Xbox Controllers To Get Handy New Trick In Upcoming Windows 11 Update

Microsoft is working on a new feature in Windows 11 that adds a new capability to Xbox controllers. This new feature will now allow gamers to easily switch between apps and games in Windows 11 with a long press on the Xbox button. According to report by The Verge, Microsoft is testing this change in the Windows 11 Insider build on the Dev Channel. It is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.

Microsoft’s Windows Insider team explains, “A new change we’re introducing is when you long press the Xbox button, it will open Task View. Pressing and holding the Xbox button continues to turn off the game controller.”

This change will align Xbox controllers with how gaming handhelds running on Windows 11 work. Asus’ upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handhelds will have an Xbox button, which allows access to the activity window with a long press on the button. The task switcher is tweaked on handhelds so it shows new animations. It’s still unclear if the same interface will make it to the Windows 11 gaming PCs.

The Xbox button on controllers or handhelds already allows users to open the Game Bar in Windows 11 with a short press, while pressing and holding the button switches off the Xbox controller.

Meanwhile, Microsoft and Asus are working on bringing the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X gaming handheld PCs to the global market. The devices run on Windows 11 Home and are powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 series processors. They pack up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM with up to 1TB M.2 2280 SSD storage. The handhelds sport a 7-inch full-HD IPS display with 500 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection with DXC Anti-Reflection coating.

The ROG Xbox Ally packs a 60Wh battery, while the ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with a 80Wh unit. Both devices support 65W charging.