Why Handheld Gaming Needs Competition Against Windows 11

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one trend has become increasingly clear: handheld gaming is here to stay. With Nintendo’s Switch leading the charge, other companies like Valve and its Steam Deck have followed suit. However, not all handheld gaming devices are created equal. While Nintendo and Valve have developed operating systems specifically tailored to the needs of gamers on-the-go, other manufacturers have opted to use Windows 11. This decision has resulted in a subpar gaming experience for many users.

The Problem with Windows 11 on Handheld Devices

When I first encountered the Asus Rog Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, I was surprised to see a familiar login screen. But as I set up the devices, I realized that they were running a version of Windows 11 that was not optimized for handheld gaming. The desktop interface was cramped, and navigating through menus was a chore. I found myself wondering who thought it was a good idea to implement this operating system on a handheld device without drastic changes.

The Usability Nightmare

For gamers on-the-go, usability is key. No one wants to spend their time clicking through tiny menus or dealing with Windows problems like error messages and unclear settings. Programs that think they’re running on a laptop or desktop PC only add to the frustration. In contrast, Steam’s operating system is designed with gaming in mind. With shortcuts to important settings, a library of games at your fingertips, and online friends and chat functions, Steam’s OS is the gold standard for handheld gaming.

Can Windows 11 be Improved?

While Windows 11 on handheld devices may not be ideal, there are some tweaks that can make the experience slightly better. Using the sticks to navigate the OS instead of the touchscreen can help, and increasing the scaling and font size can make menus more readable. Some manufacturers also offer programmable buttons that can be used for shortcuts. However, these workarounds are not a substitute for a well-designed operating system.

A Glimmer of Hope

Recently, Valve announced that it would be working on bringing its SteamOS to other devices, including the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion. This development could bring much-needed competition to the handheld gaming market and provide users with a better gaming experience. In the meantime, games like Black Myth Wukong have shown that even demanding titles can run smoothly on the Steam Deck. With its powerful hardware and optimized operating system, the Steam Deck is an attractive option for gamers looking for a high-quality handheld experience.

Conclusion

As the handheld gaming market continues to grow, it’s clear that competition is needed to drive innovation and improve the user experience. With Nintendo and Valve leading the charge, other manufacturers would do well to follow suit and develop operating systems that are tailored to the needs of gamers on-the-go. Until then, users will have to rely on workarounds and hope that the industry will eventually catch up.

Handheld gaming devices

Steam Deck

Black Myth Wukong gameplay