LogInUnfortunately, the project "didn't go much of anywhere".
In case you missed it, yesterday, Twitter user _h0x0d_ published a couple of leaked demo videos from Microsoft's internal hackathon, which took place back in September 2022, revealing that the developer experimented with a Windows handheld gaming mode for Steam Deck-like devices at some point in the past.
Initially spotted by The Verge, the demos showcased Microsoft's early concept and prototype work for an optimized Windows 11 UI for handheld consoles, as well as described some of the problems that Valve's Steam Deck has.
Following the speculations that arose after the videos had spread all across the Internet, Reddit user AndrewMT, who identified himself as the original creator of the experimental feature, published a statement clarifying the situation.
According to Andrew, the showcased feature "didn’t go much of anywhere" simply because the company "didn’t have the right engineers" at the time. The developer also noted that Phil Spencer himself was trying to help with the development by connecting Andrew with the people "that could help", but "everyone was tied-up at the time".
Furthermore, Andrew commented on the project's goal, saying that Microsoft tried to "smooth over hardware issues (real controller drivers, better support for that odd portrait screen, etc), a gaming shell and tools to get you in and out of all games quickly (regardless of the store), and other refinements to areas of Windows that still don’t perform very well on a screen this size".
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