Last year, Microsoft introduced Compact Mode for Xbox apps on Windows. Compact Mode was initially focused on improving the UI for smaller screens, but Microsoft continued to address some of the challenges of controlling Xbox apps with the D-pad and stick.
Today, in a new update for Xbox Insiders, Microsoft is adding a new ‘Jump back in’ feature that allows users to quickly launch recently played games on their Windows handheld. jump back in allows up to nine games to be displayed on the home screen of the Xbox app. listed and the game can be launched directly by pressing the menu button on the controller.
It also takes you to the game’s game center by default, so you can see which friends are playing, achievements, etc.
Microsoft has also improved the Friends panel, making it easier to access from handhelds and controllers. You can now quickly access a scrolling friends list from the sidebar and tap a large button to join a party chat.
While this is a welcome addition, we still find it difficult to navigate the ROG Ally Xbox app without tapping the screen. Also, the Xbox app gets stuck in certain sections unless you’re at the top of the page or highlighting certain items, and navigating to the left doesn’t allow access to the sidebar.
Microsoft still has a long way to go to improve the overall handheld experience on Windows, but if you’re a PC Game Pass subscriber who owns a Windows handheld, you’ll get some early improvements before the Windows team fully focuses on controller navigation across the OS.