Microsoft hackathon project sought to run Windows on Steam Deck

When will portable consoles for Windows natively be available? The idea seems to be gaining momentum at Microsoft.

It’s technically possible to run Windows on portable consoles like the Steam Deck, but Redmond’s operating system isn’t really designed or designed for devices with such a small screen and such specific hardware. It’s the least we can say. At the same time, there is at least one person at Microsoft who wants to fix the situation.

When will portable consoles for Windows natively be available?

Developer and Reddit user AndrewMT has confirmed that the leaked Walking Cat video depicts a hackathon project to optimize Windows 11 for devices like the Steam Deck. The proposal, made last September, will not only improve drive compatibility, but also change the interface and introduce tools to help you quickly open and close games, no matter what service they come from.

This project was motivated by a desire to use a number of non-Steam services (like Xbox Game Pass and GOG) and Windows compatibility for mods in particular, as explained by AndrewMT. The developer also clarifies that The Verge is wrong in saying that the project is going according to plan. This Windows portable console initiative “goes nowhere,”he explains. Although Xbox manager Phil Spencer offered to get in touch with anyone who could help, they were busy at the time. However, AndrewMT hopes that this advertisement will help introduce the idea a second time.

The idea seems to be gaining momentum at Microsoft

Several handheld consoles, including the most recent ASUS ROG Ally and solutions from Ayaneo and GPD, already run Windows natively. However, their creators most often add their own interface to compensate for the lack of Windows optimization for this type of device. And if it’s technically possible to use Xbox Cloud Gaming on a Steam deck thanks to the internet, Valve’s product remains a Linux machine designed and built to run Steam games.

A project like the AndrewMT project would theoretically encourage manufacturers to develop handheld Windows-based consoles. They wouldn’t have a lot of software work to do and might expect some games from many stores to run smoothly. However, such an official decision may not come for a long time. While Senior UX Designer Dorothy Feng has already explored the idea of ​​a handheld console interface, there is still a lot of work to be done to bring this simple idea to life.

https://t.co/OWiw0f2k2v pic.twitter.com/RdSGMmhgBd

— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) April 13, 2023