Microsoft Announces New Xbox Feature Already Available on Steam for 15 Years

Microsoft’s gaming division, Xbox, has officially announced a new feature called “Xbox Mode” at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026 taking place in San Francisco this week.

Xbox Mode will allow various Windows 11 PCs and laptops to enjoy the distinctive Xbox user interface (UI) that was previously exclusive to the handheld gaming console ROG Ally Xbox Edition.

This UI concept is largely similar to the “Big Picture Mode” available on Steam’s PC game distribution platform, which was released in 2021, or approximately 15 years ago.

On Steam, Big Picture Mode enables users to access their digital game libraries with a full-screen display that can be controlled via a gamepad, resembling the main interface of various gaming consoles.

The Xbox-styled interface is also equipped with a Task Switcher that allows users to quickly switch between games and other applications on Windows.

This means gamers can continue using their PCs for other activities without needing to exit the game application they are currently playing.

Microsoft stated that Xbox Mode aims to provide a more consistent Xbox experience across various devices whilst maintaining the flexibility of Windows as a PC operating system.

According to reporting from Engadget, Xbox Mode is planned to be rolled out gradually beginning in April 2026 in certain select markets.

Currently, Xbox gaming services and gaming consoles (hardware) are not yet available in the Indonesian market.