Windows gaming saw notable improvements in 2025, and Microsoft plans to go even further in 2026. In a blog post, the software giant detailed all the ways it has updated Windows gaming on PCs and handhelds, and improved compatibility with Arm PCs. The question is, can these updates help Windows gaming truly compete with Steam?
One of the biggest enhancements we saw this year was on the handheld front, thanks to the Xbox full-screen experience (FSE) that debuted on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. This launcher not only provides a more Xbox-like experience for the best handheld gaming consoles, but more importantly, minimizes Windows 11 background tasks to improve frame rates and battery life. Though SteamOS is still a better handheld operating system, the FSE makes Windows handheld gaming more viable.
