is a lightweight version of Windows 11 that cuts bloatware and can run on older hardware