Windows 11 for Steam Deck teased in Microsoft Hackathon leak

Steam Deck Home windows 11 compatibility seems to be on the minds of some Microsoft workers, as leaked Hackathon 2022 footage teases the thought of a selected OS model. The challenge pitch reveals off what the hand-held working system would appear like whereas outlining ambitions regarding UI, controller help, and drivers.

Earlier than we dive into the Microsoft Hackathon leak, it’s value reiterating that Home windows 11 Steam Deck help is already a factor. Certain, it feels much less slick than SteamOS, and the working system is lacking a trick on the subject of drivers, however it’ll nonetheless work. Subsequently, you don’t have to make use of Linux to play your Steam library on the go, even when Valve’s platform continues to be a greater match for moveable play.

Microsoft Hackathon 2022 footage shared by leaker WalkingCat lays the groundwork for what may very well be Home windows 11 for Steam Deck. The self-proclaimed “tough and prepared” overview of the challenge first dives into the present state of affairs, with references made to PCGamesN protection of why Windows of Steam Deck isn’t quite as good as SteamOS.

Describing present driver and controller help as ‘primary’ acts as a segway into what official Home windows 11 Steam Deck help may appear like. As you’d maybe count on, handheld mode scales issues just like the taskbar and icons to swimsuit the Deck’s display screen, however it additionally options its personal big-picture mode designed by ex-senior Microsoft software program engineer, Hayden MacAfee.

The ‘Recreation Shell’ characteristic in query presents console-like menu controls, however it additionally apparently lays a “basis for a launcher the place you’ll be able to rapidly launch between video games and shops.” Merely put, the challenge goals to unify storefronts like Steam and Xbox Game Pass inside a single library, and the clip itself makes use of the Epic Recreation Retailer and EA Play as further examples.

In fact, the Hackathon leak is extra of a pitch than an official Microsoft challenge, and there’s no assure that the tech big will make investments time and assets into making it a actuality. That stated, with units just like the Asus Rog Ally on the horizon, creating a completely optimised Home windows 11 handheld mode would assist the corporate break into the quickly rising moveable gaming PC market.

Lots of the finest handheld gaming PC choices in the marketplace already, just like the Onexplayer Mini, use Home windows 11, however we’d argue SteamOS nonetheless gives a greater expertise as compared. So, until Microsoft decides to completely decide to the moveable scene, future units just like the Steam Deck 2 will probably keep it up utilizing Valve’s Linux and Proton compatibility layer combo.

Searching for methods to boost your Deck proper now? Take a look at our best Steam Deck dock listing and rework the hand-held right into a hybrid desktop PC.