Microsoft's Xbox app and Game Bar overlay are getting significant updates aimed squarely at improving the handheld gaming experience on Windows. The most notable addition is a new display widget within the Game Bar, spotted by ROGAllyLife, which gives users granular control over display settings like refresh rate, resolution, projection mode, and Auto Super Resolution. This allows gamers to experiment with different configurations without leaving their current game.

Additionally, the Xbox app now offers eight customizable notification placement options along screen edges, letting users position alerts without disrupting gameplay. Both features are currently in preview, meaning they may not reach the main app version for several weeks. These updates are part of Microsoft's broader push to make Windows a more viable platform for handheld gaming, following the success of devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

While these tweaks are welcome, the long-term impact on the regular Windows 11 experience remains uncertain after recent usability criticisms. Auto Super Resolution and eight notification placements are the standout technical improvements here.