Phil Spencer Acknowledges Windows’ Shortcomings on ROG Ally and Other Handhelds, Promises to Improve

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has admitted the issues with the Windows operating system and how it performs on handheld gaming PCs. But promises to improve the experience.

Speaking to The Verge, Spencer admitted that the operating system is one of the “weak points” on Windows-based handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Ally. But revealed that the platform team is working on making Windows better optimized for these devices.

“One of the weak points in the experience on a ROG or the Lenovo [Legion Go] is Windows,” Spencer told the outlet. “How Windows works on controller input only on that kind of DPI, on a smaller eight- or seven-inch screen. That’s a real design point that our platform team is working with Windows to make sure that the experience is even better.”

While handheld PCs are nothing new, the handheld PC has become an emerging market in recent years thanks to Valve releasing the Steam Deck. However, Windows remains a sore point in the market. Last October, Microsft began testing a “compact mode” for the Xbox app on Windows 11 to help the operating system run better on portable gaming PCs.

While Xbox has not announced whether or not it is building its own handheld, leaked court documents published last year hinted that it was exploring an Xbxo handheld at the very least. Nevertheless, Xbox is staying busy with new Xbox hardware, as the company announced in the latest episode of the Official Xbox Podcast published today that not only will it have some hardware news to share later this year, but it is focused on “delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.”

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.