Tested: First look at the new Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs with console-style gaming UI

Microsoft is introducing Xbox Mode to Windows 11 PCs, transforming them into gaming consoles with a controller-first, full-screen interface. This feature, set to roll out in April 2026, aims to enhance the gaming experience on various Windows 11 devices. Xbox Mode provides a streamlined gaming dashboard, making it easier to navigate games, Xbox Game Bar, and apps without using a keyboard or mouse. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows gaming with technologies like Advanced Shader Delivery and DirectStorage improvements, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional PCs and console-style gaming.