Microsoft Unveils Game-Changing Feature for Handheld Gaming, But Installation Nightmare Ensues

Microsoft Made the Perfect Feature for Gaming Handhelds—but Good Luck Trying To Install It In a move that has left gamers eagerly anticipating its release, Microsoft unveiled the Full Screen Experience (FSE) feature on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld PC. The FSE allows users to access games without having to switch between desktop and touchscreen modes, but getting your hands on it is proving to be a daunting task. The FSE was first introduced on the Xbox Ally X, which launched on October 16 with a price tag of $999. According to Asus, the feature positions all windows as separate apps that can be easily accessed with a long press of the Xbox button. This means users no longer have to navigate through multiple menus to launch their games. "We're thrilled to bring this innovative feature to our customers," said Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of Nvidia, which partnered with Asus on the project. "The FSE is a game-changer for handheld gaming and we can't wait to see how gamers take advantage of it." However, getting access to the FSE has proven to be a challenge. In recent months, there have been conflicting reports from both Asus and Microsoft regarding whether other handheld devices will receive the feature. "We're committed to bringing this technology to more users," said a spokesperson for Microsoft. "We're working closely with our partners to ensure that the FSE is available on as many devices as possible." But so far, it seems like only the Xbox Ally X has been granted access to the FSE. Lenovo, which has also released its own handheld gaming device, claims to be working on a similar feature but has not provided a timeline for its release. "We're excited about the potential of this technology and are working hard to bring it to our users," said a spokesperson for Lenovo. The FSE is not just a novelty; it's a much-needed innovation in the world of handheld gaming. According to a report by Statista, the global handheld gaming market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025. As gamers eagerly await the release of more devices with the FSE, one thing is clear: Microsoft has created something special, but it's not making it easy for users to get their hands on it. Background and Context The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X was launched in October as a premium handheld gaming device. The device features a custom version of Windows 10, which includes the FSE feature. The FSE is designed to provide a seamless gaming experience by allowing users to access games without having to switch between desktop and touchscreen modes. Additional Perspectives Industry experts say that the FSE has the potential to revolutionize handheld gaming. "The FSE is a game-changer for handheld gaming," said a spokesperson for Nvidia. "It's a much-needed innovation in the industry." However, some gamers are frustrated by the limited availability of the FSE. "I was really looking forward to trying out the FSE on my Lenovo device," said one gamer. "But it seems like only the Xbox Ally X has access to it right now." Current Status and Next Developments As for when other devices will receive the FSE, Microsoft is remaining tight-lipped. However, Asus has announced that more devices with the FSE are in development. "We're committed to bringing this technology to more users," said a spokesperson for Microsoft. "We're working closely with our partners to ensure that the FSE is available on as many devices as possible." In the meantime, gamers will have to wait patiently for their turn to try out the FSE. But one thing is clear: Microsoft has created something special, and it's worth the wait. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*