Gaming handhelds are quickly becoming the hottest trend in the tech world, with nearly every major manufacturer eager to launch a Windows-powered alternative to the popular Steam Deck. However, there’s still debate over whether Windows 11 is truly suited for these low-power gaming devices. Fortunately, Microsoft seems to have noticed the growing demand for handheld gaming and is making changes to address the concerns.
The latest Windows Insider build, version 22631.4387, introduces a new “gamepad keyboard” feature designed specifically for portable gaming devices. This update simplifies text input by allowing faster typing via Xbox-standard controllers, which are commonly built into devices like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Dedicated buttons are also programmed for common actions, such as X for backspace and Y for spacebar, while the keyboard layout is arranged in a grid for easier navigation using the thumbstick or D-pad.
Aside from this feature, the rest of the updates in this build are relatively minor, focusing on bug fixes and small tweaks, such as the ability to stop pop-up notifications more easily. Microsoft is also allowing users to remap the Copilot key on newer keyboards, as promised.
While the rise of handheld gaming is exciting, running Windows 11 on these devices remains challenging due to performance drops and clunky custom interfaces. This is where Valve’s Steam Deck, powered by Linux-based SteamOS, still shines, offering smoother gaming experiences without the hiccups of Windows. Some users have even resorted to installing their own SteamOS derivatives on these handhelds, and Valve might soon release official SteamOS builds for devices like the ROG Ally, further fueling the competition.
